EU Structural Funds 2014-2020

EU funding to the third sector 2007-13

• WEFO has funded 286 projects in total (£1.9bn grant aid)

• Over £97m of EU funds have been committed to 45 projects led by the third sector

• In addition, third sector organisations have won over £140m worth of contracts

Third sector impact 2007-13Through their projects third sector lead sponsors are aiming to:

• Work with 104,802 participants• Support 10,585 participants to enter employment• Assist 32,311 participants to achieve qualifications• Support 19,818 participants into further learning and 57,170 to

achieve a positive outcome• Create 1,292 gross new jobs• Create 157 new social enterprises• Support 12,500 people to access services

EU Structural Funds in Wales 2007-2013

Less developed region(Convergence)

More developed Region

(Competitiveness)

What’s new?

• Tackling poverty and social exclusion: 20% ESF ring-fenced in WW&V and a new third cross-cutting theme

• ERDF ring-fenced to tackle key priorities: SME competitiveness; research and innovation and energy efficiency and renewable energy

• Concentration of ERDF resources on the above themes (80% in East Wales and 50% in West Wales)

• New: Fund for the Most Deprived

Should my organisation lead a project?

Timetable and the building blocks towards 2014

ProjectsStart:January 2014?????

ProjectsApproved

ProgrammesAgreed

Partnership AgreementSigned

Regulations Adopted

EuropeanBudgetAgreed

Project design

• Operational Programmes• Guilford Review informs approach to deployment of

funds• Economic Prioritisation Framework (EPF)• ‘Backbone’ areas of activity• Understanding Welsh Government initiatives is key e.g.

Department for Education & Skills proposals for adult employment and skills strategic framework for delivery

Timetable • Operation Programmes agreed Sept 2013• Nov 2013 – WEFO publish key documents: • 28th November Economic Prioritisation Framework• 6 December 2013 – first meeting of 2014-2020 ESI

Funds PMC • Start negotiations with Commission to enable SF

programmes to start early 2014. • Early 2014 - European Commission approves

Operational Programmes • Mid 2014 - Possible start

Applying for funding

• Single portal for applicants

• Delivery arrangements– Lead sponsor– Co-sponsor– Contract deliverer– Social innovation

What is WCVA doing?• Engagement with the sector through Ministerial meetings,

the third sector European forum (3-SEF), Anti Poverty Programmes Task Force and regional events

• Developing a number of projects that build on the good work of the sector over the last programmes

• Supporting other third sector lead on projects where best placed to do so

• Helping third sector organisations to identify and exploit opportunities for contract delivery on the ground