Would you like to apply for Portugal 2030 funding but haven't yet found the right opportunity to support your ideas? Check out our guide on "How to find the right non-repayable funding opportunities for you under Portugal 2030". On the other hand, if you have already identified the most suitable funding scheme for your project but the call has not yet been published, this is the ideal time to start preparing your application and gain a competitive advantage. Although it is not the only factor to consider, experience shows that early planning allows you to improve the quality of your proposal and, consequently, increase your chances of success. If you are not yet sure how to do this, this article is for you.

1. Review the Call summary

In the "Plano Anual de Avisos" (Annual Call Plan) section of the Portugal 2030 website, you can find a complete overview of all planned funding calls for a period of up to 12 months. This section is a key starting point for identifying upcoming funding opportunities in Portugal 2030, and it is also where you'll be able to get the summary document for each Call, which provides essential information to help potential applicants assess eligibility and prepare in advance. This summary includes:

• the strategic framework for eligible projects,
• the main eligibility criteria and territorial scope,
• the financial conditions of the Call, including funding rates
• key details about the application process and submission requirements.

2. Check the applicable national legislation

Some of the grants refer to specific national legislation. In such cases, these national legislations are the main documents that allow you to understand in advance the specific set of rules and assumptions established for the Call. Usually, the legislation consists of:

• public policy instruments: national/EU regulation, thematic or strategic agendas; and
• a specific regulation.

Always make sure to consult the most up-to-date version from the respective official sources — in the case of legislation published in the "Diário da República", look for the consolidated version, which incorporates all amendments made since the first publication. Note: If there is no applicable legislation for your Call, proceed to step 5.

3. Consult the specific regulation of the respective Call (if applicable)

According to the strategic objectives established in the Partnership Agreement between Portugal and the European Commission, there are five thematic areas covered by Portugal 2030 funds:

• Climate Action and Sustainability
• Demography, Skills and Inclusion
• Innovation and Digital Transition
• Territorial Development and Social Infrastructures
• Sea

Each of these areas is governed by a specific regulation, published in the Diário da República, where it is possible to find the rules applicable to operations within that area. Each subsection corresponds to a type of call — find the one that corresponds to the Call you've selected in order to understand in advance and in detail: the types of operations that will be supported, all eligible (and non-eligible) expenses in your application, the specific eligibility requirements of beneficiary entities, the operation's target groups (when applicable), and all nuances regarding non-repayable grant rates.

4. Align your project with public policy instruments (if applicable)

Sometimes, beyond specific regulations, one or more public policy instruments apply to the calls. These may be national strategies (such as Estratégia Turismo 2027), regional strategies (such as RIS3), or national and European policies (such as the EU Common Fisheries Policy). For public policies, ensure that your project and entity comply legally — it may be necessary, during the application or after project approval, to provide supporting documents demonstrating this compliance. Regarding strategies or agendas, whether national or regional, it will always be necessary to justify how your project aligns with the priorities and objectives they set. Read the documents with this in mind, identify common points, and begin drafting how your project fits within these strategies. Generally, applications allow up to 9,000 characters (approximately 4 pages of continuous text) to do this, but this is an unwritten rule and exceptions may exist. Note: Even if the national legislation section does not explicitly mention it, alignment with the respective RIS3 may be considered an evaluation criterion (not eligibility) and require justification in the application. In such cases, being able to demonstrate alignment will result in a higher score.

5. Define and organize the fundamental pillars of your project

Based on all the information you have collected so far, it is time to give shape to your project:

• Define clear project objectives: what you aim to achieve, the problem it solves, and the results expected. This definition should be consistent with the call's purpose and objectives.

• Characterize project execution: identify the location, describe the activities to be carried out, and sketch a preliminary timeline.

• List investments and prepare a preliminary budget: identify necessary resources (technology, equipment, materials, or human resources) and clearly distinguish between eligible and non-eligible expenses. Based on this, prepare the most accurate cost estimate possible, supported by quotes or supplier proposals — a preliminary budget is essential, especially when minimum or maximum eligible investment thresholds apply.

• Define the financing structure: determine which part will be covered by community funds and which part corresponds to the beneficiary contribution (public national or private). Organize your own contribution and identify funding sources that demonstrate financial viability.

• Establish strategic partnerships (if applicable): select partners who add real value and strengthen necessary competencies — personal proximity does not always correspond to the best strategic choice.

• Gather necessary documents in advance: considering both the general and specific regulations, as they may be required during the application and throughout project monitoring.

6. Stay alert to the Call launching

Regularly check the Avisos page on the PT 2030 website, especially as the period indicated in the summary approaches. Once the Call is launched, you will be able to use the most recent details and the application form to adjust your proposal and complete your application.

Interested in applying for a PT 2030 grant? Talk to us and increase your probability of success.