LEADER Guideline
Grants for projects in selected LEADER regions in Lower Saxony, Bremen, and Hamburg for the implementation of regional development strategies in rural areas; funding rates up to 90%.
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Grant criteria
Funding objective
Funding of projects within and based on the respective Regional Development Strategies (REK) of the LEADER regions, including cooperation projects and administrative and awareness-raising expenses of the Local Action Groups (LAG).
Eligible expenses
- Investment costs within the framework of the REK
- Initiation costs for cooperation projects
- Ongoing administrative expenses of the LAG (regional management, office)
- Public relations work
- Awareness-raising costs
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Non-eligible expenses
- Municipal mandatory tasks including legally required planning services
- Ongoing operating expenses of the funding object
- Replacement investments/procurements
- Purchase of living inventory
- Legally required planning work
Eligible to apply
- Companies
- Individuals
- Public Institutions
- Interest Groups and Other Associations
- Cooperatives
- Foundations
- Non-profit Organizations
Funding requirements
- Located in a LEADER region selected for the funding period 2023–2027 (Lower Saxony, Bremen, Hamburg)
- Positive resolution by the LAG decision-making body
- Projects must comply with the requirements of the respective Regional Development Concept (REK)
- Projects in rural areas
Description
The LEADER guideline promotes the implementation of regional development strategies in selected LEADER regions in Lower Saxony, Bremen, and Hamburg. The focus is on projects based on the respective Regional Development Concepts (REK) and planned and implemented locally according to the bottom-up principle by Local Action Groups (LAG) and their partners. The program is financed through state funds and the European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development (EAFRD). The funding rate varies between 65% and 90% of eligible expenses depending on the type of project, with investment projects (excluding basic services) generally subsidized up to 65%. Cooperation projects within and outside the regions can also be funded up to 90% of initiation costs, provided they comply with the requirements of all involved REKs.
Funding is provided, among other things, for investment costs within the framework of the REK, ongoing administrative expenses of the LAG (regional management, office), public relations, awareness-raising costs, as well as expenses for training, events, and networking activities. A positive resolution by the LAG decision-making body and a location within one of the selected LEADER regions for the 2023–2027 funding period are prerequisites. Municipal mandatory tasks, replacement investments, legally required planning services, and the purchase of livestock are excluded. Applications can be submitted continuously before the start of the respective project to the responsible Office for Regional State Development to sustainably support the future-oriented strengthening of rural areas.
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