LEADER+ Main Programme Closed to new applicants December 2006

(The Delegated fund for smaller community projects remains open) click here

Funding is available for up to 2/3 rds of project costs for delivering innovative projects in the community. Applicants can be community groups, business co-operatives, charities or public sector organisations. The programme is designed to fund innovative solutions to problems in the rural area and is flexible to ideas which will appeal to the Local Action Group as well as contribute to their aims and objectives. The maximum grant is £20,000

Projects may be spread over several years up to 2008 and be a combination of capital and revenue funding (LEADER + cannot support projects which are primarily capital in nature).

Match funding may be from almost any source e.g. lottery, charities, SWERDA including ‘in kind' contributions where appropriate. LEADER+ funding cannot be matched against other European money e.g. European Social Fund, Rural Enterprise Scheme etc. Guidance on eligible match funding can be obtained from the Programme Manager.

LEADER+ cannot engage in retrospective funding nor substitute for another funding body (e.g. provide the gap funding because another grant has run out).

Applications may be made at any time (forms can be found on the Downloadable Forms page) up to 1st Decmeber 2006 (although there needs to be sufficient time for the project to be assessed in advance of the Local Action Group meeting). Applicants should allow six to eight weeks for a decision.