What Can be Funded and for How Long?

Project duration

Funding is available for the financial years 2012-2014 commencing 1 April 2012 up to 31 March 2014; funding for 2013-2014 will be subject to approval by Parliament.

Project size

• There is no maximum amount for bids, but unions must scope activity and objectives rigorously before identifying funding requirements.
• The amount requested in the bid should reflect a realistic level of activity and outcomes, and represent value for money. 

Salaries

• The ULF will support the payment of salaries to project staff responsible for running the project.
• There will be no ongoing commitment to funding salaries.
• Funding will not be given to cover the salary costs of existing union posts.
• Funding will not be given to cover employer costs of releasing union members to attend training/learning activities or to train as ULRs.

Employer-funded training

• It is not intended that ULF should be used to replace employer-funded training,
  for instance by funding purely job-specific courses for employees, which should be the responsibility of employers.

European Social Fund

• ULF monies can be used to match fund a European Social Fund (ESF) project in certain circumstances.

Double funding

• Double funding is not permissible and applications will be checked to ensure that they avoid any possible double funding. Where unionlearn are operating a regional fund or specific project, unions will need to demonstrate additionality between activities funded under each funding stream in order to ensure value for money.