TNC Planning

Preparing a cooperation project

Preparing a TNC application for funding

Following confirmation of the partnership agreement, the next step involves applying for project funding. LAGs will normally each apply for their own funding. Applications can be prepared by the project team or by experienced external consultants.

One of the main success factors involved in drafting TNC funding applications is your understanding of the RDP rules/procedures about cooperation. It is advisable to know about the rules in both your own and your partners’ territories. See samples of TNC rules and procedures for different countries.

Another success factor relates to being able to make a clear presentation of your project proposal. This should contain (at least) the following elements:

• Presentation of the structure and organisation of the partnership;
• Presentation of the lead partner’s and other partners’ territories;
• Common and individual objectives;
• Planned actions - transnational actions and, when relevant, local actions which will also be part of (and be financed by) the project;
• Expected results and added value;
• Monitoring and evaluation framework (including indicators);
• Calendar and time-table;
• Roles of the different partners;
• Project management structure (including reference to human resources and their experience);
• Financial aspects covering costs and resource requirements. Differentiate between local and transnational expenditure. Clarify different partners’ budget allocations. Present cash flow models. Consider contingencies, especially if different/non-fixed currency exchange rates are involved; and
• Communication strategy (targeting internal and external groups).

The content of the application form has to be approved by partner(s). Such a procedure helps to ensure ownership of the project by all partners and encourages consistency across the partners’ different funding applications. Endorsement of the lead application by all partners may require translations of the text, which should be budgeted for.

Complementary documents and adaptations might also be required (i.e. letters of intent and/or of commitment of the different partners, etc.), so make sure that you attach all the required elements when you send your application form.

Examples of communication tools

Bringing together the required resources: knowledge and technical

Besides the internal human resources that you have foreseen in your application, additional support may be available from rural networks such as:

• Regional rural networks (where they exist). These may offer advice about the content of funding applications;
• National rural networks. Also provide funding advice as well as methodological guidance and partner search functions; and
• ENRD Contact Point facilities help with information about cooperation issues and provide on-line partners search services.

Roles of the different partners

Selection grid for cooperation projects