The two regional funds, the Capacity Building Fund and the Cooperation Fund, will accept project proposals until mid-July. Both funds aim to contribute to the development of regional policy and capacity building within the following areas: environment and sustainable development, human resources development, health and childcare and preservation of European cultural heritage.
The Capacity Building Fund aims to strengthen administrative and public capacities of regional and local authorities and their institutions, whereas the main objective of the Cooperation Fund is the transfer of experience and strengthening cooperation between Lithuanian and Norwegian partners on a local and regional level. Projects proposals under the Cooperation Fund need to be submitted by a Lithuanian lead applicant in cooperation with at least one Norwegian partner. Both funds finance up to 85% of the project costs.
The first open call for proposals under the two funds were closed in March 2009, under which 46 (Capacity Building Fund) and 47 (Cooperation Fund) applications were received. With the launch of the second open calls, a total of €6.5 million from the EEA Grants has been made available for projects targeting regional policy and cross-border activities in Lithuania.
Project applications for the current open call can be submitted until 15 July for the Capacity Building Fund and until 17July for the Cooperation Fund. More information can be found on the web site of the fund manager, the Ministry of the Interior, www.eeefondai.lt, and in the open call text.