FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

There is an extension to the deadline for applications to the European Social Catalyst Fund and consequent rescheduling of all key dates.

The new deadline for applications is 11th September 2020 17:00 (CEST).

Please download the updated call for applications or visit www.euscf.eu/apply. 

Queries related to eligible countries and organisations

Non-profit organisations are not primarily commercial in purpose and do not distribute profits to a set of directors, stockholders, or managers. Non-profit organisations can generate income as a result of their income generation activities in the course of their operations, but any surpluses are reinvested in the objectives of the organisation. A copy of an official document attesting that the organisation has a legal or statutory obligation not to distribute profits to shareholders or individual members will need to be uploaded on the application form. 

Public agencies include organisations with international mandates (generally funded by contributions from national governments) and state agencies or any local subdivision thereof, or any state or local department, agency, board or commission.

Yes, applications can be made by collaborations involving public and private agencies, public agencies; or private non-profit agencies. The lead applicant must be a non-profit.

Contracting non-profit and for-profit expertise is permitted and they may also form part of the consortium if the applicant so wishes. However, it is important to remember that the lead applicant must be a non-profit organisation. When applications are being assessed a judgement will be made about the capacity of the organisation(s) applying to develop and execute an implementation plan.

Successful applications will focus on scaling social service innovations within or across EU Member States. The lead applicant must be based in an EU Member State. Organisations from non-EU countries may be part of consortia that apply but only EU Member States can benefit from the funding. EU-based organisations applying to the ESCF may contract expertise from outside the EU to assist with the development of plans for implementation within EU Member States – these contracted experts may also form part of the consortium if the applicant so wishes.

It is expected that successful applicants will be involved with the project for a period between February and September 2021 which is beyond the transition period for the UK leaving the European Union. 

This is the only call from the ESCF at this time.

We understand that applications for funding to the Horizon 2020 Programme can be made by participating countries including Switzerland, UK, Norway, Turkey, Israel and others. However, the ESCF is a project that applied to the Horizon 2020 Programme and is part-funded by this Programme to address social challenges in EU member states. The original call also states that the applications need to be for plans which are relevant for scaling in EU member states. 

Yes, when we state ‘non-profit agency’ this includes non-profit organisations.

Applications can be made by collaborations involving public and private agencies, public agencies; or private non-profit agencies. The lead applicant must be a non-profit.
 

See previous definition of non-profit organisation.

There is no criterion that would preclude an organisation with religious values from applying.

For the purposes of the applications to the ESCF we refer to the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), which defines the group of Central Eastern European Countries which are also EU Member States to include - Bulgaria, Croatia, the Czech Republic, Hungary, Poland, Romania, the Slovakia, Slovenia, and the three Baltic States: Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania. (The OECD list also includes Albania but this is not an EU Member State and therefore falls outside of the ESCF criteria)

Yes individuals may be part of a consortium as long as the lead applicant is a non-profit organisation.

The lead applicant/organisation must be in a position to address at least one of the priority social challenge areas as outlined in point 2 of the eligibility criteria for the call.

Queries related to application support

You can reset your password on the log in page https://genio.fluxx.io/portal

Yes, the 3500 character limit includes spaces. Please note “characters left for field” in grey font below the text box. This indicates the number of characters available and will count down to zero as you insert text and spaces in the box.

Please contact the ESCF team by emailing info@euscf.eu.

The description of your organisation and its model should go in the ‘Capacities’ section of the application form a) parts I and II.

We are not in a position to take queries over the phone, please email info@euscf.eu and we will respond as quickly as possible. For the purposes of transparency, relevant answered queries will be added to this FAQ page. To download the full details of the call and criteria go to www.euscf.eu/application-criteria.

Applications are accepted through the ESCF online application form only. In order to apply you must complete the eligibility quiz and register your details here: https://genio.fluxx.io/apply/escf

Due to conflict of interest issues, personnel from organisations who are part of the ESCF Consortium i.e. Genio, the Robert Bosch Stiftung or the King Baudouin Foundation cannot assist in framing an application to the fund. In cases where a submission is received from an organisation that is currently being (or has in the past been) supported by a member of the ESCF Consortium (e.g. through a grant programme separate to the ESCF) a conflict of interest also applies and that consortium member will recuse himself/herself from the evaluation and decision-making process concerning that submission. 

