OSI conference, Bled April 2004 EU Funding: an introduction Tamsin Rose

OSI conference, Bled April General features of EU programmes Annual Calls for Proposals Limited time to prepare Co-financing Large-scale projects Multi-annual projects Geographic coverage and balance Concrete activities Require ‘innovation’ Success rates : from 1 in 5 funded to 1 in 15

OSI conference, Bled April Why avoid EU programmes? EC priorities don’t match yours and change often Diverts resources from core activities Need for independent voice and identity Long timeframe and delays Co-financing requirements Cash-flow – late payments ! Cost to develop Admin requirements Need to downsize after project

OSI conference, Bled April Why participate in EU programmes? Profile and visibility Receive information and expertise Join networks Funds Support national advocacy Develop expertise and capacity Increase professionalism

OSI conference, Bled April There are many different roles Leader Create and manage consortium, contractual responsibility for finance and admin (Coordination) Partner responsible for a national activity or thematic input (Activity) Expert scientific input or sectoral knowledge

OSI conference, Bled April Review of the pros and cons PRO EU projects provide profile, visibility, funds, new partnerships, exchange of information and data, advocacy opportunities, reinforce capacity CONS EU projects may not match your priorities, cost you money, create major admin and cashflow problems, decisions take a long time. CONCLUSION: Make up your own mind on a case-by-case basis

OSI conference, Bled April Look for the right funding Where to find information? EU Information Centre EU Delegation Umbrella organisations Internet Focus on a few options only Don’t try to fit a square into a circle

OSI conference, Bled April Some questions for an NGO manager Does this programme respond to my priorities and philosophy? Will this contribute to my mission statement? Can I retain my independence? Do I have the resources to apply? Can I find the right partners? Who else might apply? What do I need from this project?

OSI conference, Bled April Get ready ! Prepare a brief ‘visit-card’ – history, members, recent projects English copies of your statutes, lists of executive board members, annual accounts Know the cost of key budget items: staff, travel, translation Get agreement of your members and executive committee Check previous funded projects, application forms Identify potential partners and co-funders Take advantage of Commission Q+A opportunities

OSI conference, Bled April Useful websites EU DG SANCO Overview of EU grants and loans: EuropeAid Tender/Proposal search: EC delegation around the world _en.cfm