Guidelines for grant allocation
September 20th 2018, the board agreed on the following guidelines for how funds are distributed
a) Hourly rates
The fund does not cover wages above NOK 500 /hour. It must be explained what the rates cover for hourly rates above 500. The fund does not cover overhead-rates*
b) Equity
It is expected that applicants cover part of the total costs. Full funding will only be given in special cases.
c) Energy efficiency (ENØK)
Initiatives to improve energy efficiency will normally only receive funding to cover 15% of total costs, as these initiatives normally result in significant cost reductions for the recipients. Exceptions may be granted in cases when new technologies are tested and the effect on Svalbard is uncertain.
d) Environmental certifications
The fund will normally cover a maximum of 50% of total costs in environmental certification-processes, with a limit of NOK 250 000. As a general rule, the fund will only support such processes the first time.
e) Information and dissemination projects
Funding to information and dissemination projects are only given if the project is considered to have a distinct value in the dissemination, safeguarding and preservation of environmental or cultural heritage sites on Svalbard. Funding is primarily given to cover collection of data and production costs.
f) Courses and conferences
There has to be special reasons for the fund to support courses or conferences.
*overhead-rates are defined as expenses that the organization has independently of the project and where the cost hasn’t made a specific contribution to the implementation of the project. This includes costs to cover office rental, meeting rooms, canteen, general administration and office supplies, including PCs.