Small project funds
Small scale projects are projects of a limited financial volume directly managed by the programmes.
The alternative to a programme directly funding many small scale projects is to select a Small Project Fund (SPF). An SPF is a project in itself, it is managed by a single beneficiary who funds and manages small projects. One approach often taken by programmes is to have an EGTC (European Grouping of Territorial Cooperation) selected to manage the SPF.
The legal requirements are set out in Articles 24 and 25 of the Interreg regulation, and are mandatory for Cross-border programmes (CBC).
Where to start
The Interreg regulation sets out the fundamentals of this work in Articles 24 and 25.
Each Interreg programme had to set out its approach to small scale projects or SPF in Section 6 of the programme document. In CBC programmes this was the requirement to consider SPF was met. For Transnational, Interregional and OMR programmes this was not mandatory, but many transnational programmes have taken forward small-scale projects.
Once you are familiar with the general rules, our Q&A document offers a useful starting point for implementation issues and challenges.
Would you like to know more?
There is a dedicated SPF section in the Interact library, where you can find a lot of interesting materials, programmes ' practices and experiences related to the topic.
What we are working on
Interact organises exchanges between programmes working with small scale projects and SPF. Please have a look at the outcomes of the most recent exchange from December 2025. Very inspiring ideas how small projects contribute to big Interreg family.
We recently released the report dedicated to small projects - Small projects Big Journeys - this is a collection of interesting practices how small projects (implemented through SPF or directly by programmes) are enhancing cooperation and boosting innovation across the borders.
If you would like to meet and chat with colleagues who shared their practices in the report, to discuss on the current implementation issues regarding small projects or maybe to start pondering on what post 2027 programming period will bring for small projects, don't miss the opportunity joining us in Prague on 22-23 October. Interesting discussions with practitioners and unforgettable atmosphere waits for you in the City of a Hundred Spires. The registration is still open.
For more information on the other Territorial instruments please see here.
Contact
For more information please contact Maciej Molak or Grzegorz Golda
Exchange community
Interact offers an online space for those working with Small projects and SPF, as well as wider Programme and project management, to share information and exchange. If you would like to learn more about this, please contact Maciej Molak or Grzegorz Golda.
