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What is Condition Improvement Fund (CIF)?

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Robert Gould

Partner at Barker | Award-Winning Integrated Property Consultants

The Condition Improvement Fund (CIF) is an annual funding administered by the DfE. CIF supports projects that address compliance, health and safety issues, and maintenance needs. Only projects that demonstrate a high project need and those that align with CIF priorities are likely to be successful.

Condition Improvement Funding also supports a small proportion of expansion projects for Ofsted-rated good or outstanding academies and sixth-form colleges that need to expand their existing facilities.

What do you need to do?

Preparation is key to a successful bid. Demonstrating a thorough understanding of the condition of your buildings is the foundation of your bid. So, you need to start planning and preparing months in advance of the application window opening so that you have all the relevant information you need for a successful bid. Preparatory work include

• Having an up-to-date condition survey
• Analysing your condition data to ensure your bid is focussed on the areas of most urgent need, and
• Giving due consideration to the sustainability of the proposed scheme.

Maximising bid success

Bid-based funding is always competitive so to maximise your chances of success you must make sure all the assessment criteria are met so that your bid stands out.

Click here to download our Condition Improvement Fund FAQs Checklist

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