A new round of funding applications for the Department for Education’s (DfE) Condition Improvement Fund (CIF) is now open (20th October 2021). The CIF is one of the most highly anticipated funding rounds available within the education sector, providing much-needed grants to for repair, improvement and a small number of expansion projects across eligible schools in England.
The important dates to note for this year’s funding round are:
- Deadline for new applicant to register – 9th December.
- Deadline for submissions – 15th December.
- Successful applicants will be notified in Spring 2022.
The DfE has allocated over £400 million to this year’s CIF fund. Although this is a significant amount, the CIF fund is highly over-subscribed every year, with projects only standing a chance of being successful if they can demonstrate a high project need and close alignment with CIF priorities.
The majority of funding will be allocated to projects that address condition, compliance, health and safety issues or maintenance needs. The types of project that Lea Hough have previously been successful in helping to attain funding for include improvements to roofing, windows, science laboratories, kitchen/dining facilities, changing rooms, sports facilities and safeguarding projects, along with electrical upgrades, boiler and heating upgrades and projects relating to compliance issues – e.g. fire protection systems.
Schools looking to make applications are advised to begin the process of preparing their bids as soon as possible in order to gather sufficient evidence and be able to put forward a bid that is of a high enough standard.
Lea Hough has a strong track record of helping academy schools, small multi academy trusts and other eligible schools across the North West to attain CIF funding.
In many cases, we are approached by schools that have previously been unsuccessful in CIF bidding rounds. We are able to review bids that have been unsuccessful, and advise on the best way forward for the new round of funding.
For an initial discussion about our work in this area, or to arrange a free visit and site appraisal, please get in touch.
