A selection of images representing communities.
ERDF is aimed at economic regeneration projects promoted primarily by the public sector. This involves:
This by no means excludes the private sector, which promotes and helps to fund high quality projects that meet ERDF objectives. Generally, ERDF grants are not given to profit-making private sector companies but in certain circumstances the fund can be used to help to develop small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). We encourage private sector companies to present applications in partnership with a public sector body.
ERDF helps projects which offer substantial benefits that meet the needs of the region and wouldn't take place without a grant. The rest of the funding, known as 'match funding', comes from other sources such as: RDAs, local authorities, government schemes, other public bodies and the private sector.
To apply for ERDF investment, contact the regional development agency (RDA) for your region. The RDA can advise you on the application process: including advice on the potential of projects and their eligibility for ERDF funding.
Links to the RDAs are available on the right of this page.
ERDF funding is also available from nine European Territorial Co-operation programmes - see link on the left of this page.