Outer Hebrides LEADER

* * LEADER GRANT FUNDING INTERVENTION RATE ANNOUNCEMENT * *

On Friday 5th March 2010 the LEADER Local Action Group agreed that LEADER Innse Gall will increase their intervention rate up to 50%. This rate will not be applied to any projects that have been approved before this date, but all new applicants will now be eligible to apply for our new increased intervention rate.

THE LEADER CONTRIBUTION MUST BE THE MINIMUM AMOUNT REQUIRED TO ALLOW THE PROJECT TO PROCEED.

LOCAL PROJECTS - (projects based within the Outer Hebrides):

• The maximum LEADER Innse Gall grant contribution will be up to 50% of the total eligible project costs.

CO-OPERATION PROJECTS - (the implementation of joint projects in partnership with other LEADER areas in Scotland, the UK, and other areas of the EU):

• These co-operation projects are eligible for a higher LEADER grant contribution rate of up to 70% of the total eligible costs.

ALL PROJECTS MUST CONFORM TO THE FOLLOWING:

All match funding must be in place, and evidence provided, before work can commence on the project. Retrospective approval is not allowed.

- Include a minimum beneficiary contribution of 5% eligible project costs (these include in-kind and own contributions, private or public sources which are met by the applicant).

- In-kind contributions may not exceed 25% of the overall cost of the project - all in-kind contributions should be costed (including property and volunteer time).

- The remaining funding requirement (match funding) can be acquired from non-EU public or private funding sources, including the Comhairle's Capital Programme and Lottery funding.

- Public grant match funding should not exceed 95% of the project eligible costs, unless the applicant is a public organisation, if this is exceeded any reductions in funding will be made in the LEADER support.

- LEADER cannot be funded by any other SRDP programmes (including Rural Development Contracts - Rural Priorities).

The main types of LEADER funded projects fall into two categories:

Capital: Physical Infrastructure such as Building works or material goods. This will also include the improvement of an existing asset/facility, a provision of a new asset/facility (e.g. environmental improvements, feasibility studies).

Revenue : Provision of services and support activities. Cultural, educational, historical and social enterprise staff costs, training, support for a cultural festival.