Support for Rural Areas

The initiative Support for Rural Areas specifically promotes projects aimed at strengthening and sustainably developing rural areas in Upper Austria. Subsidies are granted for measures that particularly establish educational offerings and qualification programs locally. Eligible for funding are interest groups or other associations, companies, as well as private individuals. The focus is on rural regions where added value is jointly created through training and continuing education activities, regional development concepts, and agriculturally oriented initiatives. In this way, structures are to be preserved in the long term, competence networks built, and the quality of life in rural areas improved.

Submissions are accepted continuously, as the funding program operates without a fixed deadline. A prerequisite is a clearly defined project objective that serves the support of rural areas, as well as secured implementation and financing. To address all potential stakeholders, gender-neutral language is used and the focus is placed on inclusive project planning. The following documents are required for the application: funding application, detailed project description, cost and financing plan, as well as a completed funding declaration. Upon completion of a project, accounting with original invoices must be submitted. The Department of Agriculture and Forestry of the Upper Austrian State Government manages and accompanies the program within the framework of the General Funding Guidelines of the State of Upper Austria. Interested project sponsors can obtain information at any time and submit their documents to make a valuable contribution to the future of rural regions in Upper Austria.