World: Managing successful EU-funded projects

Course Description

The European Union is one of the most important donors supporting NGOs’ actions in development cooperation. It can be considered a “generous” donor, ready to allocate huge funds for development cooperation projects, but also a demanding one. In fact, the application procedures and the implementing rules are quite complex for beginners and often discourage small NGOs to apply for EU funds.

Through this webinar, you will get an overview of the EU relevant actors involved in development cooperation (with a special focus on DG DEVCO, DG NEAR and EU Delegations) and their main multi-annual and annual programmes. This will allow you to identify the most suitable funding opportunities according to your organisation’s vision, mission and objectives. You will also learn how to be successful in getting funds from the EU by knowing how the calls for proposals system works and writing and submitting good project proposals and realistic budgets.

Moreover, the course will allow you to be prepared for managing EU funded projects by acquiring competences in monitoring, reporting, ensuring costs eligibility, dealing with possible changes in the Action, keeping records and supporting documents for possible expenditure verifications and ex-post audits.

The contents of this course will refer to the latest version of the PRAG annexes (e.g. Special conditions, General conditions, Contract award procedures).

At the end of the course, you will be equipped with knowledge and skills to solve all types of issues and challenges you may face in the implementation of EU-funded projects.

The webinar is divided in 5 lessons of 1:30 hours each and is delivered on-line. You can apply to the full course or just to one or more sessions.

Specific Objective

To ensure an in-depth knowledge of the European Union as a donor, the calls for proposals system and application procedure and a correct application of the key rules for a smooth management of EU-funded projects.

Learning Objectives

At the end of the course, you will be able to:

1. Identify relevant EU funding opportunities and calls for proposals
2. Select EU funding opportunities according to own organisation’s mission and objectives
3. Prepare successful project proposals according to the logframe approach
4. Know and properly apply Grants implementing procedures (e.g. costs eligibility, visibility, amendments, reporting, records keeping)
5. Set up a suitable monitoring plan
6. Report on results achieved and related costs incurred
7. Be prepared for an expenditure verification or an audit

Course Agenda

Lesson 1 – Search for EU funding opportunities: setting your strategy according to EU programmes and calls for proposals

• EU Development Cooperation: main actors and their roles in programming and funding 
• EU (Multi) annual programmes 
• The calls for proposals system: 
• Searching functions 
• Guidelines for applicants 
• Main steps for application   

Lesson 2 – Get EU funds: preparing a successful application form and budget

• Introduction to logframe approach and the new logframe matrix
• Key sections of the application form: tips and tricks 
• Preparing a realistic budget 

Lesson 3 – Know the EU rules: implementing effective projects

• Main rules of Grants: special conditions and general conditions
• Monitor project expenditure 
• Preparing a procurement plan 
• Ensure EU visibility 

Lesson 4 – Report to the EU: dealing with changes and interim reporting

• Dealing with changes
• Main reporting requirements 
• Preparing Interim narrative and financial reports 

Lesson 5 – Close your Action: preparing for expenditure verification and final reporting

• Hand-over of equipment and supplies
• Preparing final narrative and financial report 
• Preparing documents and records for the expenditure verifications and ex-post audits

Methodology: how to participate?

The course is delivered on-line, in a virtual classroom. All what you need to participate is a computer and and Internet connection, with webcam and microphone, if possible (but it is not mandatory). Each session is facilitated by one or more trainers who will share information, suggestions and best practices with participants, with the support of ppt presentations, websites presentation and other materials. During the webinar sessions, you will be able to interact with the trainers and the other participants with questions and comments. Between one session and the other, you will be invited to do a practical exercise on what have been learned in the previous session.

In case you will not be available at the established time, all sessions are recorded and can be followed whenever you can. If you cannot take part in one or more of the online live events, you can register anyway to the course and we will send you the webinar registration via email.

At the end of the course, a certificate of attendance will be sent to all participants.

Apply now

http://www.puntosud.org/portfolio-item/webinar-managing-eu-funded-projects/