Capitalisation call overview

Can the application form for the capitalisation initiative be submitted by a project partner?
No, the application form must be submitted by the lead partner. The capitalisation work package can, however, be led by a project partner.

Can a project lead partner submit multiple applications?
No, only one application per project will be possible in all capitalisation calls (see PM Addendum, eligibility criterion 16).

Is the capitalisation initiative open to new partners outside the original partnership?
Yes, as long as the lead partner and at least one other partner from the original project remain involved. Projects can include new partners or associated organisations to better reach the relevant territories, target audiences or new fields / domains of activities they aim for. These new partners will need to show how they can add value to the initiative, to leverage the project output(s) in NWE.

Can a project partner join several capitalisation initiatives?
As in regular projects, project partners may join several applications. In case of approval of several or all of them, the applicant needs to have the capacity to implement the planned activities in all approved initiatives.

Should all project partners have the same level of involvement in a capitalisation initiative?
Project partners who contribute to the delivery of the capitalisation initiative (activities, deliverables, outputs, and results) do not all need to have the same level of involvement: Some can be involved in the entire work package while some others may have a more limited role - in time, budget or tasks. Some partners from the original partnership may not get involved at all.

How can a new organisation that would like to be partner of a capitalisation initiative get involved?
New partners can be added to better reach the relevant territories, target audiences or new domains/fields. These new partners will need to show how they can add value to the initiative, to leverage the project output(s) and enhance territorial impact in NWE.

They are advised to carefully read the NWE Programme Manual and Programme Manual Addendum to get acquainted with the rules and procedures for project implementation and reporting.

If the initiative is approved, new organisations, not previously involved, will sign an addendum to the already existing partnership agreement. 

Is it best to aim for extended impact in all three categories outlined in the ToR (new territories, new types of stakeholders, new fields/domains), or focus on one of them?
The Terms of Reference of the first call for capitalisation outline that capitalisation initiatives need to go beyond what was initially planned and expand the impact of their original output(s) to new territories, or new types of stakeholders, or new fields/domains of activity.

While it is possible to target two or three of these categories at the same time, applicants should consider the limited budget of maximum EUR 800,000 TEC and the limited time frame of 18 months when deciding on the scope of their initiative.

Are cross-project capitalisation initiatives appreciated by the Programme?
Although this is not an assessment criterion as such, the Programme appreciates the leveraging of synergies across projects, as this can serve to enhance project and Programme impact.
As long as cross-project initiatives are in line with the eligibility and assessment criteria listed in the Programme Manual Addendum, chapter 4, they may bring together different projects.

Can a project capitalise on multiple outputs or does it need to pick one?
It is possible to capitalise on multiple outputs from one project or from different projects (see ToR, examples of capitalisation initiatives).
However, applicants should consider the limited budget of maximum 800 000 TEC and the limited time frame of 18 months when deciding on the scope of their initiative.

When addressing new territories, should the capitalisation initiative always replicate an investment in infrastructure?
Investments in infrastructure are possible within the capitalisation call. However, capitalisation in a new territory does not necessarily involve the replication of an investment in infrastructure.

The examples given in the Terms of Reference, such as the replication of an energy retrofitting solution involving infrastructure, are an illustration of possible capitalisation scenarios but are by no means meant as guidelines or requirements.

What is the final date by when all capitalisation projects need to be finished? 
All projects in the NWE Programme must be completed by 30 June 2029. The project duration must be defined in accordance with this date. This also applies to capitalisation initiatives which must end by this date.

More specifically, initiatives of the first call for capitalisation are foreseen to be approved by the Monitoring Committee of the NWE Programme in autumn 2026. Capitalisation activities can be reimbursed from this date onwards.

However, the official start date of the initiative will be the start date of the first reporting period, in this case the 1st of January 2027. Therefore, the latest possible end date for approved capitalisation initiatives of the first call for capitalisation is 30 June 2028.

Which budget options apply for partners in capitalisation initiatives?
Partners already involved in the original project cannot change their budget option. They will need to continue with the same budget option. New partners may choose their budget option according to what works best for their planned activities, see Programme Manual, section 5.2.

What will the budget of the second capitalisation call be?
The Monitoring Committee has ringfenced a global budget for the two capitalisation calls. While 7 million euros are indicatively dedicated to the first capitalisation call there is no commitment to full allocation of that amount.  The Monitoring Committee will set the exact budget for the second call by the end of 2026, taking into account the results of the first call and the financial state of play of the Programme at that moment.

​How does the Programme support projects in capitalisation?
Capitalisation activities developed by the Programme are targeted specifically at approved projects and capitalisation initiatives in the framework of dedicated events and assistance.

As for the capitalisation call, applicants are invited to use the available tools and support: the NWE online community, the NWE Contact Point in their country and the Terms of Reference and the Programme Manual & Programme Manual Addendum.