How to apply for European funding
Find out more about European funds, how to put together a project proposal and search for international partners.
There are several European funding programmes that housing associations can apply for to improve sustainable building or help deliver neighbourhoods activities. Some of these funds are held centrally, others are managed nationally.
2010 - EU year of combating poverty and social exclusion - call for proposals open: apply by 15 October
The Department of Work and Pensions (DWP) are managing a £1.3 million budget to promote activities and regional conferences linked to the four themes they have identified for 2010: child poverty, older people poverty and social exclusion, the working poor and 'those most at risk of social exclusion and multiple deprivation (PAS16).
There is also an opportunity to apply for logos where activities fit the focus of the year.
More information and to bid for the call for proposals, view www.dwp.gov.uk/european-year-2010
EU funding programmes - services to older people
ICT policy Support Programme: 'ICT for ageing well/independent living' - the third call for proposals in now closed
EU funding programmes - sustainable building
ICT Policy Support Programme: 'ICT for energy efficiency in social housing' - the third call for proposals is now closed
Intelligent Energy Europe - the 2009 call for proposals is now closed
Intelligent Energy Europe is the European Union's tool to move towards a more 'energy intelligent' Europe. Interested applicants need to form groups of partners from more than three EU member states and ensure their proposal fits in with the programme calls' priorities.
The 2009 call for proposals has a €65 million budget and will fund projects in various areas such as capacity building, spreading of know-how, exchanges of experiences, policy input, awareness raising, education and training.
Find out more about the Intelligent Energy Europe programme
Framework Programme 7 - Energy - the 2010 call for proposal will open shortly!!
The Commission's Framework Programme (FP7) is the European Union's main instrument for funding research and technological development.
The 2010 call will open at the end of July and close in November. It will include six calls for a total budget of €270 million.
Topics included in the call are: PV, wind, concentrated solar power, biofuels from algae, biomass, clean coal, smart energy networks, energy efficiency in industry and buildings.
Other EU funding programmes
European Social Funds (ESF)
The ESF was set up to improve employment opportunities in the EU and raise the standards of living. The new programme will invest £4 billion (£2 billion from EU and £2 billion from National funds) between 2007-2013 and is split into two priorities:
- Priority 1: extending employment opportunities
- Priority 2: developing a skilled and adaptable workforce
The Department for Work and Pensions has overall responsibility for management of the funds, which are allocated through co-financing organisations such as the Learning & Skills Councils.
European Regional Development Fund (ERDF)
The new programme that runs until 2013 is investing over £2,5 billion in the English regions. It will be delivered through a convergence programme and a Regional Competitiveness and Employment Programme with funds pre-allocated to each regions.
Communities and Local Government has overall responsibility for the programme which is managed locally through the Regional Developments Agencies (RDAs). Following a legislation amendment by the Commission, ratified by the EU Council and EU Parliament, member states are now able to allocate up to 4% of their overall ERDF allocation to energy efficient refurbishment and the use of renewable energy in existing homes for social cohesion purposes.
The Federation has been lobbying the RDAs and to date, SEEDA and Yorkshire Forward have opened bidding rounds for retrofit projects. One North East and EEDA are likely to follow soon.
For more information, contact your regional manager or Corine Meier (corinem@housing.org.uk).
Interreg IVB - North West Europe Programme
There is over €355 million available over the next seven years for projects that aim to maximise the diversity of North West Europe's territorial assets by tackling common challenges through transnational cooperation.
Get help applying for funds
- In need of a partner? Our European platform CECODHAS can help you find them. Contact Corine Meier for more information.
- Get support submitting your IEE or FP7 proposal and find out more about energy-efficiency EU funding programmes by contacting the Energie UK Helpline via their website
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