How To Apply : Stage 1
A Stage 1 application is a formal expression of interest in applying for European Structural Funds.
The aim of the Stage 1 process is to filter out those projects that do not meet the eligibility criteria and to identify any potential for collaborative bids between projects.
Applicants are requested to submit an outline of their proposed project that will include the following information:
- Structural Fund Programme and Priority
- Proposed outline of expenditure
- Level of Grant sought and proposed grant intervention rate
- Sources of co-finance and anticipated dates of confirmation
- A brief description of the proposed project, including an outline of anticipated timescales, objectives, target groups, geographical coverage, partnerships and outputs and results
Before preparing a Stage 1 Application applicants should note the following:
- An applicant's organisation must have successfully completed the Registration process before a Stage 1 Application can be submitted
- A Stage 1 must be submitted for each individual project
- The information provided within the Stage 1 will be viewed as indicative
- Once a Stage 1 has been formally submitted it cannot be changed or amended
- If applying for funding to both the ESF and ERDF Programmes, separate applications must be submitted for these
- For ERDF applications, if applying for both Capital and Revenue funding, separate applications must be submitted for these
- If applying to both the Lowlands & Uplands and Highlands & Islands Scottish Programme areas applications must be completed and submitted to each of the IABs separately
How to apply
Stage 1 Applications are completed on the €UROSYS online system and must be submitted electronically by the deadline.
Stage 1 Appraisal
The IAB and Managing Authority will review all Stage 1 submissions received. Feedback will be provided to the applicants by e-mail and on €UROSYS by the agreed deadline to confirm whether or not the application has been successful and highlight any issues raised that should be addressed prior to the submission of a Stage 2 application.
Guidance notes
Guidance is available for download to assist applicants:
Guidance Notes for Applicants - Guidance on completing the form
Project User Guidance for €UROSYS - Assistance on using €UROSYS
National Rules on Eligibility of Expenditure - Guidance on Eligible Expenditure under the Scottish Programmes
National Rules Questions and Answers
Project Sponsors are also recommended to read the relevant ERDF and ESF Priority information before submitting an Application
If you have any questions on the Stage 1 Application process please telephone our Application Information Line on 0800 432 0061
