In the face of tough economic times civil society organisations are increasingly seen as a key way forward for growth in Europe.

NCVO and Euclid network are co-hosting an event today with Nick Hurd, Minister for Civil Society, as part of the OCS Strategic Partners programme to identify ways to unlock EU funds.

In recent announcements 50M Euros have been put forward through the European Social Investment and Entrepreneurship Fund from the European Investment Bank.

The new Social Business Initiative will dedicate a further 90M Euros to social investment.

At the same time, many of the traditional EU funding sources are being revitalised, including a new round of the European Social Fund and better access to a number of project funding programmes such as Europe for Citizens, Grundtvig and Leonardo.

There is a real opportunity to transform the funding environment and to establish simpler rules of application and accounting in the next programme.

This should include:

Smaller contracts and potentially an expanded Community Grants programme to ensure smaller organisations can access funds in an easy format

Less bureaucratic accounting procedures- it would be extremely helpful if the Minister would push for simpler processes to apply and report on EU funding, including reduction in additional requirements by domestic departments and local authorities

More transnational exchanges-European funds provide a unique opportunity for UK civil society to share best practice and deliver projects in partnership across Europe

Sir Stuart Etherington, CEO of NCVO, said: “In the current climate we are keen to ensure that the EU is able to respond to the needs of civil society. My work at the European Economic & Social Committee will continue to push for better access to EU funds for the benefit of all our members.”

Sir Stephen Bubb, CEO of ACEVO and secretary general of Euclid, said: “Europe has announced a major new initiative to support civil society and third sector organisations across Europe.

"They want to expand the social investment market for our sector. When cuts in public spending are increasingly hurting us this is welcome. But the Commission will need to back their strong new rhetoric with substantial and accessible investment funds. "

Nick Hurd, minister for Civil Society, said: “The European Union is a major source of funding for charities, voluntary groups and social enterprises. It’s absolutely vital that these funds are delivered with the minimum bureaucracy and are clearly sign posted to the organisations that need them.

"NCVO and Euclid Network both provide an excellent opportunity for the sector to discuss funding issues directly with the European Commission.”

Mark Mitchell, chief executive of Community Action Dacorum, said: "Seeing how organisations and communities across Europe address similar social issues broadens our horizons and the service we deliver in our local area."

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