While we are not in a position to comment on specific applications, please note that support from the ESCF is for the development of implementation plans to scale proven social service innovations. Please carefully read the application and evaluation criteria. You may also complete the eligibility quiz on the ESCF application form for further guidance.

We are not in a position to recommend particular organisations for applicants to partner with.

Not at this time. All information is publicly available on the website www.euscf.eu.

Queries related to finance & budgets 

It is expected that the lead applicant will have a well-established internal control framework in place underpinned by Financial Policies and Procedures (relevant to the geographic location of the organisation). Shortlisted applicants may be required to provide details of their financial policies and procedures.

Costs incurred to circumvent potential restrictions of Covid-19, with the intention of achieving the same objective outlined in the application budget (such as video conferencing instead of travel costs), will be permissible as long as it does not exceed the original budgeted cost. In the event that this results in cost-savings, money should be returned to the ESCF to be re-allocated to related programme activity.

Capital costs relate to fixed assets; generally, this includes items such as purchase of premises/buildings; and office equipment such as computers, phones and IT infrastructure and office furniture. All reasonable costs outside of capital costs will be considered if deemed appropriate to the development of a robust, detailed implementation plan. Costs submitted must be specific and justifiable against the overall application.

Funding from the ESCF is intended to support the planning process and will not be given for capital costs. Applicants must demonstrate that budget items are reasonable and well-substantiated. 100% of costs may be funded by the grant if appropriately outlined. Alternatively, applicants may be in receipt of funding from other sources including the European Union. Applicants are asked to declare if they are receiving funding for the development of the implementation plan to scale social innovations from any other source in addition to the funding they are seeking from the ESCF. Costs submitted must be specific, justifiable and reasonable.

The amount of turnover within the lead (non-profit) organisation is not part of the evaluation criteria but they must:

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• Provide audited financial statements for the previous 2 years and shall complete a declaration that they do not have any ‘going concern’ issues.

• Provide evidence of adequate management and financial systems.

• Be GDPR compliant.

• Ensure processes are compliant with EU ethical standards.

• Demonstrate a commitment to gender equality.

Each selected application will receive a planning grant of up to €100,000 along with capacity building support. A minimum of €600,000 will be allocated to support at least 6 plans.

Applicants for ESCF funding may be in receipt of funding from other sources including the European Union. Applicants are asked to declare if they are receiving funding for the development of the implementation plan to scale social innovations from any other source in addition to the funding they are seeking from the ESCF.

The ESCF will provide financial and capacity building support to develop implementation plans to scale proven social service innovations. Co-financing is not a requirement to receive funding from the ESCF to develop plans. However, as per previous questions, we will also accept applications which may be in receipt of funding from other sources including the European Union. Applicants are asked to declare if they are receiving funding for the development of the implementation plan to scale social innovations from any other source in addition to the funding they are seeking from the ESCF.

Yes, costs for personnel employed, or contracted, to assist in preparing a plan are admissible.

These expenses may be included in a budget. Funding from the ESCF is intended to support the planning process and will not be given for capital costs. Applicants must demonstrate that budget items are reasonable and well-substantiated.

The costs for personnel employed, or contracted, to assist in preparing a plan are admissible. Contracting non-profit or for-profit expertise is permitted. The lead applicant must be a non-profit organisation. Organisations/consortia will be evaluated against the published criteria which seek to establish, among other things, the capacities of the applicants to develop and execute a plan for scaling. Applicants must demonstrate that budget items are reasonable and well-substantiated.

We are not in a position to comment on specific examples out of context of a full application. Collaborations may involve public and private agencies, public agencies; or private non-profit agencies. Costs submitted must be specific, justifiable and reasonable.

For the purposes of the application, only the lead organisation needs to provide audited financial statements for the previous 2 years, if the application is shortlisted. If this is not possible for your organisation i.e. you have not been established for more than 2 years, we would recommend that another more established organisation within your consortium acts as the lead.

