LEADER Stage 1 Application Guidance

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.

If, having read the document Contracting and Claiming LEADER grant, you are sure you wish to apply for LEADER funding and can comply with all the requirements, then you need to start the two stage process of applying for LEADER grant. The two stage process will eliminate those projects which might not be eligible or not deemed high priority at an early stage.

We hope that you will find the process relatively simple with the use of the application packs, but should you have any problems please do not hesitate to seek assistance from the LEADER project manager.

Please remember that all projects will be expected to fit the themes, objectives and priorities outlined in the application pack and here on line.

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.

There are four steps you should now take;

Step 1 : You must read the document “Contracting and Claiming LEADER grant” very carefully and discuss anything you are not clear about with Ruth Hair.

Step 2 : Please read the Stage 1 application pack (see next paragraph), the Frequently Asked Questions section of this website and check the list of items that are not eligible expenditure under the programme.

The application must be filled in and returned electronically by downloading this Word document Stage 1 Application Pack.

In all cases, you should speak to the LEADER project manager about your proposed project before you complete any forms to seek advice on likely eligibility. The Project Manager can provide you with any advice required to complete the Stage 1 application.

Please contact;
LEADER Project Manager – Ruth Hair
Tel : 01422 846049 or mobile : 07582 101322
Email : ruth.hair@pennineprospects.co.uk
Office : Hebden Bridge Canal & Visitor Centre, Butlers Wharf, Hebden Bridge, HX7 8AF

Step 3 : Complete the Stage 1 application and return it to the LEADER Project Manager. Guidance Notes are provided at the end of the two page application form to assist you. The South Pennines Local Action Group will make a decision on your Stage 1 application and you will be contacted by the LEADER Project Manager.

Step 4 : If your Stage 1 application is successful, you will be invited to complete the Stage 2 application which asks for more details about your project and its finances. Your application will be subject to an appraisal process and will be taken to a full meeting of the Local Action Group. The LEADER Project Manager will contact you with the Group’s decision following the meeting. You will then be sent an offer letter and grant agreement which will specify the terms and conditions under which the grant if offered in addition to agreed performance targets against which your project will be monitored. You will be expected to sign this grant agreement accepting these terms and conditions. Your project will be regularly monitored and you will be expected to maintain all financial records as outlined in your grant agreement.

PLEASE READ ALL GUIDANCE NOTES CAREFULLY BEFORE YOU CONTACT THE LEADER PROJECT MANAGER TO TALK ABOUT YOUR PROJECT. CONSIDER CAREFULLY WHETHER YOUR PROJECT IS ELIGIBLE FOR LEADER FUNDING AND WHETHER YOU SHOULD APPLY NOW OR AT A LATER DATE. MAKE SURE YOU ARE CLEAR ABOUT WHAT WILL BE REQUIRED OF YOU AS A PROJECT MANAGER