Deadline: 16-Oct-2026
The Straits Committee Small Project Initiative provides funding for legally constituted organisations in the United Kingdom, France, Belgium, and the Netherlands to develop cross-border projects that promote international cooperation, innovation, and mutual community benefit. The programme supports collaborative initiatives that strengthen good neighbourly relations and encourage partnerships across the Straits Committee region.
Small revenue grants of up to approximately £6,000 are available for projects lasting up to two years, with funding managed through participating local authorities including Kent County Council.
Overview of the Straits Committee Small Project Initiative
The Straits Committee Small Project Initiative supports international collaboration between organisations located within the Straits Committee region.
The programme aims to:
- Strengthen cross-border cooperation
- Promote good neighbourly relations
- Encourage international partnerships
- Support innovative collaborative projects
- Create shared benefits across participating regions
- Implement the Straits Committee vision and strategy
Projects should demonstrate clear advantages resulting from international cooperation.
Participating Countries
The initiative supports partnerships involving organisations from:
- United Kingdom
- France
- Belgium
- Netherlands
Projects must involve organisations from at least two participating countries.
Main Objectives of the Programme
The programme focuses on:
- Cross-border collaboration
- International community engagement
- Joint problem-solving
- Knowledge exchange
- Mutual economic and social benefit
- Innovative partnership development
- Regional cooperation initiatives
The initiative encourages projects that build long-term international relationships.
Funding Details
Grant Amount
For the United Kingdom financial year 2024–2025:
- Kent County Council encourages applications up to £6,000
Funding levels may vary slightly between participating partner authorities.
Project Duration
Projects may last:
- Up to 2 years
The programme supports smaller-scale collaborative and revenue-based activities.
What Types of Projects Are Supported?
The initiative welcomes a wide range of cross-border activities where international cooperation provides clear added value.
Supported activities may include:
- Cross-border networking projects
- Community cooperation initiatives
- Cultural exchange activities
- Joint workshops and events
- Collaborative innovation projects
- Regional partnership development
- Knowledge-sharing activities
- Pilot cooperation programmes
Projects should clearly demonstrate practical benefits from international collaboration.
Cross-Border Partnership Requirements
Projects must involve:
- At least 2 organisations
- From at least 2 different countries within the Straits Committee area
Projects involving the United Kingdom are generally expected to include:
- Organisations from at least 3 Straits member areas
Partnerships should show balanced cooperation between participating organisations.
Who Can Apply?
Eligible applicants include:
- Legally constituted organisations
- Registered groups
- Community organisations
- Non-profit entities
- Local associations
Applicants must be based within the Straits Committee area or demonstrate strong project links to the region.
Geographic Eligibility
Organisations located within participating territories are eligible.
Organisations outside the immediate Straits area may also qualify if:
- Project activities occur within a Straits territory
- Beneficiaries are located within the region
Additional external partners may participate at their own expense if they add value to the project.
Additional Partner Participation
Applications may include:
- Additional domestic partners
- International collaborators
- External technical partners
However:
- External partners must fund their own participation
- Their involvement must contribute meaningful added value
Priority Characteristics
Strong applications usually demonstrate:
- Clear international cooperation benefits
- Practical community impact
- Innovation and fresh ideas
- Strong partnership structures
- Shared objectives across countries
- Sustainable collaboration potential
Projects aligned with the Straits Committee strategy are likely to receive stronger consideration.
Ongoing Projects
Existing or ongoing projects may also apply if applicants can demonstrate:
- Additional value from Straits Committee funding
- Expanded international cooperation
- New strategic benefits
- Enhanced cross-border outcomes
Funding should not simply replace existing support.
Ineligible Activities
Certain activities are not eligible for funding through Kent County Council.
These include:
- Party political activities
- Projects challenging democratic local government functions
- Religious promotion activities
- Statutory school education delivery costs
- Replacement funding for previously funded projects
Projects outside the programme’s cooperation objectives may also be excluded.
Why This Programme Matters
Cross-border cooperation helps communities:
- Share expertise and resources
- Develop stronger international relationships
- Address common regional challenges
- Encourage innovation and learning
- Strengthen social and economic connections
The programme supports long-term collaboration between neighbouring European regions.
How the Programme Works
The initiative provides small grants for collaborative international projects.
Application Process
- Build partnerships with organisations in participating countries
- Develop a cross-border project idea
- Define shared objectives and benefits
- Prepare a joint activity and budget plan
- Submit an application through the relevant local authority
- Implement collaborative activities if selected
Applications should clearly explain the added value of international cooperation.
Tips for a Strong Application
Applicants should:
- Demonstrate strong international collaboration
- Clearly explain cross-border benefits
- Show realistic and achievable outcomes
- Include active partner participation
- Present detailed project roles and responsibilities
- Align with Straits Committee priorities
Strong proposals usually include:
- Clear partnership structures
- Shared decision-making
- Community impact evidence
- Practical cooperation activities
- Long-term relationship potential
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is the Straits Committee Small Project Initiative?
It is a funding programme supporting cross-border cooperation projects between organisations in the UK, France, Belgium, and the Netherlands.
How much funding is available?
Applications in the UK are generally encouraged for grants of up to £6,000.
How long can projects last?
Projects may run for up to two years.
Who can apply?
Legally constituted organisations and groups located within the Straits Committee area may apply.
How many project partners are required?
Projects must involve at least two organisations from two participating countries.
Can projects include additional international partners?
Yes, but additional partners outside the Straits area must participate at their own expense.
Are political or religious activities eligible?
No, political activities and religious promotion activities are not eligible for funding.
Conclusion
The Straits Committee Small Project Initiative supports international collaboration between organisations across the United Kingdom, France, Belgium, and the Netherlands. Through small grants for cross-border projects, the programme promotes cooperation, innovation, community engagement, and shared regional development.
By encouraging practical partnerships and mutual learning, the initiative helps strengthen long-term neighbourly relations and creates tangible benefits for participating communities across the Straits Committee region.
For more information, visit Kent County Council.