A total review of LEADER projects and their funding has taken place and a small amount of underspend has been identified.  The Local Action Group have decided that they would like to invite applications for consideration at their next meeting.  Applications would need to be received by 4th May, 2012.
 

LAG criteria and priorities would need to be addressed to allow consideration:

LEADER would normally fund up to 45% of the project costs, therefore 55% of match fudning would be required by any applicant.  This would need to be in place before making an application.

A list of potential match-funders can be found under Links

Projects to be community based with community benefits or representing communities of interest. Projects would need to consider the long term, how to be sustainable following funding support.   A minimum total project cost of £5,000.

Young People and Women and their development – i.e. skills leading to employment.
Environment – links between communities and the environment.
The Cairngorms National Park – projects introducing, enhancing and involving people in the Park. Community Development for a more prosperous future

Application form and guidance can be found under Useful Documents on the Downloads page

APPLICATIONS to be submitted electronically, as soon as possible, by 4th May, 2012 to patriciamethven@cairngorms.co.uk or lynnanderson@cairngorms.co.uk

This feed was drawn from the Cairngorms Local Action Group website

Please note all funding has now been fully committed as at September 2011.

This feed was drawn from the Cairngorms Local Action Group website

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

While applications of over £5,000 may still be submitted, applicants should be aware that funds are limited and there is a significant risk that funds may not be allocated. There may also be a delay in consideration while we await the confirmation of any additional funding from Scottish Government. Should this not be forthcoming we will of course advise applicants immediately; we would hope to know the outcome towards the end of 2011.

Please note that funding for small projects remains available from the Cairngorms National Park Authority. Applications for grants of up to £5,000, toward projects contributing to the aims of the National Park, are still encouraged, see the Cairngorms National Park Authority website, these grants will be processed as usual through the Cairngorms Local Action Group.
 

For further information please contact the Cairngorms LEADER Team.

This feed was drawn from the Cairngorms Local Action Group website

Please note: The News story above (February 2011) supercedes the article below and there is no Community Facilities Funding left.

Communities in the Cairngorms National Park who would like to see their local facilities, such as village halls improved are being urged to apply for financial support from the Cairngorms Local Action Group (LAG), managers of the European-funded LEADER Programme in the Park.
The Cairngorms LAG has received a boost to its coffers with the transfer of £340,000 from the Scotland Rural Development Programme to LEADER. The funds are aimed specifically at helping communities take forward plans to revitalise their local facilities in the long term.
LEADER operates across the Cairngorms National Park with funding support from the Scottish Government, the Cairngorms National Park (CNPA) and Scottish Natural Heritage (SNH), the Programme runs until end 2012.

Patricia Methven, Grants Manager at the Cairngorms National Park Authority (CNPA) said: “It’s great news to have extra funds but it’s not the level of finance that can be used to redevelop an entire village hall. However, communities could apply for funding to help with the cost of structural assessments, legal costs and to help with development plans. Furthermore, they may want to consider energy efficiency work or new heating systems for the hall or even outdoor activity areas for young people.”

“The LAG would normally offer 45 per cent of the total project costs but in exceptional cases, the LAG may be in a position to offer a community group a higher percentage, which could help them realise their wishes for their local facilities.”

In addition to the money available to help improve community buildings and facilities, money is also available to help make broadband more accessible for communities. However, the deadline for submissions for financial support for broadband is the end of September so any group or organisation with an interest in this particular area is urged to contact the LEADER team as soon as possible.

For more information on LEADER in the Cairngorms National Park please visit the website: www.cairngorms-leader.org or contact Patricia Methven on Tel: 01479 870543 or patriciamethven@cairngorms.co.uk
 

This feed was drawn from the Cairngorms Local Action Group website