Yes, the costs for personnel employed, or contracted, to assist in preparing a plan are admissible. It is important to remember that a judgement will be made about the capacity of the organisation(s) applying to develop and execute an implementation plan. Reasonable costs are non-capital costs that are deemed appropriate to the development of a robust, detailed implementation plan. 

The budget template is available to download within the application portal under ‘Portal Instructions’. It is also available within the application itself under “Quality of the application to develop the plan” part B (iii). Here also is a direct link to the budget template. A pop-up should appear asking you to save the file to your device.

The time period for support to develop an implementation plan is from February 2021 to September 2021. As plans supported through the ESCF have to be submitted by 30 September 2021, funding is expected to be spent during the period between February 2021 to September 2021 when planning is taking place. Applicants should only apply for funding up to €100,000 that will be spent on developing the plan. If less is needed to develop the plan, applicants should apply for less.

The purpose of the grants is to support the development of detailed implementation plans only to scale up evidence-based social service innovations.

‘Stationery’ may also be described as ‘office supplies’. The budget categories are suggestions only and it is not necessary to include each category if it is not relevant to your application.

The budget categories are suggestions only and it is not necessary to include each category if it is not relevant to your application. There is also an ‘Other’ category on the dropdown list if you feel the available options do not apply to your budget lines. On the application form, within the Budget Section Part iii, you have the opportunity to explain the budget items you have entered. Applicants must demonstrate that budget items are reasonable and well-substantiated.

One budget document only should be submitted per application to include all costs across the consortium. Under budget categories, (i) you may enter multiple budget lines for each category with costs for each partner on separate lines; or (ii) you can summarise all costs within a budget category on one line, but in this case please include an explanation note detailing the breakdown across the consortium. The most important thing is that the budget items are clearly explained.

ESCF funding will not be given for capital costs. Purchase of equipment and depreciation costs are considered capital costs and therefore are not eligible. 

Queries related to research & evidence

Yes, national data and statistics can be used to explain the need for the innovation proposed in the application. The evidence requirements above relate to evidence showing the proven effectiveness of the innovation proposed to date.

This would equate to Level VII Evidence from the opinion of authorities and/or reports of expert committees as per the hierarchy of evidence document provided.

The information provided in the ESCF call and criteria document describes the criteria and the way in which different types of evidence are graded. The purpose of this information is to assist potential applicants to make a judgement as to whether their innovation might be a good fit for this Call which is open and competitive. While the information provided makes clear the various criteria that will be used to evaluate applications, the ESCF is a new initiative, launched in January 2020, and there are no previous examples of innovations supported through the ESCF available at this stage.

Full details on the call and eligibility criteria including Appendix 1 and 2 may be downloaded here. 

The Call for Applications to the European Social Catalyst Fund is an open competitive one and it is not possible at this stage to predict how applications will score on criteria grouped under various headings. Please refer to the evaluation criteria which details how each criterion will be scored.

To be eligible to apply for ESCF funding, the organisation/consortium must propose an innovation which is evidence-based. The evidence base does not have to be at a national level to apply but as per the evaluation guidelines preference will be given to innovations that have the most robust evidence of success. Please see appendix 1 of the call document for more details on the hierarchy of evidence and appendix 2 for the levels of social service adoption.

Yes, however, at least one member of the organisation(s) making the application has to have experience of applying the model and as per the assessment criteria outlined on the call for applications (see www.euscf.eu/application-criteria), innovations that already have a level of adoption within EU Member States will be weighted more heavily.

While we are not in a position to comment on specific applications, please note that support from the ESCF is for the development of implementation plans to scale proven social service innovations. Please carefully read the application and evaluation criteria. You may also complete the eligibility quiz on the ESCF application form for further guidance.

This is admissible as per the application and evaluation criteria. 

There is no shortlist of accepted evidence-based models for this application process. It is expected that applicants will identify a proven innovation for which they seek to develop an implementation plan; and that an existing understanding and experience of that innovation is represented in the organisation or consortium of organisations applying. Preference will be given to innovations that have the most robust evidence of success.

