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.
We are now close to having fully allocated our funds and are not able to fund all the projects that come to us for a grant. While we are unlikely to be able to take applications for Expressions of Interest submitted now to the Local Action Group we are still keen to receive Expressions of Interest in order that we can use those to inform the development of a future Programmes Local Development Strategy for the next Tyne Esk LEADER Programme. We would also be keen to retain those Expressions of Interest on file for the future so that we can get in contact at the start of the next Tyne Esk LEADER Programme to see if the project is still viable.
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.