LEADER Funding in Saxony
The EU LEADER program supports sustainable development of rural areas in Saxony 2023–2027. Applications possible until 31.12.2027.
Discover your potential with AI support
- Find out if this grant matches your project
- Develop your application together with AI
- Get matched with many more suitable grants
Grant criteria
Funding objective
The aim of the funding is a sustainable, structurally shaping development of rural areas in Saxony. The focus is on sustainable projects and processes, strengthening innovation and economic power, promoting inter-municipal cooperation, tourism, and nature conservation. The bottom-up approach enables local actors and LEADER action groups to decide on development strategies and project funding.
Eligible expenses
- Investment projects
- Non-investment projects
- Unit costs for buildings
- Unit costs for personnel
- Material costs
- Show more
Non-eligible expenses
- retrospective costs
- debt settlement
- acquisition of real estate
Eligible to apply
- Individuals
- Companies
- Non-profit Organizations
- Public Institutions
- Educational Institutions
Funding requirements
- Location of the project within the spatial scope of the recognized LEADER region
- Project corresponds to the LEADER development strategy (LES)
- Positive resolution by the decision-making body of the LAG for the selection of the project
- Grants for structural investments only for owners or leasehold rights holders
- Project must not have commenced prior to application submission
- Show more
Documents required for application
- LEADER Development Strategy (LDS)
- Project Description
- Financing Plan
- Vote of the LAG
- Map of the Spatial Scope
- Registration Number BNR10 and BNR15
- Proof of IAF Registration
- Proof of Building Net Floor Area
- Proof of Personnel Activities
Evaluation criteria
- Compliance with the regional development strategy (LES)
- Sustainability aspects
- Degree of innovation
- Economic viability
- Regional value creation
Description
EU Program LEADER – Regional Impulses for Saxony’s Rural Areas
The LEADER program supports model projects in the Free State of Saxony from 2023 to 2027 that promote sustainable, structurally shaping development in villages and small towns. Using a bottom-up approach, local actors and Local Action Groups (LAG) decide on development strategies and project funding. The goal is innovative initiatives in agriculture, tourism, environmental and nature conservation, energy efficiency, infrastructure, and business financing. Funding rates of up to 80% (depending on the LEADER development strategy) enable investments in construction measures, consulting and material costs, personnel and travel expenses, marketing, as well as management and cooperation costs. With a total budget of €240.9 million, the program aims to sustainably strengthen innovation capacity, regional value creation, and inter-municipal cooperation.
Eligible Applicants and Application Procedures
Applications can be submitted via the Internet-based application system (IAF) until December 31, 2027. Eligible applicants include private individuals, companies, start-ups, non-profit organizations, public bodies, and educational institutions with projects within the spatial scope of a recognized LEADER region. Prerequisites include alignment with the local development strategy (LES), a positive resolution by the LAG, digital application registration with BNR 10/B 15, and ownership rights for construction investments. Required documents include the LES, project description, financing plan, LAG vote, area map, IAF registration confirmation, evidence of net usable floor area of buildings, and personnel cost documentation. Retroactive costs, debt settlement, and real estate acquisitions are not eligible for funding. Decisions are made based on criteria such as strategic integration, sustainability, level of innovation, economic viability, and regional value creation.