NI European Social Fund opens

Department for Employment and Learning: European Unit Small Logo

Applications are being sought for European Social Funding under Priority 1 of the new Northern Ireland European Social Fund Programme 2007-13. There will be £45.5million of funding available under the first call of the NI European Social Fund. (Please note this scheme does not open until 11 October 2007)

The Minister for Employment and Learning Sir Reg Empey has announced that applications are sought in respect of projects to help people into sustainable employment and improve the employability of those disadvantaged in the labour market.

The Minister today encouraged organisations in Northern Ireland to apply for the latest round of European Social Funding (ESF). Welcoming the package for projects the Minister said:

“The Northern Ireland European Social Fund Programme will help make progress towards increasing the overall employment rate and reducing local economic inactivity by extending employment opportunities, in particular for those groups at a disadvantage in the labour market.”

This represents the 65% that will be made available through the Programme and a sum of £45.5 million. The remaining 35% match funding will have to be independently secured by the successful organisations. This would be the first of two calls made by the Department for applications under the new Northern Ireland European Social Fund Programme. Applications will be invited from any legally formed relevant public, private, voluntary or community sector organisation.

Highlighting the importance of the application process and the time frame for submitting proposals, the Minister said:

“My Department wants to ensure that the new Northern Ireland ESF Programme is rolled out in April 2008. The invitation to submit applications is being made now so that organisations have plenty of time to prepare their proposals. It is essential that all applicants bear in mind that this is a competition and only those proposals that can deliver the Programme’s objectives and targets will be selected for funding.”

Application forms and information are available in either paper or electronic format and will be available at www.eugrants.org from 11 October 2007.

Those without internet access should contact the Department for Employment and Learning, European Unit, Tel: 028 9025 7677 for printed versions of documents.

The closing date for applications Friday 23 November 2007 at noon.



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