LEADER for Rural Areas
EU-supported funding program of the state of North Rhine-Westphalia to strengthen rural areas through citizen participation and the implementation of regional development strategies. Applications can be submitted continuously through the regional management offices of the LEADER regions.
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Grant criteria
Funding objective
Support for municipalities, districts, public and private actors in the implementation of the regional development strategy (RDS) of the LEADER regions through project funding, transnational cooperation, and LAG management.
Eligible expenses
- Personnel costs for LAG management and project staff
- Material costs
- Travel expenses
- Training and consulting
- Public relations
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Non-eligible expenses
- Acquisition of land
- Retroactive costs
- Value-added tax, insofar as refundable
- Interest and debt service
- Purchase of used items
Eligible to apply
- Public Institutions
- Non-profit Organizations
- Individuals
- Companies
- Founders
- Interest Groups and Other Associations
Funding requirements
- Project must be assigned to a recognized LEADER region
- Recognition of the Local Action Group (LAG) by the competent ministry
- Resolution of the LAG on project funding required
- Project start only after approval by the district government
Documents required for application
- LEADER guideline (PDF)
- Application form (DOCX)
- Third-party funding declaration
- Treasurer's declaration
- Proof of use
- Project description
- Financing plan
- Proof of non-profit status (if applicable)
- Building permit/usage declaration (for construction measures)
- Curricula vitae of project staff
Evaluation criteria
- Contribution to the local development strategy (LDS)
- Innovative content of the project
- Involvement and benefits for the regional population
- Sustainability aspects
- Degree of cooperation and networking
Description
The EU-supported LEADER program of the state of North Rhine-Westphalia promotes innovative projects in rural areas throughout the year. The goal is the implementation of regional development strategies (RDS) through intensive citizen participation and networking of local actors. Up to 70% of eligible expenses – a maximum of €250,000 per project – are granted as subsidies. Eligible applicants include public institutions, non-profit organizations, partnerships, companies, start-ups, interest groups, associations, as well as private individuals anchored in a recognized LEADER region. Prerequisites are the recognition by the Local Action Group (LAG), a positive resolution by the LAG, and project commencement only after approval by the responsible district government. Funding covers expenses for personnel costs in LAG management, material and travel costs, training and consulting, public relations, as well as cross-border cooperation. The acquisition of land and building plots, retroactive costs, refundable VAT, interest, debt service, and used acquisitions are not eligible. The project duration is limited to 36 months.
The selection is made by the regional action group based on transparent criteria such as degree of innovation, contribution to the RDS, benefit to citizens, sustainability, and level of cooperation. Cities, municipalities, public law corporations, associations, federations, and local initiatives can continuously submit applications through the regional management offices of the respective LEADER region. Support by qualified regional managers and the possibility of transnational cooperation strengthen rural areas as places to live, work, and relax. Thus, LEADER promotes not only economic impulses and public services but also identity, cultural heritage, and new start-ups in North Rhine-Westphalia. Interested project sponsors can find all documents such as the application form, guidelines, third-party funding and treasurer’s declaration, as well as proof of use in the state’s funding database.
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