Grants for Integrated Rural Development (ZILE)
Grant program for integrated rural development in Bremen and Lower Saxony. Applications are possible each year until September 30.
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Grant criteria
Funding objective
The program supports projects for the integrated development of rural areas in Bremen and Lower Saxony, particularly village development, the preparation of village development plans, reorganization of rural land ownership, basic services, and strengthening of micro-enterprises providing essential services, in order to improve living conditions in rural regions and ensure a sustainable agricultural structure.
Eligible to apply
- Companies
- Individuals
- Public Institutions
Funding requirements
- Projects in locations with more than 10,000 inhabitants are not funded
- No funding for legally required planning work (e.g., land use or development plans)
- Binding periods: 12 years for land and buildings, 5 years for technical equipment
- Exclusion of renovation cases and companies in difficulty according to EU state aid guidelines
- Private applications in the areas of village development, basic services, and micro-enterprises only through the municipality
Description
Grants for Integrated Rural Development (ZILE) support practical projects aimed at strengthening and sustainably developing rural areas in Bremen and Lower Saxony. Funded initiatives come from the fields of urban development, infrastructure, agriculture, mobility, and regional promotion. Eligible applicants include companies, natural and legal persons under public and private law, as well as municipalities and municipal associations. The goal is to improve living conditions in villages through village development, reorganization of rural land ownership, basic services, or micro-enterprises providing essential services. The joint initiative by the state, the Free Hanseatic City of Bremen, the federal government, and the EU pools financial resources to ensure a future-proof agricultural structure and attractive rural infrastructure.
Funding is provided in the form of a grant with a funding rate ranging from 35% to 100% of eligible expenses. Applicants must submit their applications by September 30 each year to the responsible Office for Regional State Development. Private measures in the areas of village development, basic services, and micro-enterprises are submitted through the respective municipality. Projects in municipalities with more than 10,000 inhabitants, legally mandated planning work, as well as renovation cases and companies in difficulty according to EU state aid guidelines are not eligible for funding. Furthermore, binding periods of 12 years apply to land and buildings, and five years to technical equipment. The structured allocation ensures transparency and sets incentives for a livable rural future.