Tips for Finding Funding

1. Stay Informed: Regularly monitor websites of funding agencies, European Commission calls, and newsletters related to education and mobility funding opportunities.
2. Network and Collaborate: Establish partnerships with other institutions, organizations, and stakeholders to strengthen funding applications and share resources.
3. Tailor Proposals: Align project proposals with the objectives and priorities outlined in funding guidelines, emphasizing the innovative aspects of blended mobilities.
4. Demonstrate Impact: Clearly articulate the expected outcomes and impact of proposed projects, highlighting how blended mobilities enhance the quality and accessibility of education.

 Where to find support and funding

1. National and European Grants and Funding Programs:
• Research government agencies and departments offering grants or funding for educational initiatives, such as blended mobilities.
• Look for national or regional programs that support internationalization and educational innovation in higher education.
• Examples include Erasmus+ program in the European Union, Fulbright Program in the United States, and various national grant schemes for education development.
2. University Internal Funding:
• Many universities have internal funding mechanisms to support innovative teaching and learning initiatives.
• Explore grants offered by your institution's teaching and learning center, innovation fund, or international office.
• Pitch your blended mobility project to relevant committees or stakeholders within your university to secure funding.
3. Corporate Partnerships and Sponsorships:
• Collaborate with industry partners who may have an interest in supporting educational initiatives related to their field.
• Seek sponsorship for specific aspects of your blended mobility program, such as technology infrastructure or travel expenses.
• Offer opportunities for corporate partners to engage with students during the program, such as guest lectures or project collaborations.
4. Foundations and Nonprofit Organizations:
• Research foundations and nonprofit organizations that focus on education, internationalization, or innovation.
• Apply for grants or funding opportunities offered by these organizations that align with your blended mobility objectives.
• Highlight the potential impact of your project on student learning outcomes and global engagement to attract support.
5. Crowdfunding and Online Platforms:
• Utilize crowdfunding platforms or online fundraising campaigns to gather support from alumni, students, and the community.
• Create compelling narratives and promotional materials to attract donors to your blended mobility initiative.
• Offer perks or recognition for different levels of contribution to incentivize participation.
6. Professional Associations and Networks:
• Engage with professional associations and networks in the field of higher education, internationalization, or educational technology.
• Attend conferences, workshops, and networking events to connect with potential funding sources and collaborators.
• Explore funding opportunities or grants offered by these organizations to support innovative educational initiatives.

Erasmus+ Program

• The Erasmus+ Programme is a flagship EU initiative that provides funding and support for education, training, youth, and sport.
• Within Erasmus+, there are specific actions dedicated to supporting mobility projects in higher education, including blended mobilities.
• Key Action 1 (KA1) focuses on supporting the mobility of individuals, such as students, staff, and educators, for study, training, teaching, or professional development. This includes both physical and virtual mobility opportunities.
• Key Action 2 (KA2) supports strategic partnerships between organizations in the education and training sectors to develop innovative practices, exchange experiences, and enhance the quality and relevance of education. This can include projects that promote blended mobilities and digital learning environments.

European Universities Initiative

• The European Universities Initiative aims to create transnational alliances of higher education institutions across the EU to promote excellence, innovation, and inclusiveness in higher education.
• These alliances receive funding to implement joint initiatives, including blended mobility programs, aimed at fostering collaboration, mobility, and digitalization in higher education.

Digital Education Action Plan (DEAP)

• The European Commission's Digital Education Action Plan aims to promote high-quality, inclusive, and accessible digital education in Europe.
• DEAP includes initiatives to support the integration of digital technologies and innovative pedagogies in education, which are essential for implementing blended learning and mobility initiatives.

European Higher Education Area (EHEA)

• The EHEA is a voluntary framework of 49 European countries that aims to ensure comparability, compatibility, and coherence in European higher education systems.
• The EHEA promotes mobility and cooperation among higher education institutions through initiatives such as the Bologna Process, which facilitates recognition of qualifications, credit transfer, and quality assurance mechanisms. Blended mobility can be facilitated within this framework.

Coimbra Group

• The Coimbra Group is a network of 41 long-established European multidisciplinary universities.
• The group promotes international collaboration and supports initiatives such as joint programs, research projects, and mobility schemes, which could include blended intensive programs.

UNA Europa

• UNA Europa is an alliance of eight leading research-intensive universities across Europe.
• The alliance aims to create a European University based on shared values of academic excellence, innovation, and societal relevance.
• UNA Europa may support the implementation of BIPs through joint educational initiatives and mobility programs.

Magna Charta Universitatum Observatory

• The Magna Charta Universitatum Observatory is a network of universities committed to upholding the principles of the Magna Charta Universitatum, emphasizing academic freedom, institutional autonomy, and ethical responsibility.
• The observatory promotes collaboration among member universities and may support initiatives related to innovative teaching and learning, including blended intensive programs.

European University Association (EUA)

• The EUA is a leading organization representing over 800 universities across Europe. It actively promotes internationalization in higher education and provides resources and guidance on best practices. While it doesn't have a specific program, it can be a starting point for connecting with other European universities interested in blended mobility initiatives.

European Association for International Education (EAIE) 

• The EAIE is a professional organization focused on internationalization in education. They organize conferences and workshops and publish resources relevant to blended mobility and program development. They can be a great avenue to network with European higher education professionals with experience in blended learning approaches.