Connections enable more to grow.

Information on state budget co-financing

The project is funded under the European Funds for Social Development 2021–2027 programme, co-financed by the European Social Fund Plus and the state budget under a targeted grant. The funding agreement was signed on 27 February 2026.

Project name

Green Connections Academy

Programme and type of funding

European Funds for Social Development 2021–2027, co-financed by the European Social Fund Plus and the state budget under a targeted grant.

Project objective

To establish and develop a cross-regional sector network bringing together at least 10 social economy entities from across Poland. The network provides professional and organisational support to settings offering education close to nature, including forest preschools and schools, helps improve their economic effectiveness and supports the professional development of services in this field.

Project activities

• Establishing and formalising the network — founding meeting, statute, board and a network office with a coordinator.
• Public campaign — a new website, promotional films, collaboration with Forest Education Ambassadors, and presence in social media and the sector press.
• Specialist and development support — advice on areas including law, accounting and marketing, plus guidance when launching new services (for example forest schools).
• Competency development — training including first aid in the forest, Nonviolent Communication, resilience, and a trainer school.
• Exchange of experience — staff exchanges between social economy entities and nationwide study visits.
• Sector events — participation in fairs, conferences and seminars, and organising three editions of the Forest Education Forum.
• Network fund — a financial mechanism supporting the network’s sustainability and members’ initiatives.

Target groups

At least 10 social economy entities providing forest schools and preschools, home education or informal education close to nature, and approximately 100 people representing these entities — particularly women, who make up most of the sector’s workforce.

Project outputs and results

A formal nationwide collaboration network with a business-oriented focus; implementation of a scalable operating model for settings; enhanced competencies for at least 80 people and new knowledge for 60 study-visit participants; launch of a Network Fund supporting member development; and a nationwide campaign raising awareness of education close to nature.

Total project value

PLN 2,817,431.00

European Funds contribution

PLN 2,324,944.06 from European Union funds (82.52% of the project value)

State budget contribution

PLN 492,486.94 under a targeted grant

Implementation period

01.01.2026 – 30.09.2028

Date the funding agreement was signed

27 February 2026

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