Step 4. Putting a bid together - EAGGF
EAGGF eligibility
Due to the nature of the programme it is very difficult to give definitive eligibility criteria. However, the following basic checklist gives an overall idea of what projects may be eligible.
The project must:
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normally occur within the Objective One area |
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undertake activities with normally fall within the scope of the EAGGF element of the SPD |
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not be eligible for funding under or fall within the scope of another EU funded scheme |
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have a funding package which conforms to the ceilings applicable, appropriately match funded |
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be consistent with State Aids regulations |
In addition the project should:
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not duplicate existing, or other planned, activity or expenditure |
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quantify outputs and provide details of clear and attainable targets |
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demonstrate an additional and sustainable benefit to the economic development of the area |
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require the minimum grant necessary to enable the project to proceed ('gap funding') |
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provide good value for money |
Applications
There are two ways of submitting applications, either as an individual or as a partnership.
Partnerships may involve:
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Working with public sector bodies such as Business Link and the Regional Development Agency. Other public sector partners could include organisations such as colleges or local authorities. |
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Applying through Gateway or Delegated Grant Schemes. If you are an individual, it may be that the activity you would like to undertake is catered for by one of these funds. The Objective One EAGGF Secretariat team at the Government Office will be able to give further information of any funds operating within Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly. |
Projects within a geographic area can also be submitted though Integrated Area Plans (IAPs) which will be established to help communities within a number of specific areas of Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly.
For EAGGF applications, forms can be obtained from the Objective One Secretariat, Government Office for the South West, Mast House, 24 Sutton Road, Plymouth, PL4 0HJ. Tel 01752 635000, fax 01752 635090.
Preparing your application
When preparing an application, there are a number of sources of advice and technical help available - and the first point of contact should be the Objective One Helpline 0800 0280120.
The Objective One helpline will be able to put applicants in contact with the relevant expert from the Objective One EAGGF Secretariat team at GOSW, or Defra's Rural Development Service who offer advice on potential projects.
There are also various agencies, such as Cornwall Enterprise, and private consultants who can offer advice on developing project ideas and putting together applications - although they may well charge a fee for this service and will have different levels of expertise.
Being “SMART”
Because Objective One funds are public money, there is a legal obligation that it is handed out and accounted for properly. This also means the process for granting funding has to be very stringent. To be certain of success, therefore, applications need to not only meet all the eligibility criteria, they have to be well thought through and researched, with adequate supporting justification.
To do this, applications need to be SMART - which means they have to be: Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Realistic and Time-bound.
Making sure every application is developed in these terms will of course not only make it more likely to succeed, it will also save wasting time and money on developing ideas that will not work - or can not be proven to be workable.
Making your application – final checklist
If you do decide to apply direct for money from Objective One, when completing the ERDF form you will have to bear in mind the vital questions below which form the basis for all applications:
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What the project aims to do |
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Why the project is needed |
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How the project contributes to programme priorities and cross cutting themes |
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How the project will be implemented |
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How the project will be managed |
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What the project will cost and how it will be funded |
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Why the project requires Objective One funding |
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What the project will produce in terms of specific outputs |
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What impact the project will have |
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How the project will support or complement other initiatives in the area |
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How the project will be sustained beyond the period of support |
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How the project will be monitored and evaluated |
Only when all these questions can be answered in full, with appropriate supporting evidence, is an application likely to be ready to be submitted.
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