The first step to apply for funding of a project is to complete an Expression of Interest form (EoI), available here. This is your opportunity to present your initial ideas/needs to the Local Action Group.
A guide to help you fill out the Expression of Interest form is available here.
Application deadlines with an indication of LAG decision meeting dates are given below. The time between the application deadline and LAG decision meeting gives us time to work with you to finalise your application and organise a LAG site visit.
Deadline LAG Meeting
4th December 2017 8th February 2018
5th March 2018 10th May 2018
4th June 2018 9th August 2018
3rd September 2018 1st November 2018
3rd December 2018 14th March 2019
Tyne Esk LEADER funding is very competitive and we receive a large number of Expressions of Interest. With the final date of March 2020 approaching these numbers will keep increasing until we allocate all our funds. The number of applications which can be dealt with at each round will depend on the capacity of the staff team at that time and may vary. Once you have submitted your Expression of Interest we will endeavour to communicate when the next possible submission date for your application will be, but if we have not done so please check this with us. Please contact us if you wish to discuss further.
Tyne Esk LEADER are able to fund a wide variety of project types including revenue and capital projects as long as the project helps to deliver the objectives in our Local Development Strategy (available here). We have ring-fenced funds for farm diversification and rural enterprise projects as well as cooperation projects where applicants are working with another Local Action Group in Scotland or elsewhere in Europe.
The themes of the Tyne Esk Local Development Strategy are community cooperation and cohesion, economic development and enhanced environment. Some project types that we might be able to fund are community facility development projects, business development, particularly in the priority sectors of tourism, food and drink and scientific research, projects to improve the built environment, improving access to green spaces, developing tourist attractions, projects to market businesses or sectors or organising and holding events.
Tyne Esk LEADER will only fund up to a maximum intervention rate of 60% though so applicants will need match funding or LEADER may not be the most appropriate funder for your project. The Scottish Rural Network maintains an up-to-date database of over 1000 funders that is free to access here, which you can use to either source match funding or core funding for your project. Please feel free to contact us and we may be able to advise on funders for your project as well.