DESCRIPTION 
‘Secure EU funding: access EU funds’ (SEEU) is a masterclass course for all those involved in preparation of proposals to be submitted for funding in any of the major EU programmes and calls. The participants will have the opportunity to be presented with an overview of EU programming period 2021-2027 through the Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF) and to acquire in depth knowledge of the key issues for EC project selection and identification of suitable calls for their organisations. Moreover, the participants will learn how to build the right partnership for a project proposal and understand the importance of geographical coverage achieved through the consortium. Furthermore, the participants will gain invaluable insight on how they can efficiently draft a proposal as well as the role and responsibilities of everyone involved in the drafting process. The course gives emphasis on the role of the partners in the drafting of the proposal and how the project manager and all those assisting in drafting they can set up an effective time plan schedule that will allow them to meet call deadlines. ‘Secure EU funding: access EU funds’ course offers ‘hands on’ experience to participants through practical examples and exercises with which the participants learn how to match an idea to relevant programmes, how to analyse a call for proposals as well as how to proceed with the budget/financial analysis in a specific application form. This is a masterclass course taught by high calibre professionals with vast experience in EU funding and the mechanisms of EC related to funds. Ideal course for all those involved or likely to be involved in the preparation of successful EU funded proposals.
This is the 5-day training course that can be funded by Erasmus+ KA1 programme (staff mobility)
MAIN AIMS
- Understand the mechanisms and principles related to EU funding
- Set up an effective time plan schedule for drafting a proposal within a given deadline
- Identify possible sources of funding to match a concept idea and build solid partnerships
- Draft competitive proposals to be funded by EU
- Develop an efficient strategy, in which potential EU funding is an integral part to the overall business development strategy of the organisation/institution.
WHY SEEU?
EU funding has become increasingly important for a wide range of organisations and institutions operating in the European Union (EU). It can be safely argued that the vast majority of EU based organisations are currently involved or will be involved in projects and initiatives that are funded by EU; projects related to mobilities funded by Erasmus+ programme, large scaled research projects funded by H2020 or projects related to policy and/or dissemination/exploitation, such as Life+, among others. Therefore, there is an increasing need for individuals and organisations alike to acquire in depth understanding of the principles and mechanisms related to EU funding as well as the skills and competences required to transform an innovative concept to a commercial product and service with the financial assistance of EU funds. SEEU is a masterclass course which can be hugely beneficial for organisations and institutions wishing to enhance human capital and invest in developing and integrating EU funding strategy in the overall business development strategy.
BENEFITS TO PARTICIPANTS
- Enhance knowledge with regards to fundamental principles of EU funding
- Ability to set up an effective and efficient time schedule for drafting a proposal
- Understand the various stages from concept idea to commercialization of a product or service
- Identify possible sources of EU funding
- Acquire skills and competences in building strong and solid partnerships
- Comprehend the importance of networking & lobbying when it comes to EU funding
- Draft and submit competitive proposals for EU funding
BENEFITS TO PARTICIPANT’S ORGANIZATIONS
- Increase the potential sources of funding for developing innovative products and/or services
- Improve human capital & capacity for securing funding by EU sources
- Develop and integrate EU funding strategy in the overall business development strategy
- Effective and efficient time management when it comes to drafting of EU proposals
WHO TO ATTEND?
The SEEU course is ideal for:
- School principals & directors (primary & secondary)
- Teachers (primary & secondary)
- Academic staff (tertiary)
- Directors & personnel in International coordination offices (tertiary)
- Directors/managers (companies/NGOs)
- Personnel involved in research activities
- Business development managers
- Research staff (academic & administrative)
- Technical & financial personnel involved in drafting proposals for EU funding
- Consultants
METHODOLOGY OF THE COURSE – ADDED VALUE
The course methodology will ensure the active involvement of the participants in all phases, that is, prior, during and after the delivery of the course. 
More specifically, upon confirmation that the course will take place, the participants will receive preparatory material (if needed), which will cover all important concepts to be presented during the delivery of the course. The participants will have the opportunity to exchange feedback with the organiser of the course, ShipCon, and the trainer as well as to request any clarification related to the content of the course.
