1. LEADER Funding Workshop Session 1: Overview of LEADER Frances McIntyre Local Action Group Manager

2. Session 1 – Overview of LEADER Key Facts about LEADER LEADER in Lincolnshire Who can Apply/Grants Available Example Projects A detailed Applicant Handbook will be released in October. All workshop participants will be sent a copy.

3. LEADER - Key Facts LEADER is a delivery method being used to distribute funding from the Rural Development Programme for England Rural Development Programme for England (Defra) Rural Development Programme for England (Defra) Countryside Stewardship £3.1 billion Countryside Stewardship £3.1 billion Growth Programme £177 million Growth Programme £177 million Countryside Productivity £ 140 million Countryside Productivity £ 140 million LEADER £138 million LEADER £138 million Local Action Groups (LAGS) Natural England Forestry Commission Rural Payments Agency Local Enterprise Partnerships European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development

4. LEADER - Key Facts The term LEADER is derived from a French acronym: 80 approved LAG areas in England https://www.gov.uk/rural-development-programme-for- england-leader-funding https://www.gov.uk/rural-development-programme-for- england-leader-funding Due to start in October 2015. Runs until the end of 2020. Liaison Entre Actions de Développement de l'Économie Rurale Liaison among Actors in Rural Economic Development Liaison Entre Actions de Développement de l'Économie Rurale Liaison among Actors in Rural Economic Development

5. LEADER - Key Facts Aim: To support and grow the rural economy Jobs and growth are a key requirement No automatic entitlement to a LEADER grant – not a ‘Gift’ The LAG will be looking for a good return on their investment (The economic benefits/outputs you can deliver) LAGs have growth targets that they must achieve Competitive process - Projects that demonstrate the highest levels of benefit will be prioritised.

6. LEADER - Key Facts All applicants must demonstrate how their project will support the local economy, such as Creating jobs Developing a new or existing rural business Increasing tourism visitors Improving rural services and communities LAGs must use a least 70% of their funding to support projects that create direct growth Additionality: LEADER supports projects that otherwise wouldn’t happen, or it enables them to happen faster or on a larger scale.

7. LEADER - Key Facts Not for: routine expenditure, standard equipment or statutory requirements Not for: Repairs, like-for-like replacements of existing items or activities that have already started Not for: Propping up failing businesses

8. LEADER in Lincolnshire www.lincolnshire.gov.uk/funding £1.42m £1.28m £1.75m £1.53m Not available in built-up urban areas; Lincoln, Grantham, Boston, Spalding

9. LAG Priorities Each LAG sets its own priorities that reflect the local area and make-up such as; Each LAG has identified a number of priorities For full list go to www.lincolnshire.gov.uk/fundingwww.lincolnshire.gov.uk/funding Wash Fens To increase investment in agriculture, the food industry and its supply chain to drive productivity, improve sustainability and reinforce the area's position as a centre for food excellence. LAZ Realising the Potential of our Environment, Heritage and Community Assets – to sensitively enhance the key environmental and heritage strengths of the LAZ CAZ Diversify & Enhance the Coastal Area for example, by creating and enhancing visitor facilities including covered facilities Kestevens Develop Creative & Innovative Workspace/Enterprise Hubs investment that create opportunities to share resources, make connections, provide business support & encourage support clusters

10. LAG Area The project or activity must take place in a LAG area Assets must be held in the LAG area An organisation located outside the LAG area can only apply if the planned activity is within the LAG area eg a nature reserve, cycle path, visitor centre. Grants for activities that cross LAG borders will be apportioned

11. Grant Rates Match funding must come from the private sector In-kind contributions or own labour cannot be used as match funding *Where there is some income to off- set costs. Up to 100% where there is no income, eg cycle paths.

12. How much can we apply for? Minimum grant is £2500 (£3,500 in the LAZ ) Maximum grant €200,000 (£141,302 @ 1/9/15) Average grants typically between £2,500 to £40,000. Higher grant amounts will be offered in exceptional circumstances, for example where significant outcomes will be generated. De Minimis State Aid Rules; Maximum available in any rolling 3 year period = €200,000. Other public funding already received may count toward this. The actual grant awarded will always be the lowest amount required for the project to proceed.

13. Project Size The smallest commercial project eligible for LEADER is £6,250 40% Grant: £2,500 + 60% Match: £3,750 = £6,250 (£8,750 in LAZ LAG) The smallest non-profit making project eligible for LEADER is £3,125 (where there is some income to off-set costs) 80%: Grant: £2500 + 20% Match = £625 = £3,125 (£4375 in LAZ LAG) For non-commercial projects where there is no income to off-set costs the smallest project is £2500 of (£3500 in the LAZ LAG).

