Which activities are covered by lump-sum funding?
Lump-sum funding has become a central element of the Erasmus+ programme in recent years. Its aim is to simplify application procedures and project implementation, while placing a stronger focus on content and impact. At the same time, it raises uncertainty for many organisations — especially regarding which activities are actually covered.
What does lump-sum funding mean in Erasmus+?
With lump-sum funding, a fixed total amount is granted, which is linked to the successful implementation of the activities and results described in the application. There is no requirement for detailed reporting per cost category — what matters is project delivery, not expenditure breakdown.
Which activities are covered by lump-sum funding?
In principle, lump-sum funding covers all activities that are necessary to achieve the project objectives described in the application. These mainly include the following areas.
Project management and coordination
- ✓Coordination of the consortium
- ✓Regular online and in-person meetings
- ✓Internal coordination and communication
- ✓Administrative tasks
- ✓Monitoring project progress
These activities do not need to be accounted for individually, but they must be clearly described in the application.
Project activities and work packages
- ✓Development of learning materials or concepts
- ✓Implementation of workshops, training sessions, or pilot activities
- ✓Joint development work within the consortium
- ✓Testing, evaluations, and feedback processes
It is important that these activities logically lead to the planned results.
Transnational project meetings
- ✓Planning meetings
- ✓Working meetings to develop project results
- ✓Final or evaluation meetings
Travel costs, accommodation, and organisation are not reimbursed separately — they are included in the lump sum.
Dissemination and visibility
- ✓Creation of project websites
- ✓Information materials
- ✓Organisation of events or multiplier meetings
- ✓Online communication and public outreach
These activities are particularly important in Erasmus+ and should be described clearly in the application.
Quality assurance and evaluation
- ✓Internal evaluations
- ✓Feedback processes with target groups
- ✓Quality assurance measures within the consortium
They help ensure that the planned results are achieved and can be demonstrated.
What is particularly important with lump-sum funding?
Even though no traditional cost reporting is required, clear rules still apply:
- →All activities must be described in the application
- →Implementation must be documented in a transparent way
- →Results and milestones must be achieved
A common misconception
A frequent misunderstanding is that lump-sum funding requires less planning. In reality, the opposite is true. Since assessment is based on implementation, activities, timelines, and results must be planned especially clearly and realistically. Lump sum does not mean less responsibility — it means different accountability.
Conclusion
Lump-sum funding in Erasmus+ covers all project-related activities necessary to achieve the approved objectives — project management, content-related work packages, meetings, dissemination, and quality assurance.
What determines project success is not detailed cost accounting, but a coherent project logic and consistent implementation of the planned activities. Organisations that take this into account benefit from greater flexibility and reduced administrative effort — combined with full responsibility for results.
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