Cairngorms Local Action Group

FUNDING AVAILABILITY - please note that the main European Union fund LEADER, made available to the Cairngorms Local Action Group, is fully committed.

NO EU FUNDS remain to fund projects in this financial year.

We will not know until the end of March 2012 whether Scottish Government will provide additional funding.

CNPA FUNDING TO LAG

Please note funding is now fully committed as at September, 2011. 

Application Process

Applications for projects appropriate to the objectives of the Programme can be made by constituted not-for-profit groups. Those benefitting from the project must either live or work in the Cairngorms National Park area.

The level of support given to projects is dependent on many factors, the size, its location or project type, however, the percentage of support would not normally exceed 45%; unless for small community based projects that may attract a higher level of support. The applicant must find the remaining funds from other public and private sources, including in-kind contributions. A minimum contribution or private funds of 5% is expected to be contributed by the applicant.

The staff 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, the Grants Manager will provide feedback and where appropriate, offer advice to redevelop the project, or advise on other possible funding sources.

The Applicant is encouraged to discuss any proposed project with staff before completing the Application Form. The Application Form and Application Guidelines can be found in the Downloads section of this website.

TO ENSURE ELIGIBILITY, PLEASE CONTACT THIS OFFICE TO DISCUSS YOUR PROJECT IN DETAIL, PRIOR TO MAKING YOUR APPLICATION.

If you would like to check whether or not your project idea is eligible please complete our Enquiries Form and we will endeavour to get back to you quickly.

APPLICATION DEADLINES ARE:

• 24 September 2010
• 10 January 2011
• 18 April 2011
• 22 August 2011
• 30 November 2011
• 20 January 2012
• 16 April 2012
• 20 August 2012
• 28 November 2012

Please submit all applications electronically in the first instance or in draft form for consideration prior to the Application Deadline. 

What Happens Next?

Once the Grants Manager has confirmed that the project is eligible for funding support, a full, formal application is requested for the project, including background and financial information. Prior to this the Project is discussed with the Applicant, exchange of information will take place  through meetings, telephone and email.

When the completed Application Form is received by the Grants Manager, the Project is appraised formally against the Programme objectives.

The project is then put forward to the Local Action Group who depending on the level of applications, will normally meet every three months from May 2008.

When a project is approved, the Cairngorms Local Action Group will issue a formal “letter of offer” with appropriate terms and conditions specific to the project.

This formal “Letter of Offer” must be returned, signed by the Applicant and group members within two weeks of the offer being made.  Projects cannot officially begin until this office has the returned, signed Letter of Offer and proof that all match funding is confirmed in writing.

On the occasion that a project has been rejected, the Grants Manager will contact the Applicant as soon as possible to explain the decision and to offer further assistance as appropriate.