For all Programmes, projects are selected for funding by representatives of local economic development agencies working through the Eastern Scotland European Partnership. Grants from the ERDF and ESF do not go directly to companies or individuals: public bodies, for example local councils, and local enterprise companies, are given funds to spend on projects which, in turn, benefit local people and businesses. Applications for funding are assessed and decisions made in what is a highly competitive process which takes between sixteen and twenty weeks from start to finish. On average some 300 ERDF, and 250 ESF, applications are processed each year. Technology & Innovation - Institute of Concrete Technology, University of Dundee A project's eligibility for Structural Fund support is determined by the Programme Executive applying a set of standard grant conditions, including the regulations governing the use of Structural Funds. It is then assessed by one of five expert advisory groups drawn from members of the Partnership itself. This allows the project to be judged against the aims and objectives set out in the Single Programming Document. Its likely impact on the regional economy, value for money and how it fits with area priorities are three of the most important criteria at this stage. The process overall involves a number of checks and balances to ensure that it is objective, transparent and fair. Locally based initiatives - Mid-Craigie Open Learning Centre, Dundee | |
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