Grants glossary

The share of the eligible costs that the grant covers. With a 60% intensity on 10,000 euros of costs, you receive at most 6,000 euros.

In calls it is also called: “funding rate”, “co-financing rate”, “percentage of support”

The organisation that applies for the grant and, if funded, receives it and answers for it. In a partnership there can be several beneficiaries, with a coordinator.

In calls it is also called: “beneficiary”, “grantee”

The set of forms, project description and documents you submit to ask for the grant. It must be sent in the way and by the time set by the call.

In calls it is also called: “proposal”, “funding application”, “submission”

The rules the funder uses to score projects. Reading them before you write helps you answer what really matters.

In calls it is also called: “evaluation criteria”, “selection criteria”, “scoring grid”

The last part of the grant. The funder pays it after the final report and the checks.

In calls it is also called: “final payment”, “payment of the balance”

The act by which a funder opens the possibility to ask for a grant. It states who can apply, what is funded, how and by when to apply.

In calls it is also called: “call”, “funding call”, “funding opportunity”

The part of the project cost that the grant does not cover and that remains yours. You can pay it from own funds, other income or, if the call allows it, other aid.

In calls it is also called: “own contribution”, “match funding”, “matching funds”

The funder collects applications until the deadline and then compares them with a score. What counts is the quality of the project, not the order of arrival.

In calls it is also called: “competitive procedure”, “ranked selection”

The organisation that submits the application on behalf of all partners and deals with the funder. It usually receives the payments and passes them on.

In calls it is also called: “lead partner”, “lead applicant”, “lead beneficiary”

The rule that says whether you can add several aids for the same costs. It is often forbidden, or allowed only up to the maximum aid intensity.

In calls it is also called: “combination of aid”, “double funding”

The European rule for small amounts of aid. The general ceiling is 300,000 euros per undertaking over three years; some sectors have other limits. That is why calls ask for aid already received.

In calls it is also called: “de minimis aid”, “minor aid”

Your personal credentials to access public online services. Many national and regional portals require one for the legal representative.

In calls it is also called: “eID”, “national electronic identification”

The personal account to access the online services of the European Commission. You need it to apply on the Funding & Tenders Portal and other EU platforms.

In calls it is also called: “ECAS”, “European Commission account”

The signature with legal value used for many forms. You obtain it from a certified trust service provider, on a device or as an online service.

In calls it is also called: “qualified electronic signature”, “digital signature”

The costs the call agrees to fund, in the periods and ways it sets. Other costs remain yours, even if the project needs them.

In calls it is also called: “eligible expenditure”, “allowable costs”

In the first stage you submit a short proposal. Only the selected projects move on to the second stage, with the full application.

In calls it is also called: “two-stage procedure”, “concept note”, “first stage”

The funder examines applications in the order they arrive, while funds last. What counts is applying early, with a complete application.

In calls it is also called: “rolling call”, “open until funds run out”, “chronological order”

Costs that do not depend on a single activity, such as rent, utilities or administration. Many calls accept them as a fixed percentage of direct costs, without invoices.

In calls it is also called: “overheads”, “indirect costs”, “simplified cost options”

The European Commission website listing the calls managed directly by the EU, where applications are also submitted. You need an EU Login account.

In calls it is also called: “F&T Portal”, “Funding and Tenders Opportunities”

The European regulation that allows some State aid without prior approval by the Commission. It sets maximum intensities and conditions, such as the incentive effect.

In calls it is also called: “GBER”, “Regulation (EU) No 651/2014”

Money you do not have to pay back, provided you follow the rules of the call. It usually covers a percentage of the eligible costs.

In calls it is also called: “non-repayable grant”, “subsidy”, “award”

The agreement between you and the funder after your project is selected. It sets activities, budget, timing, payments and obligations.

In calls it is also called: “funding agreement”, “grant decision”, “award letter”

A guarantee from a bank or insurer that covers the funder if you have to pay money back. Some calls require it before paying the pre-financing.

