Evaluation criteria are pre-set, measurable parameters against which expert evaluators assess the quality of applications for a non-repayable financial contribution. The evaluation process usually has two phases: an administrative check that the conditions for granting the contribution are met, and a subsequent expert evaluation in which projects are awarded points. The criteria typically cover the project's contribution to the objectives of the call, the quality and feasibility of the proposed activities, the adequacy of the budget, the applicant's administrative and expert capacity, the sustainability of the results, and compliance with the horizontal principles. Every call publishes both the criteria and the minimum point threshold an application must reach; where there is an excess of quality applications, ranking by number of points decides. Knowing the evaluation criteria allows the applicant to formulate the project in a targeted way so as to maximise the points gained.
See also: Expert evaluator.
