FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions) Page 2
What type of expenditure is eligible?
Eligible expenditure is governed by the National Rules which set out what can and cannot be claimed as an eligible project cost. These rules have changed for the 2007-2013 period. Applicants should be aware that projects applying for European funding must be discrete and additional to the core functions of the organisations.
There will also be some changes to the treatment of some costs including in-kind contributions, overheads and staffing costs. In the new Programmes, all funding will now be provided to projects on the basis of declared expenditure, claimed in arrears. Advance payments will no longer be provided.
How many years can awards be made for?
Applicants will be invited to apply for funding for up to three years for revenue projects. While a funding commitment will be made for the three years, funding in each year will depend on successful applicants demonstrating progress in the implementation of their projects. Capital projects, as before, should be for the costs of providing the infrastructure/facilities.
How many application rounds will there be?
For the Lowlands and Uplands Programmes only one application round per year is planned. Calls for applications under each round and the subsequent appraisal process will run concurrently for all Priorities under both the ESF and ERDF Programmes.
What is the timetable for application submission and appraisal?
Key dates for each application round will be published under the Application Process section of this website.
What is the two-stage application process?
To streamline the application process for Structural Funds a two-stage application process has been introduced.
Stage 1 will be an expression of interest, in which applicants will need to supply a short summary description of the projects and its aims, the partners involved, planned costs and the anticipated outcomes. This will help to ensure only those projects with a clear fit to the eligibility criteria progress to a full application. In addition, where projects overlap or appear to be naturally complementary, applicants will be encouraged to consider collaborative bids.
After feedback from the IAB on the first stage, successful applicants will be invited to submit full Stage 2 applications. All projects involved in Stage 2 must have taken part in Stage 1. Applications will be assessed by Advisory Groups and the Programme Monitoring Committee will make final recommendations on awards.
What about projects that 'cross over' several priorities?
Projects often find that their eligible activity straddles different parts of a Programme and may require separate applications under different priorities. Where projects have signalled that applications under separate priorities are related, Advisory Groups in the relevant priorities can consult and assess the two applications together to ensure decisions are joined up. The option of identifying 'linked' project applications will be available on the project application form.
What about projects that 'cross over' several Programmes?
The co-ordination between linked applications to different priorities will also apply across Programmes. Under Priority 1 of the ESF Programme and Priority 3 of the ERDF Programme, linked ERDF and ESF awards will be possible, given the complementary nature of their regeneration/social inclusion goals. Applicants will not have to apply for both funds, but where appropriate, encouraged to do so. Consideration will be given to such linked applications and how their integration will strengthen the individual projects. Separate applications to each priority will still be required and projects will be asked to show ERDF and ESF funding can be used effectively together.
In addition, up to 10% of the resources in a project funded under ESF or ERDF can be spent on activities relating to the other Fund. This will enable projects avoiding unnecessary separate applications for activities that are likely to be a small proportion of total project funding, though this facility will only be considered in exceptional circumstances and for a small share of overall project expenditure.
What will the process be for appraising and selecting projects?
The main features of the existing system for applying for Structural Funds awards will stay the same. In essence, awards will continue to be made on the basis of competitive rounds in each of the priorities. Projects will be assessed through a combination of technical checks by the IAB and an expert and peer review process through advisory groups and Programme Monitoring Committees.
Are there any changes in project selection criteria?
Full guidance on the selection criteria on which project applications will be assessed will be issued in advance of the first Programme round through the Notes for Applicants. However, strong emphasis will be placed on the following criteria in future appraisals:
- fit with national and local strategies
- partnership with relevant local and national bodies
- track record of the lead applicant in running Structural Funds and other similar projects
- taking forward the Programme's environmental sustainability, equal opportunities and social inclusion aspirations
