Return to Home Page

Key Points in European Funding

• Planning: Plan ahead so you don't get caught by short deadlines.
• Clarity: Be clear about what you want to do and how it fits into priorities of the programme.
• Partners: Build partnerships - not just funders but people and organisations who can add value to your bid
• Budgets: Know what your costs are. You must be able to budget accurately when you build your bid.
• Timing: Plan activities to take place in months 8 - 12
• Transnational: Think transnationality - maybe not for your first application but once you have some experience in running programmes. Start finding partners in other countries 18 months to one year prior to the programme - find some anyway! It is hard work but definitely worth it.
• Probity: Prepare for cashflow problems - try negotiating a contingency plan with UK funders
• Patience: Be patient
• Network: Do what you are best at and be prepared to share your knowledge and experience with others.

Don't just think of yourself as a voluntary organisation. For the purposes of European Funding you may be: a training provider, an employer, a public body, a community organisation.

Think laterally about the different ways you play a role in your community and for your users.