14. Eligible Costs Primarily a capital grants scheme that funds the purchase of physical assets (5 year life-span). Costs could include; Equipment Machinery Construction work Intangible investments eg the development of bespoke computer software/technology:

15. Eligible Costs Some revenue costs are eligible ; Professional fees – eg the cost of architects, engineer, consultation fees (restricted to 15% of total project costs and only for costs incurred after grant approved) Marketing –the costs of digital design, but not hard copy printing Festivals/Events - Equipment hire, Marquee hire, Room/field hire Limited salary costs associated with the development of a community or not for profit project: - In exceptional circumstances only. LAGs will have to seek permission on a case by case basis. - Must be clearly linked to supporting rural jobs and growth - Would cease as soon as the project was running

16. Ineligible Costs Running costs, Reclaimable VAT, Planning fees, Movable fittings, (tables, chairs, beds, small kitchen equipment), landscaping (unless part of making good), Plants/trees

17. Types of Grant Available 1. Increasing Farm Productivity 2. Supporting Micro and Small Businesses and Farm Diversification 3. Boosting Rural Tourism 4.Providing Rural Services 5. Supporting Cultural and Heritage Activities 6. Increasing Forestry Productivity LEADER Priorities

18. 1. Farm Productivity What are the grants for? Support a wide range of farm investments. Particularly for businesses that want to invest in innovative business practices and new technologies to help them become more sustainable and productive. Who can apply ? Farmers, groups of farmers, processing businesses with less than 250 employees

19. 1. Farm Productivity

20. 2. Support for Rural Business and Farm Diversification What are the grants for? To start up a new rural business To grow an existing rural micro enterprise or small businesses. This Priority covers most industries and business activities, apart from agriculture (funded under Priority 1) Who can apply? Businesses with fewer than 50 staff and turnover of less than €10m (circa £7.1m) Farmers wanting to diversity into non-agricultural activities People starting a new business

21. 2. Support for Rural Business and Farm Diversification

22. 3. Rural Tourism What are the grants for? Developing high quality visitor products and services Linking tourism providers Extending the tourism season and Encouraging visitors to stay longer Who can apply? Micro or small businesses (inc. farmers diversifying into tourism) Community group Group of rural tourist businesses working together Local authorities and administrations; Public-private partnerships; Non-Governmental organisations (NGOs);

23. 3. Rural Tourism

24. 4. Rural Services What are the grants for? Projects that aim to alleviate some of the difficulties faced by rural communities Particularly the lack of access to services and the provision of infrastructure. Who can apply? New or existing micro or small businesses; Rural community organisations; Public or private entities working in partnership with small and micro business and rural community groups Local authorities (in exceptional circumstances, must fall outside of their statutory requirement to provide rural services)

25. 4. Rural Services

26. 5. Cultural & Heritage Activities What are the grants for? Promotion, enhancement and maintenance of cultural heritage assets and events where this supports growth in the tourism economy and: Creates a sense of local identity through raised awareness of their importance; and/or Helps protect cultural heritage features against damage and degradation. Who can apply? Landowners; Rural community groups; Local authorities (in exceptional circumstances, must fall outside of their statutory requirements for this type of activity)

27. 5. Cultural & Heritage Activities

28. 6. Forestry Productivity Not available in the Wash Fens - For information on forestry activity go to www.forestry.gov.uk/england www.forestry.gov.uk/england What are the grants for? To deliver permanent new supply chains (and jobs) Restore regular management to local woods (with Management Plans in place) and, Encourage a greater degree of added value to the timber output Who can apply ? Owners of private forestry holdings or Small and medium-sized forestry contracting businesses (Up to 250 employees)

29. 6. Forestry Productivity

30. Other Funding Business Lincolnshire Growth Hub – Local funding, advice and business support schemes www.businesslincolnshire.comwww.businesslincolnshire.com Gtr. Lincolnshire Local Enterprise Partnership (GLLEP) http://www.greaterlincolnshirelep.co.uk/funding http://www.greaterlincolnshirelep.co.uk/funding Open Call: Tourism (Minimum grant £50,000) Closing date: 27/11/15 https://www.gov.uk/european-structural-investment-funds/tourism-call-in- greater-lincolnshire-14rd15to0002 Countryside Stewardship https://www.gov.uk/guidance/countryside- stewardshiphttps://www.gov.uk/guidance/countryside- stewardship Countryside Productivity: https://www.gov.uk/government/collections/countryside-productivity-scheme https://www.gov.uk/government/collections/countryside-productivity-scheme Growth Programme: https://www.gov.uk/government/collections/growth-programme-grants-for-the- rural-economy

31. Other Funding LCC Community Facilities Grant Village halls, community buildings, recreation grounds, playing fields, play areas and facilities for young people. http://www.lincolnshire.gov.uk/residents/community-and- living/community-and-voluntary-sector-support/grants-and- funding/community-facilities-grant-aid Lincolnshire Funding Portal - Online hub of community grants and funding information http://www.idoxopen4community.co.uk/lincolnshire/

32. Any questions?