LEADER Funding Workshop

Session 2: How to apply for funding

Judy BellLocal Action Group Manager

Lindsey Action Zone

Overview

1. How to apply for a LEADER grant2. How applications are assessed3. Hints and tips to maximise success

Questions

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

The Application Process

1. Register with the Rural Payments Agency (RPA) https://www.gov.uk/government/collections/rural-payments-agency-customer-registration

2. Outline Application

3. Full Application

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)

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

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

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

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

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’

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

Common features of successful applications

Clear vision Strong team/partnership

Enthusiasm Determination

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

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?

Contact Details for all LAGswww.lincolnshire.gov.uk/funding

Lindsey Action Zone – Judy Bellwww.lindseyactionzone.co.uklaz@lincolnshire.gov.uk01507 354 561

Coastal Action Zone – Judy Bell www.coastal-rdpe.co.uklaz@lincolnshire.gov.uk01507 354 561

Wash Fens Rural Development Programme – Frances McIntyrewww.washfens-rdpe.co.ukwashfens@lincolnshire.gov.ukTel: 07920 295 150

Kestevens Rural Development Programme – Sheila Whittlekestevensrdpe@lincolnshire.gov.uk

01522 550 642

Any Questions?