Not only programme GUIDELINES but also:

Europe 2020 - European strategy for smart, sustainable and inclusive growth

European agenda for culture in a globalizing world

Call of proposals, guidelines, success stories in dissemination platform

Use researches, reports, methodologies which are accessible to everyone

This will help you to understand EU agenda.

So, THINK EUROPEAN, think and describe European dimension and EUROPEAN ADDED VALUE as projects must not cover solely national interests.

It very important to understand how concretely the programme works: funds come from the agency from Brussels, you are competing with all participating countries; the projects are evaluated on EU level, so there is national budget or national impact on the results.

You also have to propose INTERESTING AND INNOVATIVE IDEA (innovative does not necessarily mean that you have to invent something completely new, it might be just perfect combination of existing practises, though, for example, their combination is innovative one).

But…It is not just about great idea… You have to ask yourself “Does your project’s idea correspond with the PRIORITIES OF THE PROGRAMME and strand”? If it is not, only great idea will not help you to succeed.

The priorities of namely cooperation projects are TRANSNATIONAL MOBILITY, AUDIENCE DEVELOPMENT AND CAPACITY BUILDING.

Plan very in advance, as evaluation process takes 6 months and projects can last up to 4 years.

What about partners? It is sometimes better to work with the partners you know and trust, that are professional and active – have real partnership. If possible, have more of them than required.

Also, try to have GEOGRAPHICAL BALANCE OF PARTNERS AND ACTIVITIES.

Project activities as we already mentioned must correspond with the aims and tasks of the programme and project, they should be complex, extensive, needed and valuable.

It is also very important to think about and to describe the LONG TERM IMPACT OF THE PROJECT. What will happen after its end?

Do not write abstract things – try to be CONCRETE AND CLEAR as much as possible. Be aware, that arguments that experts do not find in your application does not count for evaluation. Use methodological approach, follow EVIDENCE BASED POLICY AND MEASURES.

Share responsibilities and financial expenses with your partners. BUDGET MUST BE BALANCED AND NO PROFIT.

Look for the national funding and co-finansing schemes to raise match funding.

Carefully look through eligible expenses, relation between EU and national regulations.

Or if to be very short - GIVE, GET OR GET OFF.

Please pay attention to additional online materials available to this course.