In calls it is also called: “bank guarantee”, “surety bond”

A public office that informs and assists, free of charge, those who want to apply to a European programme. Each country has one for the main programmes.

In calls it is also called: “National Contact Point”, “NCP”, “national agency”

The rule that aid must push you to do something you would not do without it. In practice many calls ask you not to start the project before applying.

In calls it is also called: “no start before application”, “start of works”

A fixed amount, agreed at the start, for part of the project. You receive it if you complete the planned activities, without reporting each cost.

In calls it is also called: “lump-sum funding”, “fixed amount”

The support instrument described by a call or a programme. The same measure can reopen with several calls over the years.

In calls it is also called: “funding scheme”, “funding line”, “action”

The code that classifies a company's economic activity in the EU. Many calls admit or exclude companies by this code, shown in the business register.

In calls it is also called: “activity code”, “economic activity classification”

An organisation that pursues general-interest aims without distributing profits. Some calls are reserved for these organisations or apply specific rules to them.

In calls it is also called: “charity”, “association”, “foundation”

The nine-digit code that identifies an organisation in European Union programmes. You obtain it by registering the organisation on the Funding & Tenders Portal.

In calls it is also called: “Participant Identification Code”

The group of organisations that submits and carries out a project together. Many European calls require partners from several countries.

In calls it is also called: “consortium”, “project partners”, “partner network”

The part of the grant paid at the start of the project, before the costs are incurred. The funder sometimes asks for a guarantee in return.

In calls it is also called: “advance payment”, “prefinancing”

The list of projects ordered by score. The funder supports those at the top, until the budget runs out.

In calls it is also called: “list of selected projects”, “award decision”

The total or partial withdrawal of the grant, for example if you do not meet obligations or deadlines. Money already received must be paid back, often with interest.

In calls it is also called: “revocation”, “reimbursement order”, “clawback”

The phase in which you prove costs and activities with invoices, payments and reports. After the checks, the funder pays the balance.

In calls it is also called: “final report”, “financial report”, “cost statement”

The funder's request to complete or clarify your application. The deadline is short: if you do not answer, the application can be rejected.

In calls it is also called: “request for missing documents”, “regularisation”

For the European Union an SME has fewer than 250 staff. Its turnover is up to 50 million euros, or its balance sheet up to 43 million. Linked companies count too.

In calls it is also called: “small and medium-sized enterprise”, “micro, small and medium-sized enterprises”

A signed statement in which you certify a fact instead of providing a certificate. If it is false, you lose the grant and risk penalties.

In calls it is also called: “declaration on honour”, “sworn statement”

A loan you repay, but on better terms than the market: low or zero interest, longer periods. It is sometimes combined with a grant part.

In calls it is also called: “subsidised loan”, “low-interest loan”, “concessional loan”

Economic advantages that public bodies give to companies and economic activities. European rules limit them to protect competition, which is why many calls name the regulation they apply.

In calls it is also called: “aid scheme”, “public support to undertakings”

Proof that you are up to date with taxes and social contributions. Almost every funder checks it before paying the grant.

In calls it is also called: “certificate of good standing”, “social security clearance”

Aid that does not arrive as a payment but reduces the taxes or contributions you owe. It is used according to the rules of the measure.

In calls it is also called: “tax relief”, “fiscal incentive”

VAT counts as a cost only if you cannot recover it. For companies and professionals who deduct it, it is usually not eligible.

In calls it is also called: “non-recoverable VAT”, “VAT as a cost”

A fixed-amount grant to buy a specific service, such as consultancy or digitalisation. The procedure is usually simple and first come, first served.

In calls it is also called: “innovation voucher”, “fixed-amount grant”

The document in which a European programme announces the calls of the coming months, with topics and budgets. Reading it lets you prepare before the call opens.

In calls it is also called: “annual work programme”, “work plan”