Applying for LEADER funding : Frequently Asked Questions

Who Can apply?

Community groups or organisations that are properly constituted, have a bank account and have some proven experience in financial and project management. The project must lie within or have a direct impact on the rural communities within the defined “LEADER area“http://www.pennineprospects.co.uk/leader/area-of-coverage-of-south-pennines-leader.

If you are a commercial business undertaking a purely commerical venture then it is probably unlikely that you will be able to apply for rural funding through the LEADER programme – you should check out the Rural Business Support Programme instead. If, however, there are community elements to your project, then please contact us to discuss your ideas.
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What sort of projects are the Local Action Group looking for?

Projects will be expected to fit the themes, objectives and priorities outlined in the application pack.

Above all, the Local Action Group recognises that it has a limited budget and so it is looking for multi-objective projects that are DISTINCTIVE, INNOVATIVE, involve WIDE PARTNERSHIP WORKING, represent GOOD VALUE FOR MONEY and those which leave a LASTING LEGACY to the South Pennines LEADER area.

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When can I apply?

The South Pennines LEADER Programme ends on 31st December 2013. You can contact us and start the application process at any time while the programme is still running. You will be advised when you contact us about available budgets and likely timescales for making a decision on your application. Deadlines for applications to go to Local Action Group meetings for decision are as follows;

25th January 2010 (to go to LAG meeting on 4th February)
2nd April 2010 (to go to LAG meeting on 13th April)
1st October 2010 (to go to LAG meeting on 12th October)
3rd December 2010 (to go to LAG meeting on 13th December)

The Small Grants Fund operates slightly differently – check out the SMALL GRANTS FUND for more details.

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How much money can I get?

At the current time there is no maximum grant award as the Local Action Group want to be as flexible as possible in the initial stages of setting up and running the programme. This situation may change as projects come forward according to budget availability. There will be a minimum grant threshold to ensure that LEADER funding is used effectively on long term sustainable projects.

The Small Grants Fund is for a maximum of £2000 grant at 50% of total project costs. Check out the SMALL GRANTS FUND for more details.

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How much match funding do I need?

Applicants will be expected to find at least 40% of their funding from other sources. In some cases volunteer labour will be allowable as match funding but this is at the Local Action Groups discretion and applicants should not expect to provide all of their match funding through this method. A guidance note is available on volunteer labour rates and requirements for keeping timesheets etc.

The Small Grants Fund operates at 50% of total project costs. Check out the SMALL GRANTS FUND for more details.

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How do I apply?

You need to complete two stages as defined here.

The Small Grants Fund operates slightly differently – check out the SMALL GRANTS FUND for more details.

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What cannot be funded under the LEADER programme?

Click here to check the list of items that are not eligible expenditure under the programme.

This link also explains about VAT.

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When will I hear back?

You will receive advice on your Stage 1 application immediately after the Local Action Group meeting. This advice may be seeking further information or inviting you to complete the Stage 2 application form.

The Stage 2 application process will take a little longer as the funding agreement has to be drafted following the Local Action Group meeting.

The Small Grants Fund operates slightly differently – check out the SMALL GRANTS FUND for more details.

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When will I get the money?

Payment is claimed in arrears; receipted invoices must be attached as proof that expenditure has actually taken place. It is important that you understand from a very early stage what will be required of you as a project manager and what you must do to be able to claim your grant. You should therefore read the document “Contracting and Claiming LEADER grant” very carefully and discuss anything you are not clear about with Ruth Hair.

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Is there a right of appeal?

The decision of the Local Action Group is final.
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Where has the money come from?

The money comes from the EU via the Regional Development Agencies (Yorkshire Forward and the North West Development Agency).
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What is the Local Action Group?

The Local Action Group (LAG) has developed the South Pennines Local Development Strategy. Membership includes the public sector, representatives of private businesses and community representatives. Their role is to award the grants and steer the programme to deliver the targets set out in the Strategy.
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How do the Local Action Groups decide who will get funding

The Local Action Groups will be looking for projects which meet the eligibility criteria and deliver the priorities set out in the Local Development Strategy. All applications go through an appraisal process based on these priorities.
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How can you be sure there won’t be a conflict of interest from the Local Action Group members?

All Local Action Group (LAG) members have to declare whether they have an interest in any project and comply with the defined Conflicts of Interest Policy.
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What do the RDPE LEADER measures in the Strategy refer to?

They refer to the measures as set out in the Rural Development Programme for England 2001-2013, published by Defra, specifically chapter 5.
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We hope that these FAQ have answered your query.
If not please contact us.