Preparing a successful LIFE proposal, in 15 tips

LIFE is the only EU funding instrument exclusively for climate action, environment, nature and energy transition, which also contributes 100% to the objectives of the European Green Deal. The main closing dates for submission of proposals are concentrated in September, on 6 and 21 September.

LIFE 2023 tips

Once a good analysis has been carried out and the project idea has been defined, always taking into account the level of maturity and its alignment with the call for proposals, the proposal writing phase arrives. To be on time and deliver successful proposals on 6 and 21 September, here are 15 tips:

• Plan very well taking into account the summer period. These are proposals with a high level of detail, it takes time and effort.
• Read the call documentation carefully. We advise you to check the FAQs. Read the instructions in the memory template very well.
• Check the complementary information, for example, previous projects.
• Align very well with the priority/s of the LIFE 2023 call.
• First, draw up an abstract to structure the project very well with specific objectives and realistic and quantifiable results. It is very important to have already improved the critical points identified in the idea analysis. What is the differential element of your project?
• Identify the key actors and detail specific actions to actively involve them. Some will be part of the consortium, either as beneficiary partners, affiliates and associates and others will be stakeholders in the project.
• Close the consortium as soon as possible. Ensure that all partners have a European Commission identification code (PIC) or if not, create one. Involve your partners in the preparation of the proposal, good communication is essential.
• Identify very well the environmental issue that the project is trying to solve and the baseline.
• Clearly define the concept of the project and its innovative and demonstrative character.
• Determine the environmental, economic, and social impact of the project. It is important to justify how the impact estimation has been done to be credible for the evaluators. Consistency with KPIs. Pay special attention to the exploitation of results and dissemination and communication.
• Do not forget to include measures to replicate the project and measures of political impact (influence on the improvement of regional, national, and European legislation).
• Define tasks and WPs. Assign responsibilities. Do not forget the mandatory WPs indicated in the call for proposals.
• Regarding the resources of the project, keep in mind to achieve the highest possible resource efficiency and that the budget is in line with the expected impact of the project. Make sure you have all the partners’ budgets well in advance.
• Review all sections of the report for consistency.
• Enter the information into the Funding and Tenders Portal application in good time.

Zabala Innovation experience at LIFE

Zabala Innovation’s expertise in the LIFE Programme was endorsed by the 40% success rate achieved in the proposals we submitted in the LIFE 2021 and 2022 calls.

Do not hesitate to contact us if you have any questions!