European Structural and Investment Funds (ESIF) 2014-2020
The European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) and the European Social Fund (ESF) are the main European Funds which make up the ESIF programme.
The programme provides funds to help local areas grow in a smart, sustainable and inclusive way. It aims to support the North East Strategic Economic Plan for the North East Local Enterprise Partnership (NELEP) area. The area is made up of 7 local authority areas, Durham, Gateshead, Newcastle, North Tyneside, Northumberland, South Tyneside and Sunderland.
ERDF
The fund provides 50% (in Tyne & Wear and Northumberland) towards revenue or capital funding to support investment in innovation, businesses, low carbon and climate change projects and aims to create jobs in the region.
The North East's indicative allocation of ERDF is £227.3m and covers five key areas;
- Research & Innovation
- SME Competitiveness
- Supporting a Shift Towards a Low Carbon Economy
- Climate Change adaptation
- Community led local development
In addition to the main fund, a separate fund has been created for Sustainable Urban Development to support the following key challenges;
- Sustainable energy and sustainable transport
- Sustainable infrastructure investments
ESF
ESF provides 50% towards revenue projects which offer training to the unemployed and employed.
The North East's indicative allocation of ESF is £200.4m. Within Tyne & Wear and Northumberland there are two priority axes
Priority Axis 1: Inclusive Labour Markets
Priority Axis 2: Skills for Growth
How do I apply?
Calls are issued on a regular basis by MHCLG and DWP and can be found on the GOV.UK website. Applicants must be a legally constituted body.
Application process
For open calls, applying is a 2 stage process, with an initial outline application assessing eligibility and value for money, followed by a more detailed full application. Applicants must source a minimum of 50% match funding.
Support is available
Support and guidance on preparing applications, and details on the process is available, see North East Technical Assistance Project.