Submitting an Erasmus+ project is more than just ticking boxes—it’s about crafting a proposal that truly stands out to evaluators. To secure those extra points that make the difference between approval and rejection, you need to go beyond the standard requirements. As an evaluator, I’ve seen firsthand what separates the best projects from the rest. The secret lies in attention to detail, innovation, and clear impact.
In this article, I’ll share real insights from Erasmus+ evaluators, providing practical tips on how to enhance your project in ways that will make it shine. These strategies will not only meet the criteria but exceed expectations, ensuring your project gets the recognition it deserves.
1. Strong focus on innovation and creativity
Projects that demonstrate fresh perspectives and innovative approaches earn extra attention. Innovation doesn’t always mean new technology—it could be a novel way to solve a problem or engage participants.
Evaluator comment: “The project presents an innovative approach to engaging youth through digital tools, making it unique compared to traditional methods. This shows a clear understanding of current trends and future needs.”
Tip: Clearly define what makes your project innovative. Whether it’s a digital tool, a unique approach to inclusion, or an original way of disseminating results, ensure that your innovation is central to the project’s design.
2. Clear, structured work plan with realistic milestones
A detailed and realistic work plan ensures the project is executable. It helps evaluators visualize how you will achieve your goals within the given timeframe and budget.
Evaluator comment: “The work plan is detailed and well-organized, with clear phases of implementation. It’s easy to follow how the project will progress and reach its objectives.”
Tip: Provide a detailed timeline, breaking down the project into phases. Use Gantt charts or other visual tools to map out tasks, deadlines, and responsibilities. Ensure that each phase logically leads to the next, building toward the overall goal.
3. Defined roles in partnerships
A project’s success is often determined by how well its partners collaborate. Evaluators value projects where each partner has a specific, relevant role that adds unique value to the consortium.
Evaluator comment: “Each partner’s contribution is well-defined, and their expertise clearly supports the project’s objectives. The partnership appears strong and well-coordinated.”
Tip: Describe in detail what each partner will contribute and why their expertise is vital to the project. Ensure that partners have clearly defined roles and responsibilities that align with their experience and capabilities.
4. Long-term sustainability and impact
Projects that show potential for long-term sustainability, extending their impact beyond the funded period, score highly with evaluators. Demonstrating how the project will continue to benefit participants and the wider community is essential.
Evaluator comment: “The project’s sustainability plan is well thought out, demonstrating how its outcomes will be integrated into local practices and maintained over time.”
Tip: Develop a clear sustainability plan. Show how your project’s results will be maintained or scaled after funding ends. For instance, discuss how tools created will continue to be used, or how partnerships will remain active.
5. Effective dissemination plan
Dissemination is about making sure your project’s outcomes reach the right people. Evaluators reward projects that have a well-thought-out dissemination strategy, targeting relevant audiences and using diverse channels to maximize visibility.
Evaluator comment: “The dissemination plan is comprehensive, covering various platforms and stakeholders. It ensures that the project’s results will be widely shared and impactful.”
Tip: Include a detailed dissemination plan in your proposal. Outline how you will use a mix of online platforms, physical events, publications, and social media to share results. Target multiple audiences, from participants to policymakers and other stakeholders.
6. Emphasis on inclusion and diversity
Erasmus+ places a strong emphasis on inclusion. Projects that actively involve underrepresented or marginalized groups are highly valued. Inclusivity should be central to your project, not an afterthought.
Evaluator comment: “The project’s focus on engaging rural youth in digital education is commendable. It ensures that participants from disadvantaged backgrounds are given priority.”
Tip: Make sure your project includes specific strategies for involving marginalized groups, whether it’s based on geographical location, economic status, or special needs. Explain how your activities will be adapted to ensure inclusivity.
7. Clear, measurable impact indicators
Having clear, measurable impact indicators gives evaluators confidence that your project will deliver tangible results. It’s not enough to claim you will have an impact—you need to show how you will measure it.
Evaluator comment: “The project’s impact indicators are specific and measurable, providing clear targets for success. This makes it easy to evaluate the project’s progress at each stage.”
Tip: Set SMART goals (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, Time-bound) for your project. Include both quantitative and qualitative indicators, such as the number of participants reached, skills gained, or feedback from beneficiaries.
8. Realistic and well-justified budget
Your project budget needs to be realistic and proportional to your activities. A budget that is too high or low for the scope of work can raise concerns. Every cost should be well-justified and linked to the project’s goals.
Evaluator comment: “The budget is detailed and well-balanced, reflecting the needs of the project without excessive costs. Each expense is clearly linked to specific activities.”
Tip: Justify every line item in your budget, explaining how it directly supports your project’s objectives. Avoid padding the budget with unnecessary costs or underestimating essential expenses. A transparent, detailed budget increases trust.
9. Adaptability and flexibility in project design
Projects that can adapt to unforeseen challenges are more likely to succeed. Showing evaluators that your project is flexible, particularly in how you handle risks and challenges, can earn extra points.
Evaluator comment: “The project shows flexibility in its approach, allowing for adjustments if needed. This demonstrates thoughtful planning and preparedness for unexpected challenges.”
Tip: Outline potential risks and how you plan to mitigate them. Show that your timeline and budget can adapt if necessary, and that your team is prepared to adjust the project’s direction if unexpected challenges arise.
10. Strong focus on participant engagement
Projects that actively engage participants at all stages, from planning to evaluation, show greater potential for success. When participants are involved in decision-making and implementation, they feel more invested in the project’s outcomes.
Evaluator comment: “The active involvement of participants in the planning and dissemination stages ensures that they are engaged throughout the project, increasing its overall impact.”
Tip: Include specific strategies for participant involvement. Describe how you will engage participants from the beginning, gather their input, and involve them in key decisions throughout the project.
Creating an Erasmus+ project that earns high marks requires more than just fulfilling basic requirements. By focusing on innovative approaches, clear impact indicators, solid partnerships, and sustainable outcomes, you demonstrate that your project has the potential to make a real difference.
Evaluators want to see that your project is well-thought-out, adaptable, and capable of delivering long-term benefits. By incorporating these insights from real evaluators, you can position your project for success, gaining those crucial extra points that elevate your proposal above the rest. Good luck, and remember—attention to detail and creativity are your strongest tools!
