The FEI Partnership Fund

The FEI Partnership Fund is specifically to support the work of FEI clusters. 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 (97kB MS Word) 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: the maximum amount for projects for English cluster groups will be £3,000 for 2010 - 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 2008 (45kB MS Word) and all applications should be made on the Application Form 2008 (89 kB MS Word). All applications should be agreed by your cluster group and discussed with your regional co-ordinator. Once agreed, the form and any supporting evidence should be emailed or posted to your co-ordinator and to the FEI Partnership Fund Manager Rachel Lucas (rachel.lucas@field-studies-council.org) at the Field Studies Council with a signed final copy posted to Rachel by the closing date.

Criteria for awarding FEI Partnership Fund to Cluster Group Projects: 2008

• Bids are assessed by a UK assessment panel according to the set criteria.
• You can show how your project meets the criteria in your answers to the criteria-linked questions on the application form.

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 can use a standard Final Report Form (136kB MS Word) or submit the report in a format of their choice as long as the information required within the template form is included. If the project has not been completed within this six months a brief interim report (side of A4) will be required with a full project report on completion. Final reports should be sent to the Fund Manager with a copy to your regional co-ordinator.

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. Examples of awards given can be seen in the Small Grants Awarded 2006 file.

Applications should be made using the Small Grant form 2008 and sent to your regional 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.