Rural Development within the Framework of LEADER
If you sustainably secure and develop rural areas, you may be eligible for a grant under certain conditions.
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Grant criteria
Funding objective
The state of Brandenburg supports projects that serve the sustainable safeguarding and development of rural areas as living, working, recreational, and natural spaces. The focus is on the further development of rural regions, taking into account their potential as residential and economic areas.
Eligible expenses
- Personnel costs
- Material costs
- Investment costs
- Travel expenses
Non-eligible expenses
- Acquisition of real estate
- Operating costs
- Retroactive costs
Eligible to apply
- Individuals
- Companies
- Non-profit Organizations
Funding requirements
- Implementation within the defined funding area
- Positive endorsement from the Local Action Group (LAG)
- Proof of total financing
- Expenditures from 01.01.2023 onwards
- Compliance with the retention period of 5 years (12 years for constructions)
Documents required for application
- Project description
- Financing strategy
- Proof of total financing
- Opinion of the local action group
- Building permits (for investment projects)
Evaluation criteria
- Innovative content
- Sustainability aspects
- Relevance for rural development
- Involvement of local actors
Description
The funding program “Rural Development within the Framework of LEADER” is aimed at actors in the rural areas of Brandenburg who wish to implement sustainable projects to secure and further develop living, working, and recreational spaces. Projects from various funding areas are supported, such as agriculture, rural development, regional promotion, as well as infrastructure and urban development. Funding is provided in the form of a grant, covering up to 65% to 100% of eligible costs. A prerequisite for funding is, among other things, that the project is carried out within the defined geographical boundaries of the rural area, that a positive endorsement from the responsible local action group (LAG) is obtained, and that proof of secured overall financing is provided. Personnel costs, material and investment costs, as well as travel expenses are eligible for funding, whereas the acquisition of real estate and retroactive costs are excluded from funding.
The program aims to strengthen regional identity while simultaneously promoting economic and social cohesion in rural areas. Projects that implement innovative solutions to improve living conditions at the municipal level—whether through the expansion of infrastructure, the establishment of educational and recreational facilities, or through community-oriented investment initiatives—receive support within this framework. The funding contributes to enabling rural regions to purposefully further develop their existing potential as economic and residential spaces. The selection criteria are based on innovation content and sustainability aspects, so that regional institutions as well as small businesses, private individuals, or non-profit organizations are eligible for funding.
The project duration is up to 48 months, and applications can be submitted online. The application must include, in addition to a detailed project description, a comprehensive financing strategy and proof of overall financing. Submission must take place no later than six months after a positive endorsement from the LAG. The program is an integral part of the Rural Development Strategy of the State of Brandenburg and supports measures that contribute to equivalent quality of life in all parts of the state. Interested applicants who wish to contribute to strengthening regional value chains and the autonomy of rural areas will find a solid foundation with this program to implement projects of high public relevance and regional significance.