Demonstrating relevance should refer to the extent of the challenge in the particular country and the extent to which conditions for implementing a plan to scale the social service innovation to meet that challenge pertain (in as far as is possible at this point). Whether demonstrating relevance by referring to policy and research findings will be adequate will vary depending on the particular social challenge and the existence of adequate research.  

Successful applications and application documentation

The participation period for successful applicants will be February 2021 to December 2021.

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The purpose of the grants is to support the development of detailed implementation plans only. February 2021 – September 2021 is the timeline for the development of an implementation plan. 30 September 2021 is the date for the submission of a fully developed plan. It is intended that during the project a further phase will be designed, which will include a focus on supporting implementation of the plans to scale.

​It is intended that there will be three payments over the course of the plan development period. Upon receipt of reports and subject to progress, the ESCF will issue payments to the awardees of the ESCF as they develop their plans. February 2021 – September 2021 is the timeline for the development of an implementation plan.

We do not anticipate the administrative burden for successful applicants to be too onerous. It will be expected that information on spending against an agreed budget, including receipts, will be provided. There will also be monitoring and support visits during the planning process that successful applicants will be expected to engage in. We will be designing an impact evaluation framework that we would like successful applicants to contribute views to, based on their experience. We will have some opportunities for shared learning amongst successful applicants.

It is not necessary for the applicant to have the plan designed and printed – an online electronic document will be sufficient. There is no limit on the length the plan must be. The important point is that the plans provide adequate detail concerning how, by whom, with what resources, over what timeframe and to what extent the implementation will contribute to meeting the particular social challenge in question.  

The ESCF is accepting applications from across EU Member States. It is anticipated that the successful applicants will represent a range of social challenge and geographic areas.

This is not required at the application stage and will only be required of applicants who have been shortlisted.

In recognition that there are slight variations in financial regulations within different countries, equivalent available documentation to audited financial statements will be considered, which are in-line with the financial regulations of the lead applicant’s country. Please note, this documentation will only be required from shortlisted applicants.

The organisation will be expected to provide a statement of commitment with the general principles of GDPR legislation and guidelines. Complete compliance guidelines and support can be found here.

The organisation will be expected to provide a statement of commitment to comply - where relevant – with EU ethical standards which can be found here.

Applicants must take measures to promote equal opportunities between men and women in the implementation of the action. The management and decision-making structures of each implementation plan will be examined to ensure commitment to reach a gender balance at a target of 50%. Applicants will be required to provide a statement of commitment and actions relating to these measures.

Successful applicants will be required to retain verifiable evidence of all expenditure against the agreed budget. Further details of this will be discussed with successful applicants when grant contracts are issued for sign off.

A sworn translation may be required if your application is shortlisted. This is not necessary for the initial application.

If you click on the small print icon at the right hand top of the page of the application form it creates a pdf that can be saved and printed.

Further phase of ESCF

Decisions have not been made concerning a further phase of the ESCF as it will be designed on the basis of learning during this phase. Therefore, there is no guarantee of funding from a further phase at this point. However, applicants that succeed in competing for support this year for planning from the ESCF will be well placed to apply for support for implementation, should a further phase be established.

There are 6 objectives of the European Social Catalyst Fund (ESCF). The 6th objective is to design a further phase of the ESCF based on learning obtained in the process of achieving the first 5 objectives.

This further phase will be designed to focus on providing a stimulus at EU level to unlock public and private resources at EU Member State level for the implementation of plans to scale proven social innovations. 

Consortia & collaboration

Several proposals to scale proven solutions will be accepted but must be made individually to enable evaluation of each one against the published criteria. The applications will need to demonstrate that all approaches have strong evidence and potential impact and will need to demonstrate that they are part of a single overall, integrated innovation to address a social challenge.

Applicants will be evaluated against the published criteria which seek to establish, among other things, the capacities of the applicants to develop a plan for scaling. It would be unusual for one organisation to have all the capacities required to significantly tackle a social challenge without collaborating with others to succeed.

It is important that each partner organisation has a clear role. A judgement will be made about the capacity of the organisation(s) applying to develop and execute an implementation plan. Please provide as much relevant detail as possible to demonstrate the roles that each consortium member will play.

