Access to Funding Handbook

This document is the "D3.3 Access to Funding Handbook" published by the European Affordable Housing Consortium (SHAPE-EU). The consortium, which received funding from the European Union's Single Market Programme, aims to support the implementation of the EU’s Affordable Housing Initiative and Renovation Wave strategy. The handbook serves as a vital resource for housing providers, municipalities, SMEs, and other stakeholders involved in renovating social and affordable housing in Europe.

The handbook provides an extensive overview of funding and financing options available for social and affordable housing renovation projects, particularly focusing on district-level initiatives across Europe. It outlines various EU funding mechanisms that can be utilized to support these crucial projects.

Included in the handbook are several key funding sources, such as repayable finance options like the Recovery and Resilience Facility loans and the Just Transition Mechanism. It also discusses funding aimed at leveraging private investments through tools like Cohesion Policy Financial Instruments and the European Energy Efficiency Fund. Grant schemes such as Cohesion Policy funds and Horizon Europe, along with technical assistance facilities, are also covered.

For each funding source listed, the handbook provides a general description, opportunities for social and affordable housing renovation, and specific application procedures. This structured approach helps stakeholders navigate the complex landscape of EU funding.

A significant theme of the handbook is the importance of aligning housing renovation projects with EU policy objectives and climate goals. By doing so, stakeholders can maximize their funding opportunities and ensure their projects contribute to broader EU goals.

The handbook highlights a growing trend toward using financial instruments and blending different funding sources to increase impact and leverage private investment. This approach enables more effective utilization of resources for housing renovation projects.

Throughout the document, various case studies and examples illustrate successful implementations of different funding mechanisms for housing projects. These real-world applications provide valuable insights into effective strategies for accessing and utilizing funding.

The handbook notes the increased emphasis on energy efficiency and sustainability within EU funding programs for the 2021-2027 period. This focus aligns with the EU’s broader climate goals and reflects the growing importance of sustainable practices in housing renovation.

Finally, the handbook offers guidance on navigating the often complex EU funding landscape. It provides resources for accessing funding through national managing authorities, aiming to make EU funding opportunities more accessible and understandable for all stakeholders involved in housing renovation projects.