Eligibility
An important part of the LEADER principle is innovation.
All projects approved will have to demonstrate how they are innovative and how they fit with the main themes of “Revitalising Communities and Progressive Rural Economy”.
The target groups are Women, Young People, Micro and Small Businesses and Self Employed and Social Enterprises.
It is likely that the maximum grant achievable from LEADER will be 50% of total eligible costs.  Projects requesting less than £1000 from LEADER will be ineligible.  LEADER is not able to fully fund any project, therefore you will be required to demonstrate that you have match funding in place before your application will be considered. Other sources of funding might include things such as loans, private finance, grants or money received from fundraising.
LEADER is especially interested in forging links between groups working on related projects so they can combine forces for mutual benefit and the LAG will support a broad range of rural projects, under 2 main objectives:
 
Objective 1 – Promote a prosperous, inclusive and sustainable economy
For example, eligible projects will:
• Support small and medium enterprises (including social and community enterprises)
• Support supply chain and joint working initiatives
• Skills development, particularly for young people
• Develop community broadband networks and mobile access
• Develop rural transport initiatives
• Renovate empty or in need of improvement village/town centre properties
• Develop or enhance access to landscape and natural environment
• Promote and support community ownership of assets
• Develop community based support and learning networks to share skills and resources
• Support initiatives for young people
 
Objective 2 – Creating a safe a sustainable place for future generations
For example, eligible projects will:
• Develop or enhance access to landscape and natural environment through, for example, development of path or cycle networks
• Enhance access to or develop local services including rural transport, facilities and community spaces
• Promote and support community ownership of assets including business premises
• Develop community based support and learning networks to share skills and resources
• Develop community support services including access to specialised advice
• Support joint working initiatives across sector or themes
• Support initiatives for young people
• Support recognition of community achievements and best practices
 
The priority areas also include:
• Community capacity building
• Support to SME’s
• Community broadband
• Youth initiatives
• A Challenge Open Fund will also support other projects alongside the priority projects.
 
Eligible Costs Can Include:
• Capital costs
• Staff costs
• Marketing/website design etc.