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EU: PEACE 2014 - 2020

Archived Adult Education/Learning Age Communities Community and neighbourhood development Community development Cross community Education and learning good relations Human rights and equality Multiculturalism Peace and reconciliation Pre-school education Racial equality Rural development School, College and University Social inclusion Social welfare and poverty Un/Employed Urban development Young people (13-25) Antrim & Newtownabbey Ards & North Down Armagh City, Banbridge & Craigavon Belfast City Causeway Coast and Glens Derry City and Strabane Fermanagh and Omagh Lisburn and Castlereagh Mid and East Antrim Mid Ulster Newry, Mourne and Down Northern Ireland Republic of Ireland Large (over £60,000) Medium (up to £60,000)

Overview

How much funding is available?

The European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) contribution to the Programme is €229m. Up to 85% of funding is available under the ERDF. The remaining 15% will normally be provided by the Northern Ireland Executive and the Irish Government. However in some funding calls applicants may be requested to identify other sources of match-funding.

What’s new for 2014-2020?

In line with the Europe 2020 strategy the EC requires that all of the new 2014-2020 programmes be more ‘concentrated’. Therefore PEACE will focus on a narrower range of activities to ensure that there is sufficient available funding to bring about significant change.

Successful applicants must be able to demonstrate tangible results and outputs in the delivery of their projects which are aligned with the overall objectives of the Programme. There is also a renewed focus on administrative simplification within the new Programme to assist beneficiaries in the implementation of their projects.

Who can apply?

Subject to eligibility checks, applications can be submitted from a wide range of organisations including Local Authorities; Voluntary and Community Sector Organisations, Public Bodies. (This list is not exhaustive).

The PEACE Programme has four key priority areas, as detailed below. These priorities are a result of extensive research and public consultation carried out by the SEUPB.

Shared Education:

To increase the level of direct, sustained and curriculum-based contact between pupils and teachers from all backgrounds.

Children & Young People:

To help young people, in particular those not in education, employment and/or training (NEETs) to develop a greater understanding and respect for diversity; access new opportunities and become active citizens.

Shared Spaces & Services:

To create new shared spaces and services where people from different communities and backgrounds can come together to learn from and respect each other.

Building Positive Relations at a Local Level:

To create a society characterised by good relations and respect, where cultural identity is celebrated and people can live, learn and socialise together free from prejudice, hate and intolerance.

What kinds of projects will be supported?

A two stage assessment process will be used to determine the success of any application. The following criteria, detailed below, will be used to assess all applications:

  1. The results and outputs of any application must be in line with the results and outputs of the Programme. (These will be detailed in the call for applications).

  2. The Programme encourages cross-border co-operation, however projects can be implemented in one jurisdiction where they are aligned to the results and outputs of the Programme.

  3. Applicants must be able to show evidence of good corporate governance and partnership arrangements.

  4. Applications must have a high quality of project design in terms of pre-planning and implementation.

  5. Applicants must be able to demonstrate that their project represents value for money.

  6. The project must contribute to sustainable development and equality.

Please see a list of projects on the website which have been awarded funding under the current PEACE IV Programme (2014-2020). This information is correct as of the end of August 2019.

Where can I get more information about the Programme?

A copy of the full content of the Cooperation Programme for PEACE IV is available here.

A Citizen's Summary of this document is available here. An Irish version of the Summary is also available here.