Submit an FCERM project proposal
As a risk management authority (RMA) you can submit your FCERM project proposal to apply for grant-in-aid (GIA) funding.
This information is for RMAs. You should have read flood and coastal erosion risk management projects and funding guidance so that you understand the steps you need to take when you develop an FCERM project.
You should have taken time to develop your FCERM project proposal before you submit it. This will help you gather the information you need.
Information you need
Before you submit your proposal you should make sure you can show plans or estimates for:
- the type of project you’re proposing
- the amount of funding you need
- where this funding will come from
- when you’ll spend the funds
- contributions towards the FCERM investment plan targets set by government
- the area that will benefit
- what the environmental benefits will be
- the value of any benefits
You’ll need to include a completed partnership funding calculator with your submission.
Partnership funding
Partnership funding shares the costs of an FCERM project between national and local sources of funding.
Use the partnership funding guidance to find out:
- how to set up a funding partnership
- how to fill out a partnership funding calculator
- how much GIA funding your project may be eligible for
- the value of any contributions that you may need
You should update your partnership funding calculator as your project develops and you have more confidence in the data it needs. This is because your funding requirements and contributions may change.
Submit your project proposal
When you have this information sign in to the submit a proposal for flood and coastal erosion risk management project funding service.
If you have not used the service before you should request an account. You will then be able to submit a project proposal, update an existing project and view the status of a project proposal.
Environment Agency led projects
The submission route is different for Environment Agency led projects. These should use the AIMS: Programme Delivery project online site to submit, update and view the status of an FCERM project proposal.
When to apply
Submission dates vary by area. Your local Environment Agency partnership and strategic overview (PSO) officer can confirm the exact date in your area.
Projects funded by local levy
You will not need GIA funding for projects funded wholly by local levy. You must still submit these projects using the submit a proposal for flood and coastal erosion risk management project funding service.
Project approval
It may take up to 9 months to approve your project proposal. The Environment Agency will add your project to the programme of FCERM schemes when they approve it.
You can then develop an FCERM project business case.
If your project proposal is not approved
You can resubmit your project the following year if it is not approved. Your local PSO officer can tell you about any changes you need to make before you do this.
Urgent or emergency projects
You can submit an urgent project proposal at any point.
An urgent project occurs where:
- you need to manage a flood or coastal erosion risk faster than normal, efficient project delivery times
- a project needs to avoid losing a significant advantage, such as a major funding contribution
Urgent works may involve addressing the immediate risk with a temporary or partial solution. This allows extra time to identify and produce a better, permanent solution.
Emergency coastal protection works
You do not need to apply for GIA funding for emergency coastal protection work. You should apply for a capital grant instead.
Read the Environment Agency’s grant memorandum for a detailed list of all works eligible for funding.
If you need help or advice
Find out about our community of practice or ask for advice from your local PSO officer.