Stage 1
All applicants must begin by submitting an initial aplication form. Once the funding round closes, all applications are separately and individually reviewed by the EEF’s team of Programme Managers in order to identify a long-list of potential projects. Applications will be assessed by the EEF team on the basis of how well they match with the EEF’s funding criteria.
The EEF Team will undertake further research and due diligence prior to taking a shortlist to be interviewed by some EEF Grants Committee members, which will give initial approval to a smaller number of projects. We will then let all applicants know the outcome of their application, usually within 2 – 3 months of the closing date for applications. Applications that have progressed through the initial interview will proceed to stage 2.
Stage 2
Projects that have received initial approval will then be progressed by our Programmes and Evaluation teams. Independent evaluators will be appointed by the EEF. The applicant, the evaluator and the EEF will work together to develop a detailed project plan, evaluation design and budget, and the EEF will undertake further due diligence. This is also the stage at which we would look to discuss the potential for co-funding with strategic partners in addition to any co-funding you have already identified. This process also usually takes 2 – 3 months.
Stage 3
Once there are specific, costed plans for the project (and for its evaluation), the remaining applications will be taken to a second meeting of the EEF’s Grants Committee, which will recommend approval to the Board of Trustees. The Board of Trustees then meets to give the projects final approval. We will then draw up a Grant Agreement with the new grantees which sets milestones to assure successful delivery of the project.
Delivery
There is normally at least 3 – 6 months between our Trustee’s approval of the project and delivery beginning in schools, in order to allow time for recruitment of schools and delivery of training. A delivery timeline will be agreed during the project planning stage outlined above.