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Objective 3
Introduction
Objective 3 is funded entirely through the European Social Fund (ESF). ESF concentrates mainly on vocational training and employment. It focuses on re-integrating long term unemployed, the socially excluded and young people back into the labour market. It also works to improve the skills of those already employed to strengthen adaptability and growth and encourage entrepreneurship.
Please Note.
Objective 3 funding is available across the whole of the West Midlands region.
What Types Of Project Does Objective 3 Fund?
All of the projects that Objective 3 money funds are about improving the human resources of the region. The Priorities for Objective 3 are:
- Development of an Active Labour Market
- Promoting Equal Opportunities & Social Inclusion
- Adaptability & Entrepreneurship
- Improving the participation of women in the labour market
- Lifelong Learning
Projects that aim to improve skills of disadvantaged groups such as language training, confidence skills and basic skills with people excluded from the labour market would be appropriate projects. Other types of projects may include:
• upskilling employees at all levels,
• skills development in key sectors,
• projects that focus on the role of women in the labour market.
• Research projects may also be appropriate.
HOW DO I APPLY?
There are three routes to making an Objective 3 application. They are:
Co-Financing
Co-Financing is the first route you must consider if you are looking for European Social Fund funding. You will normally apply for 100% of your projects funding. When making a co-finance application, you must apply to your local co-financer and your bid must aim to meet the priorities of the co-finance organisation (CFO).
Direct Bids
If your bid covers more than one sub-region, you may be required to bid directly to Government Office for the West Midlands (GOWM). Remember that in this case, ESF will only cover 45% of eligible costs and you will need to find match funding for the other 55%. A direct bid may also be appropriate if your project is not covered by the CFO's in your sub-region.
Global Grants
This small grants programme (£500 to £6,000) is also funded from ESF Objective 3. The purpose of Global Grants (GG's) is to develop 'Local Social Capital in Deprived Neighbourhoods'. Local Social Capital is defined by the European Commission as: "an intermediary organisation operating at regional or local level - capable of providing back-up for people who pool their resources with a view to carrying out micro-level projects which promote employment and social cohesion". Global Grants are available from Intermediary Bodies across the West Midlands and applicant groups do not need to find match funding. For more info rmation on who to approach in your sub-region to obtain more info rmation, please our European Funding Helpline or your sub-regional contact .
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