Objective 3: European Social Fund Programme 2000-2006
The Objective 3 European Social Fund Programme covers all of Lowland Scotland covering 25 full unitary authority regions as well as parts of an additional three authorities.
The Fund has a financial allocation of € 520 million (approximately £357 million), began in 2000 and will run until the end of 2006 (although some projects will continue to run in 2007).
The Programme has funded projects under 5 themes, or priorities - raising employability; addressing social exclusion; lifelong learning; supporting development of a skilled entrepreneurial workforce and addressing the gender imbalances. These projects can be run by Voluntary Organisations, Social Economy Firms, Local Authorities and Further and Higher Education establishments For up-to-date information on the European Social Fund visit the Objective 3 Partnership's website www.objective3.org.
Approximately 1% of the European Social Fund, £3.4 million is set aside for funding small voluntary organisations and Social Economy Organisations awarding grants of up to £50,000 to improve their sustainability and competitiveness. This is currently being managed by Communities Scotland within their Futurebuilders Seedcorn Fund. For further information visit Communities Scotlands website www.communitiesscotland.gov.uk.
Examples of projects funded through the O3 Programme
EQUAL
Examples of projects funded through the EQUAL Programme
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