The FEI Partnership Fund
HomeThe FEI Partnership Fund is specifically to support the work of FEI cluster groups. It can provide match funding for specific activities, which enhance the overall objectives of FEI. These are to help develop, among young people, a greater understanding of trees, woodlands, forest management, forest products and wood as a sustainable resource.
Only established FEI clusters can apply; that is, those having a signed Letter of Accreditation and a bank account. It is a challenge fund, which means that applicants are competing for a limited amount of money in each financial year. Match funding is essential and preference is given to clusters that seek private sector support. The maximum amount that can be applied for in a single application is £5,000 and the minimum amount is £201. Please note for 2011-12 FEI Scotland Partnership Fund applications require no match funding - 100% funding - Please see Funding Guidance Note for full details. Due to the spending review cuts to Forestry Commission England , there will be NO partnership fund available to English cluster groups in 2011.
There are three funding rounds a year with closing dates 1st February, 1st June and 1st October.
Information on all aspects of the application process can be found in the Funding Guidance Note and all applications should be made online.
All applications should be agreed by your cluster group and minuted.
Discuss the application with your national co-ordinator and then draft an online application for your national co-ordinator to work up with you 2 weeks prior to the closing date.
The online application can be found here.
When your online application is finalised please send a signed hard copy with all supporting evidence to the FEI Partnership Fund Manager Rachel Lucas (rachel.lucas@field-studies-council.org) at the Field Studies Council by the closing date.
Criteria for awarding FEI Partnership Fund to Cluster Group Projects: 2011-12
| Criteria |
E = essential
D = desirable |
Criteria-linked questions |
| 1. Which of the FEI aims and objectives does the project meet? FEI Aims (MS Word Doc 23kB) |
E
|
Q7 |
| 2. Does it involve local people, organisations and/or industries? |
E
|
Q11 and Q24 |
| 3. Does it involve a FEI partner? |
D
|
Q11 |
| 4. Is the project linked to an appropriate curriculum? |
E
|
Q18 |
| 5. Has advice been sought from relevant professionals and groups (including FEI co-ordinator)? |
E
|
Q21, Q23, Q24 and Q25 |
| 6. Is half the match funding in cash? |
E
|
Q26 |
| 7. Will the project give value for money? This relates to the project’s outputs and outcomes |
E
|
Q10, Q16 and Q20 |
| 8. Will the benefits be sustained beyond a single event/project? |
E
|
Q7, Q8, Q9, Q18 and Q20 |
| 9. Is it an idea that could be used by other FEI cluster groups? |
D
|
Q7, Q8, Q9 and Q18 |
| 10. Is the project innovative or does it introduce proven practice to a new geographical area or new client group? |
E
|
Q7 and Q16 |
| 11. What FEI funding has the cluster group received in the last three years? |
D
|
FEI records |
| 12. Has the project got appropriate polices and procedures in place? |
E
|
Q12, Q13 and Q14 |
| 13. Is there a process for evaluating the success of the project? |
E
|
Q17 |
Eligible project costs include hire of people, for example, supply teachers, advice, training hire or purchase of materials, machinery or services and paying for printing and publicity for projects. Cluster groups should feel able to explore a wide range of possible projects.
Final reports
All applicants are required to provide a final report to FEI in order for other clusters to learn and benefit from individual cluster projects. The final report should be received no later than 6 months after funding has been received. Clusters should complete the Final Report online. If the project has not been completed within this six months a brief interim report (side of A4) will be required with a full online project report on completion.
Small Grants
Funding has been allocated to allow every constituted FEI Cluster Group to claim up to £200 in this year. The grant can be claimed for a variety of items, at any time during the year and will be awarded subject to approval by your co-ordinator.
Applications should be made using the Small Grant Form and sent to your national co-ordinator for approval.
Please remember your regional co-ordinators are available to offer advice as well as to avoid duplication of project work across Great Britain.