The methodology of the training is based on a combination of three important elements:
- Provision of knowledge required (theory)
- Use of training tools, such as case studies, videos, games, animations & exercises (practice – hands on experience)
- Feedback/reflection (review)
During the delivery of the course, the participants will receive hard copy material, which will cover the content to be presented in all five (5) days of the seminar. The material will be presented in a form of Power Point (PPT) presentations, videos & animations. Moreover, the active involvement and hands on experience of the participants will be secured through various training tools, such as case studies, worksheets, scenarios & exercises. These training tools are necessary to ensure that the theoretical knowledge gained by the participants can be used in real life scenarios; an important aspect & added value for any training course.
At the final day of the course, the participants will have the opportunity to reflect on the information received and the experience gained in the specific field of study. Moreover, the participants and their institutions will be encouraged to be members of ShipCon ‘Network of Excellence’, an international hub and forum for entrepreneurs & innovators to exchange ideas, novel concepts/approaches & best practices in the area of environment and education.
BENEFITS TO PARTICIPANTS – SKILLS & COMPETENCES
The course is ideal for all those involved or likely to be involved in the preparation of EU proposal to be funded by EU. Moreover, it is ideal for all those who wish to enhance their knowledge on EU funding opportunities and how EU funds can be used in order to transform a concept into a commercial product or service.
By the end of the course, delegates will have acquired capabilities to:
- Understand the general principles and mechanisms related to EU funding
- Identify and match a concept ideal to a suitable call of proposals
- Identify suitable partners and build a solid partnership
- Set up a time plan for drafting a proposal to be submitted at a given deadline
The participants will:
- Comprehend in depth the roles and responsibilities of all those involved in the drafting of a proposal
- Be able to identify opportunities and how to turn an idea into a product or service with EU funding
- Learn how to avoid common mistakes in the drafting of the budget
- Learn how to develop a sustainable business plan and reduce risks related to EU funding
CERTIFICATIONS AWARDED
- Certificate of attendance & certificate of competence (skills & competences required – Europass CV)
- Europass mobility certificates – to be issued by the applicant’s National Authority (NA)
PROGRAMME OF THE TRAINING ACTIVITIES (DAY BY DAY)
Monday
Overview of the EU programming period of 2021-2027
- General principles of EU funding (transparency, credibility, monitoring&reporting, etc.)
- Europe strategy for smart, sustainable & inclusive growth: an overview
- EU‘s long-term spending priorities according to Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF)
- An overview of Centralised vs. Decentralised EU funds
- Examples of centralised funds (Life+, Erasmus+, Europe for Citizens, Horizon 2020)
- Key issues for EU and EC on project selection
- Identification of suitable calls
Case Study: Matching a project idea (concept) to relevant programme(s)
Tuesday
BUILDING THE RIGHT PARTNERSHIP
- Principles of successful partnership
- Finding the right partner for your organization
- Risks and opportunities of partnerships
- How and where to find suitable partners for your proposal (concept)
Case Study: Analysis of a call for proposals
Wednesday
DRAFTING A PROPOSAL: THE VARIOUS STAGES
- Typical structure of an application form: admin, technical and financial parts
- Setting up a proposal: things to consider
- Involvement of participants in the drafting of a proposal: roles & responsibilities
- Proposal writing schedule
Case Study: Time planning for proposal submission (group exercise)
Thursday
Budgetary issues in EU funded proposals
- Financial commitment of partners
- An overview of various types of eligible cost categories
- Connecting & aligning the technical part with the financial part in a proposal
- Tips in the drafting of the budget: things to do and things to avoid
Case Study: Budget Analysis of a proposal
Friday
The expert’s assessment of a proposal and the importance of lobbying and networking in EU projects
- Assessment of a proposal by an EC expert – important things to be taken into consideration
- Assessment report: what an assessment expert wants to see in a proposal
- The importance of networking and lobbying after submission
- Building a solid and sustainable business plan on EU funded projects
Click here for relevant resources on this masterclass course
| LOCATION | DATES | STATUS | REGISTRATION |
|---|---|---|---|
| LIMASSOL - CYPRUS | 11.11.2024 - 15.11.2024 | CONFIRMED |  |