Cities across Europe are innovating to tackle urgent local challenges – but to bring bold ideas to life, they need more than just ambition. They need strong, credible and fundable projects. This Eurocities Academy training is designed to help city officials do just that: transform their visions into impactful, results-oriented proposals that stand out to funders and drive long-term value.
Whether you are new to project design or want to sharpen your proposal writing skills, this hands-on training gives you the methodologies, tools and insights to create compelling, strategically aligned urban projects.
Participants can choose between a one-day general training or a two-day customised option focused on their city’s specific needs. This training takes place in person, in your city, so you work with the Eurocities Academy to decide where and when it takes place.
Why this training?
This training goes beyond how to fill in application forms. It helps participants build high-quality, fundable projects from the ground up. Through a mix of practical exercises, real-world scenarios, and expert guidance, participants learn how to design projects that align with donor priorities, avoid common mistakes, and maximise long-term impact.
Cities will leave the training better prepared to develop competitive proposals for national and EU programmes, avoid reputational and financial risks, and create projects that deliver real change on the ground.
What will you learn?
Participants will gain key insights and practical skills in:
- Designing results-based projects using structured results chains and credible indicators
- Conducting needs assessments that justify projects and align them with funder priorities
- Understanding funder logic, including how applications are evaluated and scored
- Reading and interpreting calls for proposals and terms of reference
- Applying the Theory of Change, creating strong project logics and monitoring frameworks
- Selecting partners for joint applications and defining effective roles
The customised training includes project-specific development, stakeholder mapping, and a deep dive into evaluator perspectives.
What makes this training unique?
- Customised and hands-on: Tailored exercises allow cities to apply the learning to real or planned projects.
- Insider perspective: Delivered by an experienced trainer with donor-side and evaluation expertise.
- Universal tools: Methods apply across funding types, scales and sectors.
- Interactive format: Small-group discussions, peer feedback and scenario-based learning.
The training has already equipped nearly 100 officials across Europe and received top ratings for its relevance and impact.
Who should attend?
This training is for city officials working on project development, funding, or specific policy areas. It is open to Eurocities members and non-member cities. No prior project design experience is required, though basic familiarity is helpful. Each session is best suited for 15–20 participants.
What’s the format?
The training is hosted in person in your city. You decide when you want to organise the training. There are two options:
- General Training (1 day, 6.5 hours): Core principles of project design, along with strong proposal writing, project logic, and evaluator insights.
- Customised Training (2 days, 6 hours/day): Includes all general content plus targeted project development, stakeholder mapping, KPI formulation, and donor-specific strategy.
Both formats include lunch breaks and interactive group work. Training is conducted in English.
What does it cost?
- Eurocities members: €5,200 (general) / €7,800 (customised)
- Other cities: €7,300 (general) / €10,900 (customised)
Prices exclude VAT. Costs include trainer preparation, delivery and travel. Venue and catering must be provided by the host city.
Interested?
To book or learn more, please contact: Guillem Ramírez Chico, Eurocities Academy Coordinator, at guillem.ramirez-chico@eurocities.eu
Indicate your preferred format (general or customised) and suggest a timeframe – we will work with you to set up the training.
The Eurocities Academy is the network’s dedicated training programme, providing capacity-building to city leaders and experts. To date, it has trained over 200 officials from more than 110 cities.
