Application Process

Links to sections in this page - LEADER Applications and Projects | Application Information | Submitting an Application

LEADER Applications and Projects

LEADER has a strategic approach and will focus on key priority outcomes identified by the Scottish Government in the SRDP, these being:

Improving business viability and competitiveness
Actions to enhance biodiversity and landscape
Actions to improve water quality
Actions that will tackle climate change
Support for thriving rural communities

The majority of LEADER applications will relate to thriving rural communities, however applications will also be considered for projects that can deliver towards the other priority outcomes.

The two overarching LEADER themes in Rural Aberdeenshire are:

Revitalising Communities
Progressive Rural Economy

The priorities linking to the overarching themes that LEADER in Rural Aberdeenshire will focus on are:

Sustainable Communities
Sustainable Energy
Innovative Value Added Products and Markets
Sustainable Tourism Development
Innovative Micro Enterprise
Versatile Rural Workforce

You will find details in this section of the website on how to submit an application.

Please contact the LEADER Co-ordinator before you consider submitting an application to ensure your project meets eligibility criteria. General Guidance and selection criteria are located in the Application section of the website.

Application Forms and Guidance can be downloaded from this section of the website. If you do not have access to the internet, or require to complete the Application Form manually, paper copies can be supplied on request.

Application Information

A wide range of groups and individuals can apply to LEADER. Community groups, social enterprises, micro or small businesses, voluntary organisations or public sector bodies with a project idea that will benefit the rural community can apply.

Individuals who have public support for their project which reflects the key themes and priorities of the Rural Aberdeenshire LAG Strategy can also apply, if the project is community driven and will benefit a wide section of the community rather than an individual.

The maximum LEADER contribution towards a project is up to 50% of total eligible costs. The applicant must identify the remaining 50% from other public and private sources, including in-kind contributions. Contribution of minimum of 5% is required to be made by the applicant. Enhanced LEADER funding of up to 70% can be applied in trans-national (outwith UK) or trans-regional projects (remainder of UK, outwith Scotland).

The LEADER Co-ordinator will assist potential applicants to understand the scope of the programme and to develop eligible applications. Where projects do not receive funding or are ineligible, feedback will be provided. Where appropriate, advice to redevelop a project or direct to other possible funding sources will be provided if possible.

LEADER funding may not be matched funded with other forms of European funding.

Submitting an Application

Once the LEADER Co-ordinator has confirmed that your project is eligible for funding you can prepare and submit an Application Form, including project details and financial information.

Applications will be assessed in successive funding rounds. You must ensure your application is received before the deadline for a specific round. The Application Timetable is located in the Application section of the website.

When the completed Application Form is received by the LEADER Co-ordinator the project is appraised formally against the criteria and priorities. The project is then considered by the Project Assessment Committee (PAC) before a decision is made by the Local Action Group (LAG).

The PAC, which includes representatives comprising the Lead Partner, Environment, Land Based, Community and Business interests has delegated authority to approve applications for LEADER funding up to £5,000.

Decision to award funding of greater than £5,000 or to reject such an application must be approved by the LAG Partnership.

When a project is approved a formal Offer of Award letter with appropriate terms and conditions specific to the project will be issued on behalf of the LAG. This formal Offer of Award letter must be returned signed by the Applicant within four weeks of the offer being made.

When an application is unsuccessful, the LEADER Co-ordinator will inform the Applicant in writing to explain the decision and to offer further assistance as appropriate.