In his latest blog Leigh Thompson, one of our resident Policy Advisers, talks about the new ERASMUS+ European funding framework, which for the 2014-2020 allocation includes a specific sport-related project allocation.
Students of history will recognise the name Erasmus as belonging to the famous Dutch philosopher and scholar Desiderius Erasmus of Rotterdam, a key figure in the religious Reformation in Europe during the 16th century. That’s all very well, you might say, but what’s his relevance to sport?
Well, recalling the great man himself, ERASMUS+ is the name given to the new European funding framework for Education, Youth, Training and Sport covering the period 2014-2020. Importantly, and for the first time, ERASMUS+ includes a specific allocation for sport-related projects called, appropriately enough, ERASMUS+ Sport.
The funding available through ERASMUS+ Sport is not insignificant: the total budget for the 2014-2020 period is €266m and individual projects can qualify for funding of up to €500,000. To put this in context, the total funding provided to sport-related projects under the previous EU framework (2009-13) amounted to just €15.6m. In straightened financial times ERASMUS+ Sport therefore represents a valuable source of additional funding for sport-related projects.
A detailed summary of the ERASMUS+ Sport programme including key criteria, deadlines and information on how to apply can be found in the Programme Guide.
While ERASMUS+ Sport is designed to cater for sport-related projects, it is worth noting other European sources of funding are available to sport – for example through other ERASMUS+ funding streams and European Structural Funds – although their applicability is rather more limited due to the criteria applied in each case.
Who can apply for ERASMUS+ Sport funding?
From the sports sector perspective, the programme is open to a wide range of organisations including sports governing bodies, clubs, player associations and other public or non-profit organisations engaged in promoting sport and physical activity.
Note there are strict rules on the involvement of for-profit organisations within projects so it’s well worth referring to the Programme Guide and website for more detail (see the useful links at the bottom).
What activity does ERASMUS+ Sport support?
The principle aim of ERASMUS+ Sport is to support activity that will help achieve broader European Commission objectives notably:
• Tackling cross-border threats to the integrity of sport, in particular doping and match-fixing;
• Promoting and supporting good governance in sport and the dual careers of athletes;
• Promoting voluntary activities, social inclusion, and equal opportunities in sport;
• Raising awareness of the health benefits of physical activity and;
• Increasing participation in sport.
Funding through ERASMUS+ Sport is principally directed at the following types of project:
• Collaborative Partnerships: these projects are designed to encourage the development, transfer and implementation of innovative practices relating to sport and physical activity. As the name suggests, these projects should bring together at least 5 partner organisations from different countries. Within this category there is a particular focus on projects that address the above objectives in the field of grassroots sport.
• Not-for-profit European sports events: these projects are designed to support EU objectives in relation to social inclusion, equality and participation in sport and physical activity. They may also include activities in support of the European Week of Sport.
The projects must comprise at least 12 partners from different countries. Professional sports competitions are not eligible.
Project durations can range from 12 months (in the case of not-for-profit European sport events) up to 36 months (Collaborative Partnerships). The next deadline for proposals under the 2015 call is 14 May 2015. As this deadline is now very close, organisations thinking about applying for ERASMUS+ might sensibly consider waiting until the 2016 call for proposals which will be announced in the latter part of this year.
In addition to these project types, the Sport Unit at the European Commission also publishes regular calls for tenders for specific projects designed to strengthen the evidence-base for policy-making.
Assessment
Once submitted, each ERASMUS+ project proposal is independently assessed by the snappily-titled Education, Audiovisual and Culture Executive Agency (EACEA). Agency assessors consider each proposal against the published criteria and score them to establish which projects should be funded.
Competition is fierce. Last year there were approximately 440 applications but only around 40 projects were funded. As such it is essential that your project proposal is a good one; it should be innovative and/or build on existing knowledge not simply reinvent the wheel. Based on feedback from the last round of proposals, the following ‘do’s and don’ts’ may be of use:
• Do make sure your proposal fulfils one or more of the ERASMUS+ Sport objectives (see above) – those that don’t will not be successful.
• Do demonstrate how your proposal will add value, either through innovative approaches or by enhancing the existing research or activity in a particular field.
• Do make sure you have the time and resource to take part in the project – this means getting organisational buy-in to the staff and financial commitment required.
• Do make sure you build a strong network with partner organisations – check that each has the capability and capacity to contribute meaningfully to the project.
• Don’t inflate project budgets – this will get noticed.
• Don’t make an application using your own bespoke documentation – use the templates provided.
• Don’t miss the application deadlines – they are enforced strictly!
What’s in it for us?
Aside from the direct benefit of delivering the project itself and its outputs (which will clearly be of use to the participating organisations) being involved in an ERASMUS+ project brings a number of wider benefits for sports organisations. Building networks with organisations from different countries and different sectors – notably academia – facilitates the sharing of knowledge and best practice and can lead to beneficial, long-term partnerships. Similarly, the experience of working with people from different countries and cultures can benefit staff by improving skills and broadening perspectives.
Get your thinking caps on!
A number of our members are already considering putting proposals forward and I’d strongly encourage as many Alliance members as possible to get creative and start thinking about project ideas within your respective sports. The ERASMUS+ Sport programme is a great opportunity; other countries across the EU have already realised this and sports organisations in the UK should not miss out!
Useful links
ERASMUS+ Sport
ERASMUS+ Programme Guide
ERASMUS+ Sport Infoday 2015
European Commission Sport Unit – Calls for proposals/tenders:
EACEA
