Scheme: Major Funding Programmes
Category: Structural Funds
Keywords: economic social cohesion
Funding Role: The Structural funds work towards the goal of achieving economic and social cohesion in the European Union. Resources are targeted at actions which help bridge the gaps between the more and the less developed regions and which promote equal employment opportunities between different social groups.
Policy: Structural Funds contributions to a member state's region are organised through negotiated multi-annual programmes – e.g. for 2000-2006 in Northern Ireland these are:
· The Programme for Building Sustainable Prosperity;
· The EU Programme for Peace and Reconciliation (Peace II) which is a joint programme with the Border Region of Ireland;
· The four European Community Initiatives:
INTERREG III A (Joint programme with the ROI Border Region)
LEADER +
URBAN
EQUAL
There are four Structural Funds:
The European Regional Development Fund (ERDF)
The European Social Fund (ESF)
The European Agricultural guidance and Guarantee Fund (EAGGF)
The Financial Instrument for Fisheries Guidance (FIFG).
Applications: To apply for a grant you will have to decide which Programme, Priority and Measure is appropriate to support your project. Funds are distributed through Implementing Bodies – organisations appointed by the European Union to administer and monitor the programmes. Application forms and process vary depending on the Programme targeted.
Closing Date: Not all Measures will be "open" for applications all of the time. The Implementing Bodies will advertise 'calls for projects' in the press, on their Web sites or through other publicity means designed to reach all potential applicants. You may only apply to Measures that are "open".It is important to consult the website (http://www.eugrants.org) on a regular basis.
Cross-Border Relevance
Many of the programmes will fund cross-border projects. Watch the local papers for notices of calls for applications, also the website.
Contact: The organisation best placed to deal with specific queries on applications for grants is the relevant Implementing Body to which your application will be sent. See website for details.
Web:http://www.eugrants.org