Partnership Finding
Good partnership is the key to a successful European project. While National Agencies don’t to look for and connect with partners that are right for you!
Where to Start
Think about the themes of your project. What kind of partner can best help you achieve your project goals? What experience or expertise do they need? Are there specific countries or regions you should connect with? Put together a short ‘wish list’ to focus your search.
EPALE
If you work in Adult Education or Vocational Education and Training, you can look for or request partners on EPALE Partner Search.
School Education Gateway
Schools and School Education organisations can look for or request partners on the School Education Gateway ‘Opportunities’ section. Schools can also register on eTwinning to link with schools interested in the same areas.
SALTO Otlas
Youth organisations can look for or request partners on OTLAS, a partner-finding tool operated by the SALTO-YOUTH network.
eTwinning
eTwinning offers a platform for staff (teachers, head teachers, librarians, and others) working in schools to communicate, collaborate, and develop projects.
Search Informal Partner-finding Networks
There are many informal and unofficial networks dedicated to connecting partners, often on Facebook or LinkedIn. Those below have been running for several years. However, neither Léargas nor the European Commission are involved in running these sites, and are not responsible for the content.
Erasmus+ Partner Finding (Facebook)
Search Participating Organisations
Organisations that have already taken part in European projects may be interested in partnering with you.
The Erasmus+ Project Results Platform shows all current and completed Erasmus+ projects, and the partners involved. You can browse the platform by country or by keyword, or a combination of both.
You can also search Programme Results for projects led by Irish organisations since 2021.
The Value of Partnership: Vicki's Story
Use Your Networks
Have other organisations in your sector been involved in international projects? Could they put you in touch with their partners, or recommend someone?
Social media is a good place to ask for recommendations. Many project partners have first connected through sites like LinkedIn, Facebook and Twitter.
National Agencies across Europe organise funded international meetings called Transnational Cooperation Activities, or TCAs. They encourage collaboration and sharing of good practice in Erasmus+. Some events, called Contact Seminars, are designed for finding partners and developing project ideas. Visit Training and Events to look for upcoming opportunities.
If you are outside Ireland, contact the National Agency in your country to find out about TCAs you can apply for.
Build the Relationship!
Once you’ve made a connection, take the time to build a solid relationship with your partner. You might ask what projects they have been involved in before, and what they learned from them. What are their aims and objectives for a new project? What are their preferred ways to communicate?
Download our handbook Mythbusting: European Project Management in Transnational Partnership Projects for guidance on building a strong partnership.
Upcoming Events
Be the Spark 2023
Our ‘Be the Spark’ Training is for young people (aged 18-30) who want to take action on issues in their local or wider community.
ECML Workshop: Young children’s language learning pathways – Making early language learning visible
Interested in learning more about language learning pathways in children? If so, find out more about this ECML workshop taking place in Graz, Austria in March 2023!
VET Application Clinic
Join us for an Application Clinic for Erasmus+ Vocational Education and Training applications under the 23 February 2023 deadline.
Erasmus+ KA2 Small-Scale Partnerships – Project Development Workshop
This workshop is aimed at organisations wishing to submit a funding application under Erasmus+ KA2 Small-Scale Partnerships.
Adult Education Key Action 1 Application Support – Drop In
Chat with Léargas staff about your Key Action 1 application and your project idea before you press SUBMIT.
“Digital Youth Work – State of Play – Moving Forward” Seminar
Interested in joining us in Dun Laoghaire in March for an international conference on Digital Youth Work? Sign up by 25 January!