Posted: 27th July 2015
LEADER is a branch of RDPE EU funding and will run from 2015 to 2020. It is aimed at encouraging rural economic growth and provides small grants at approximately 40% of total project costs. It is a community run grant scheme, administered by a Local Action Group which works to a Local Development Strategy (produced last year).
The Local Action group must consist of a good mix of both private and public organisations and should show that we are considering all sectors of society and business. LAGs tend to hold 4 meetings per year which tend to consist of my updating the group about the programme, and where we need to concentrate future spending etc. LAGs also need help in appraising applications – many LAGs have panels of local experts (with experience of the local community or of the particular sector of the application).
Local Action Group members are not prohibited from applying for funds themselves and in fact many members have successfully received grants in the last programme. The time commitment depends on the individual involved, it can be as little as just attending the main meetings 4 times per year, or it could be coming to the quarterly decision making panels in addition. Sometimes we ask members to help with tasks like taking minutes and we particularly ask for members help with regards spreading the word of LEADER so that as many individuals as possible can take advantage of the funding.
LAGs across the country would welcome WIRE on board and really want to hear from some WiRE members and Network Leaders who would like to get involved. To find whether there is a Leader programme near you please visit: The LEADER Website HERE
If you would like to get involved please contact Polly Gibb at WiRE (polly@wireuk.org), or better still, contact the Leader Manager in your area.
