How to apply for EU structural funds

It is important for third sector organisations to first consider whether they are best placed to:

1. Manage a project
2. Tender to deliver services under an existing project
3. Benefit directly from a project set up to support the third sector

It is recommended that you discuss your project idea with a Spatial European Team (SET) Officer or a WEFO Project Development Officer and consult the WEFO guidance on third sector access to EU funding.

The following steps are a guide to how to apply for funding under the Convergence and Regional Competitiveness and Employment programmes 2007–2013. Additional guidance is available on how to apply for funds under the Territorial Co-operation Programmes.

  • Ensure your project is eligible for grant support by reading the guidance section for applicants on the Welsh European Funding Office (WEFO) website.
  • Understand how your project ‘fits’ with the relevant strategic frameworks, which describe the activities that will best deliver the European funding programme priorities.
  • Check the project ideas section (PIFs) of the WEFO website and discuss your project proposals with other organisations, stakeholders, partners and match-funders who may have an interest in them.
  • Speak to a Spatial European Team (SET) Officer about project activity in your area and guidance on how to apply for funding.
  • Once you have followed the above steps, you may then request to submit an Expression of Interest. Once your request is received by WEFO, a project development officer (PDO) will contact you to discuss proposals and guide you through the first stage of the application process, which is the formal submission of an Expression of Interest (EoI). This will involve registering with the WEFO Online Service, the interactive system that allows applicants to submit, view and manage their grants securely online.
  • Following the submission of your EOI, WEFO will undertake an initial assessment against the selection and prioritisation criteria. A favourable assessment will lead to the second stage - the opportunity to submit a more detailed proposal for full assessment by WEFO.
  • If you think you might be better placed to deliver services under contract of an existing project, rather than manage your own project, register on Sell2Wales to be alerted to live tender opportunities that are published on Buy4Wales.

Useful resources