The Condition Improvement Fund (CIF) is an annual bidding round for academies and sixth form colleges to apply for capital funding from the Education & Skills Funding Agency (ESFA). This funding supports projects which address compliance and health and safety issues, building condition, expansion and energy efficiency.

CCO has an extremely high success rate in securing funding from the ESFA and over the years we have secured millions of pounds for our education clients, for a diverse range of projects. Our specialist team can advise on all aspects of the CIF application process including suitability of potential projects, CIF guidelines and assessment method. Our team will then prepare a thorough and comprehensive bid which encompasses the improvement priorities of your buildings.

In order to give the greatest chance of a successful outcome early project planning is crucial. The deadline for submissions is usually in December and the more time which is available to carry out surveys, gather quotations, secure planning permission and prepare the bid documentation to the level of detail required to secure funding, the greater the chance of a successful bid.

We are able to prepare your capital bids at no cost, on the basis that we are retained as your consultants to design and manage the project, should your bid be successful.

Step by step guide to CIF

Understanding the priorities

of your school
Planning/timing 

your submission
Including detailed

evidence

Request a call back

If you think the Condition Improvement Fund is something that you would like to look into and should you require assistance of any form, then please don’t hesitate to contact Cowan & Co using the form opposite and we will be in touch as soon as possible.

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