Develop an FCERM project proposal
Source: gov.uk (2025-09-02)

As a risk management authority (RMA) you should assess your flood or coastal erosion (FCERM) project’s viability before submitting a project proposal.

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This information is for RMAs. You should have read flood and coastal erosion risk management projects and funding guidance (https://www.gov.uk/guidance/flood-and-coastal-erosion-risk-management-projects-and-funding) so that you understand the steps you need to take when you develop an FCERM project.

The early stages are critical to developing a successful FCERM project but you may have limited information about its:
- type
- geographical extent
- outcomes
- financial and non-financial benefits
- expected costs
- local stakeholders with an interest
You should take time with key stakeholders to discuss your proposed project. This will increase your chances of submitting a successful proposal and getting an allocation of GIA funding. It will also help you start the project efficiently.

Find out more about your proposed project

You should find out more about your proposed project before you submit it to the Environment Agency.

The developing a project to reduce flood and coastal erosion risk tool (https://defra.sharepoint.com/:b:/r/sites/Community511/PF/210308%20FCRM%20investment%20journey%20-%20interactive%20pdf.pdf?csf=1&web=1&e=egrXjD) can help you to:
- identify opportunities that are realistic and achievable
- justify resources for opportunities with potential
- understand the flood or coastal erosion risk and partners’ objectives
- estimate potential costs and identify funding needs
- discuss and amend your proposal to get partners’ support
- choose and plan for the right type of appraisal and business case
Please note, you will need to email: xxx@xxx.xx (mailto:xxx@xxx.xx) to request access to the developing a project to reduce flood and coastal erosion risk tool (https://defra.sharepoint.com/:b:/r/sites/Community511/PF/210308%20FCRM%20investment%20journey%20-%20interactive%20pdf.pdf?csf=1&web=1&e=egrXjD).

At this stage you only need to do enough to:
- show that there is a case for allocating funds to investigate your proposal further
- show the scale of a possible deliverable and affordable solution to help future planning in the FCERM programme
- help in managing expectations of all stakeholders
You may be eligible for funding towards a study if it helps reduce key uncertainties, for example to better understand the area at risk.

Use the FCERM appraisal guidance (https://www.gov.uk/guidance/fcerm-appraisal-guidance) to help you:
- identify the most efficient type of appraisal and project
- identify a realistic option for managing flood or coastal erosion risk
- estimate early costs, benefits and outcomes
Use this information to fill out the partnership funding calculator (https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/partnership-funding-calculator-2020-for-fcerm-grant-in-aid-gia) to estimate how much GIA funding your option could receive if it is successful. You can also use the partnership funding calculator (https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/partnership-funding-calculator-2020-for-fcerm-grant-in-aid-gia) to find out any contributions you would need.

When you have done this, submit your project proposal (https://www.gov.uk/guidance/submit-an-fcerm-project-proposal) so that the Environment Agency can consider it. You will then be able to get an indicative allocation of funding.

Check if your project is eligible for grant-in-aid (GIA) funding

If your project is eligible you can apply for GIA funding for flood and coastal erosion schemes, strategies or studies.

Eligible flood or coastal erosion schemes

You can apply for GIA funding for flood and coastal projects that:
- build new flood and coastal defences such as channels, walls or embankments
- build new structures such as sluices or pumping stations
- improve existing defences and structures
- refurbish existing defences or structures where it extends their original design life
- produce natural flood management measures
- improve preparing for, responding to and recovering from flood or erosion events
- carry out beach management works – recharge, replenishment and re-nourishment work
- carry out recycling work, mainly to counteract longshore drift
- protect or enhance the natural environment where you have a legal requirement to do so
As a highway authority or water company you can only apply for GIA funding for projects to reduce flood risk which are outside your normal area of responsibility.

Any beach management and recycling works must be part of a 5 year plan approved by the Environment Agency or the Department for Environment Food and Rural Affairs (Defra).

Eligible studies and strategies

You can apply for GIA funding to develop a strategy to reduce flood or coastal erosion risks across several connected areas.

When the Environment Agency or Defra have approved your strategy you can apply for GIA funding for individual project proposals to put it in place.

When you submit your project proposal (https://www.gov.uk/guidance/submit-an-fcerm-project-proposal) for a strategy you should include:
- any future individual projects that are likely to link to your proposed strategy
- the scale of expected benefits, costs and outcomes of these projects
Eligible studies

You can use GIA funding to fund a study if it helps to assess a later FCERM scheme or strategy.

Your proposal must include estimates of the project or strategy’s potential. It must show:
- costs
- benefits
- outcomes
- partnership funding score
If your proposal for a study is not successful you can also speak to your local Environment Agency partnership and strategic overview (PSO) officer (https://www.gov.uk/guidance/flood-and-coastal-erosion-risk-management-projects-and-funding#help-training) about funding your study with local levy.

Works not eligible for GIA funding

You cannot apply for GIA funding for projects which cost less than £5,000 or for maintenance works. Your local PSO officer (https://www.gov.uk/guidance/flood-and-coastal-erosion-risk-management-projects-and-funding#help-training) can advise you about other sources of funding which can support these projects.

Maintenance work includes:
- repairing a defence or structure to its original standard, but not to extend its working life
- drawdown - beach management such as regrading and re-profiling work to reduce the loss of sand and shingle back out to sea
- dredging and desilting of a channel to maintain its condition or to return it to an acceptable condition
If you need help or advice

Find out about our community of practice or ask for advice from your local PSO officer (https://www.gov.uk/guidance/flood-and-coastal-erosion-risk-management-projects-and-funding#help-training).