1. LEADER Funding Workshop Session 2: How to apply for funding Judy Bell Local Action Group Manager Lindsey Action Zone

2. Overview 1.How to apply for a LEADER grant 2.How applications are assessed 3.Hints and tips to maximise success Questions

3. The Application Process – Getting Started Confirm project location is in the LAG area Check your project is eligible within the national LEADER priorities Check your project fits your local LAG’s priorities

4. The Application Process 1.Register with the Rural Payments Agency (RPA) https://www.gov.uk/government/collections/rur al-payments-agency-customer-registration https://www.gov.uk/government/collections/rur al-payments-agency-customer-registration 2.Outline Application 3.Full Application

5. Outline Application Download & complete an Outline Application form from the LAG's website or contact LAG Mgr Email the form to the LAG Outline application is assessed for LEADER eligibility and fit with LAG priorities Successful applicants will be invited to submit a Full Application by a set deadline (usually within 4 months. This is not a guarantee of grant funding)

6. The Application Process – Full Application Gather your supporting documents:- 2-3 quotes or tenders for every item of expenditure Accounts, permissions, consents, market research & letters of support, plans, proof of tenancy Evidence of match funding

7. How full Applications are assessed Assessed & scored against range of selection criteria: Need for the project Financial performance Value for money and the need for public funding Project Sustainability and Impacts Delivery approach Risk

8. Terms of Grant Funding No payments for any work carried out before start date Grants are paid in arrears against paid invoices Evidence invoices have been paid (bank statement) Project terms apply for 5 years after final payment Inform the LAG about significant changes to the project EU requires grants to be acknowledged & publicised

9. How to maximise your chance of grant funding (1) Don’t chase grants Sort your core business first Get everything in place so the project is ready to go ahead

10. How to maximise your chance of grant funding (2) Be clear about: The idea Objectives Your input to the project Funders will want to understand the: ‘Market Failure’ Outputs Strategic fit & critically ‘Additionality’

11. How to maximise your chance of grant funding (3) Benefits - the chance of grant aid is improved if: Your project aligns with funder’s aims (guidance/contact) Benefits extend beyond your business (e.g. supply chain) Delivery - the project must be clearly presented & set out: Clear steps to deliver the project inc. cashflow & bus. plan A plan to sustain the project after funding ends A sound track record for the lead business & an experienced team

12. Common features of successful applications Clear vision Strong team/partnership Enthusiasm Determination

13. Common reasons why applications are unsuccessful Ineligibility Outside the funder's criteria or interests Asking for too much money Not emphasising the need Applications haven’t been properly planned Applications are incomplete

14. Final Checks If the missing information isn't received by the agreed deadline, the application will be rejected. Have you answered all of the questions on the form? Incomplete applications will be returned Have you re-read the application after putting it to one side for a few days? Have you got someone else to read the application to check it makes sense to them? Have you checked that all the enclosures are included? Have you signed the form?

15. Contact Details for all LAGs www.lincolnshire.gov.uk/funding Lindsey Action Zone – Judy Bell www.lindseyactionzone.co.uk laz@lincolnshire.gov.uk 01507 354 561 Coastal Action Zone – Judy Bell www.coastal-rdpe.co.uk laz@lincolnshire.gov.uk 01507 354 561 Wash Fens Rural Development Programme – Frances McIntyre www.washfens-rdpe.co.uk washfens@lincolnshire.gov.uk Tel: 07920 295 150 Kestevens Rural Development Programme – Sheila Whittle kestevensrdpe@lincolnshire.gov.uk 01522 550 642

16. Any Questions?