The Collaboration Compass (COCO) is a three-year project (October 2025 – September 2028) funded by the European Union’s Erasmus+ programme.
It brings together universities and non-profit organizations from Denmark, Germany, Italy, and Poland to tackle social and environmental challenges through meaningful partnerships. COCO helps these institutions discover the benefits of working together, provides practical tools and training to make collaboration easier, and creates real learning opportunities for students.
By connecting academic knowledge with community action, the project prepares students for careers in the non-profit sector while giving community organizations access to university resources and fresh ideas. Ultimately, COCO makes it easier for universities to fulfill their role as active contributors to society.
75% of students are unaware of university-NGO collaboration opportunities, while nonprofits struggle to access academic expertise. COCO bridges this gap.
Project Objectives
Enhance universities' community engagement
Help universities build structured, meaningful partnerships with nonprofits as a core part of their mission.
Raise awareness of collaboration opportunities
Bring together students, teachers, and nonprofit professionals to discover what's possible when they work together.
Prepare students for meaningful careers
Provide hands-on experience that develops practical skills and prepares students for careers in the nonprofit sector.
Make collaboration easier
Provide digital tools that guide partnerships from finding partners through measuring impact.
Target Groups
Students
Gain real community experience, develop practical skills, and discover career paths in the nonprofit world.
University Teachers
Receive ready-to-use materials that bring social responsibility into their courses.
University Leaders
Get practical frameworks to strengthen community ties and demonstrate social impact.
Nonprofit Organisations
Access university resources, student volunteers, and expert guidance without bureaucratic headaches.
Communities
Benefit when academic knowledge meets grassroots wisdom to solve local challenges.