How Do I Apply

• Projects complete a Stage 1 application outlining the proposed project, this is to determine whether or not a project is suitable for LEADER+ funding before too much work is undertaken by the applicant
  
  
• The form is returned to the LEADER+ Project Office and the project is checked to meet core eligibility.
  
  
• If the outline project is eligible then it will be passed onto the appropriate Project Group for consideration.
  
  
• There are three Project Groups for:
  • The Young
    
  • The Unemployed/under-employed
    
  • Community Pride.

These groups are made up of LAG members who each bring a wealth of experience and skills to the group they have elected to work with. The role of these Project Groups is one of facilitation and support.

Project Development -
A Delegated Grant scheme to enable potential projects to carry out market research, feasibility studies, develop project proposals and other relevant activities.

This grant scheme is appropriate if any of the following relates to your project idea:

• Needs research and development before putting forward the stage 2 application
  
  
• Is of a small scale pilot nature
  
  
• Needs help which requires financial assistance to write the project proposal
  
  

The project will not need to go through the first stage as this is included in the
application.

Second stage -
If the stage 1 application is approved the project can then progress to this stage and develop the Project Proposal and main application.

Third stage -

• The completed Stage 2 application form and Project Proposal is returned to the LEADER+ Office.
  
  
• The application is scored by the Project Officers using a set of agreed criteria. If the correct score has been achieved it will be presented to the Decision Making Body, who will meet to endorse/reject project applications.
  

FAQ

1		Is LEADER+ significantly different from LEADER II?
		LEADER+ builds on LEADER II but it is a totally new scheme.

2		Can grant be claimed for VAT?
		Grant can only be claimed against VAT where it is not recoverable. If it is theoretically recoverable but has not actually been recovered, then groups cannot claim grant against the VAT element.

3		Will projects have to secure funding from the private sector?
		We would expect most projects under LEADER+, particularly those where they may be some commercial gain, to secure funding from the private sector. However, given the element of risk and innovation associated with LEADER+ projects it has been recognised that not all projects will be able to secure private sector funding.

4		Can ‘in kind’ contributions be used to match fund the EU grant?
		Yes. Contributions in kind are allowed. The levels of in kind contributions must be agreed as part of the project approval process and must be reasonable to the tasks being carried out.

5		Are there limits on the overall percentage of in kind contributions to a project?
		No. However, each project will need to demonstrate that it is sufficiently financially viable. A project where match funding is made up entirely of in kind contributions would have difficulty demonstrating this.

6		Is lottery funding public or private sector funding?
		Lottery funding is public sector funding.

7		The Lincolnshire Fenland LEADER+ is also partly within an objective 2 transitional area. Can projects then seek part LEADER+ and part Objective 2 funding for a project?
		No. Projects cannot benefit simultaneously from two sources of EU funding.

8		Can LEADER+ funds be spent outside the Lincolnshire Fenland LEADER+ area?
		As a general rule, LEADER+ funding should be spent within the Lincolnshire Fenland LEADER+ area and directed towards the priority target groups. However, there may be some projects, for example training, where it is not possible to deliver the activity within the Lincolnshire Fenland LEADER+ area. In such circumstances, funding can be spent outside the area provided that the beneficiaries come from the target groups within the area.

9		Can ‘young people’ include the under –16’s?
		Yes.

10		Is this funding just for agricultural products?
		No. European funding from LEADER+ is 100 per cent funded by the Guidance section of the European Agricultural Guarantee and Guidance Fund (EAGGF); but it will continue to support the sort of projects which can be funded under the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) and the European Social Fund (ESF).

11		Will LEADER+ funding be available for small projects?
		Yes. A simplified application process has been developed to provide funding for project development & pilot activities up to a max project cost of £9000.