Co-financing is the channelling of ESF and the required match funding to providers from a single source, a co-financing organisation (CFO). Swindon Borough Council became a CFO in March 2003.

Co-financing is driven by the strategy of the CFO, not by project proposals. In Swindon, the Council is using co-finance to:

• Enhance the Services and supports currently funded within the welfare to work JIP and Neighbourhood Renewal initiatives.
• For the benefit of people who have long term health problems or disabilities, or are otherwise disadvantaged in approaching the labour market.

The Council's Co-financing Plan is tailored to complement the local plan of the other CFO’s working with ESF in Swindon, the Learning Skills Council and Jobcentre Plus. Together with Wiltshire County Council, they share a single Joint Co-financing Plan for Wiltshire and Swindon.