Economic Challenge Investment Fund

We have established the 'Economic Challenge Investment Fund' to help the HE sector address rapidly some of the current economic challenges.

The primary purpose of the funding is to enable higher education institutions and further education colleges support individuals and businesses affected by the recession. The funding aims to grant these groups access to training, professional development and other support that serves their immediate needs.

We are allocating over £28 million to support 78 proposals that are leveraging an additional £32 million from universities and local partners.

Funding allocations for the ECIF

[ MS Excel 27K ]

Summary of activities being funded

[ MS Excel 97K | PDF 38K ]

Further guidance

HEFCE Circular letter 03/2009 provided information about the fund, how institutions could apply for funding, and further guidance, including examples of funded activity.

Example activities

[ Adobe PDF 21K | MS Word 76K ]

We have also provided details of the assessment criteria and a list of frequently asked questions.

Sector impact assessment

In developing the Economic Challenge Investment Fund, we have undertaken a formal assessment of the impact it will have on the HE sector in terms of regulatory burden, equality and diversity, and sustainable development.

Sector impact assessment of the Economic Challenge Investment Fund

[ Adobe PDF 29K | MS Word 118K ]

Further information

For more information about the Economic Challenge Investment Fund please contact Peter Seddon, e-mail p.seddon@hefce.ac.uk, tel 0117 931 7469.

Last updated 27 November 2009