You may submit a proposal to develop a plan that aims to scale proven innovations within one country, or across a number of countries. If you aim to scale an innovation across a number of countries it is likely that the consortium will have members from the countries targeted. Also, you must explain how the plan is relevant to at least 5 EU Member States, including the one(s), in which you actually intend to scale.

Applications can be made by collaborations involving public and private agencies, public agencies; or private non-profit agencies. It is up to applicants to decide who to include in consortia.

As per previous query, you may submit a proposal to develop a plan that aims to scale proven innovations within one country, or across a number of countries. If you aim to scale an innovation across a number of countries it is likely that the consortium will have members from the countries targeted. Also, you must explain how the plan is relevant to at least 5 EU Member States, including the one(s), in which you actually intend to scale.

Applicants are asked to answer the question ‘What is the evidence that key partners (public, private, non-profit, philanthropic) are open to collaborating on developing the plan in the geographic area where the planning will take place and what are the current linkages between the proposers and these organisations? Do the applicants have strong international linkages that could assist with this planning?' Formal documentation is not being requested at this stage but will be required of shortlisted applicants.

It is assumed for the purpose of the application that agreement and consent for the involvement of all organisations listed as consortium members has been established prior to submitting the application. Written agreements between organisations in consortia applying to the ESCF are not being requested at this stage but will be required of shortlisted consortia applying. 

The section on ‘Capacities’ within the application form invites you to describe the capacities, experience, networks and linkages between the consortia members. It is up to applicants as to how this information is presented, we are not seeking a specific format.

Yes, the plan must be relevant to at least 5 EU Member States, including at least two Central and Eastern European Countries - but you may include as many CEECs as you wish as long as they are EU Member States.

It is expected that applicants will identify the appropriate activities and engagement for the planning process specific to the social service innovation being proposed for scale.

Miscellaneous

The ESCF will provide financial and capacity building support to develop plans to scale proven social service innovations. It is expected that applicants will identify a proven innovation for which they seek to develop an implementation plan; and that an existing understanding and experience of that innovation is represented in the organisation or consortium of organisations applying.

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These innovations are not confined to the health or care areas. You will see in the ESCF call and criteria document the challenge areas that are relevant. 

Please refer to appendix 2 of the call document for the rating scheme of adoption of social innovations. Scaling might for example be at a regional, national or international level. You can see the weighting assigned on the evaluation criteria under ‘Potential Impact’ section c) Evidence.

Yes. Each application submitted will be evaluated individually and independently of each other.

The ESCF is a new initiative designed to have significant impact on some of Europe’s most pressing social challenges. The fund was first launched in January 2020 so there are no previous initiatives supported through the ESCF.

The ESCF is a new initiative launched in January 2020 so we have no data regarding the successful rate for this call. It is anticipated that at least 6 applications will be selected. The call for applications is open and competitive. Please review the evaluation criteria which details how each criterion is scored on the application. 

Plans should detail how the ESCF criteria will be met. These refer to the:
 

• Relevance and extent of the specific social challenge.

• Potential impact on the challenge.

• Evidence of success of the innovation.

• Scope of potential impact geographically.

• Promotion of citizen-centred approaches.

• Capacities of the applicant(s).

• Networks and linkages.

• Activities, timeframe, Methodology and risk management.

• Budget.

Unfortunately, the call is only available in English and we are only in a position to accept applications in English. This is in order to facilitate processing of the application. In addition, English will be used to communicate with beneficiaries regarding the follow up and the monitoring of grants.

Ecological transition refers to energy transition (energy efficiency, preference for renewable energies), industrial transition (local production of recyclable goods in a circular economy perspective) as well as agri-food transition (replacement of an industrial agriculture by an organic one). Social-ecological transition refers to actions that respond to environmental change in socially progressive ways.  

You may submit a proposal to develop a plan that aims to scale proven innovations within one country, or across a number of countries. If you aim to scale an innovation across a number of countries it is likely that the consortium will have members from the countries targeted. Preference will be given to applications that aim to reach the most significant scale.

However, you must explain how the plan is relevant to at least 5 EU Member States, including the one(s), in which you actually intend to scale and at least 2 Central and Eastern Europe Countries (CEECs). 

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