Funding Priorities

The Cumbria Fells and Dales Local Development Strategy forms the basis for delivery of LEADER funding in this LAG area.  Each LAG area has different characteristics, therefore each priority may differ slightly depending upon the geographical area you are in.  
CFD Local Development Strategy
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The Cumbria Fells and Dales LEADER Applicant Handbook gives in-depth detail about the LEADER priorities and the types of projects that can be funded.  Please ensure you read through the handbook appropriate to the LAG area within which you are based.  It can be downloaded by clicking here:
CFD LEADER Handbook
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Also be aware that it is a competitive process and is subject to funding availability. 

Funding is available for projects that fit with the following Priorities:
Priority 1 - Support to Increase Farm Productivity
​Funds under this priority will be used to provide grants for:
(1a)  Projects to improve the overall performance and sustainability of an agricultural holding.
Eligible applicants under (1a) are farmers, groups of farmers and horticultural producers.  Grants are available from £2,500 to £10,000. Applicants can apply for a grant to cover up to 40% of the project's eligible costs.

(1b) Investments to support animal health and welfare improvements.
Eligible applicants under (1b) are farmers and groups of farmers.Grants are available from £2,500 to £10,000. Applicants can apply for a grant to cover up to 40% of the project's eligible costs.

(1c) The processing, marketing and/or development of agricultural products.
Eligible applicants under (1c) are farmers, landowners, micro and small processing businesses and new processing businesses. Grants are available from £2,500 to €200,000.  Applicants can apply for a grant to cover up to 40% of the project's eligible costs.

Applicants applying under (1c) must demonstrate how the project will provide economic growth and job creation opportunities.  For every £25,000 of grant, applicants must be able to create at least 1 new full-time equivalent sustainable job.

Equipment for Farming and Forestry that we can and cannot fund is here.
 Priority 2 - Support for Micro and Small Enterprises
Funds under this priority will be used to provide grants for developing or starting rural micro and small businesses.
Applications are sought from:
  • micro businesses  to fund expansion which will create new employment
  • new business start-ups with capital purchases (within one year of commencing trading)
  • community and social enterprises
  • small and micro enterprises that are looking to make a significant 'step change' in the growth of their business.
Grants are available from £2,500 up to €200,000.  Applicants can apply for a grant to cover up to 40% of the project's eligible costs.

Applicants must demonstrate how the project will provide economic growth and job creation opportunities.  For every £10,000 of grant, applicants must be able to create at least 1 new full-time equivalent sustainable job.
Priority 2 - Support for Farm Diversification
Funds under this priority will be used to provide grants for farm diversification projects (for example, farm shops, contracting services).
Applications are sought from:
  • farm businesses diversifying into non-standard farming or adding value to product
  • farmers and their immediate family to diversify into non farming activity.
Grants are available from £2,500 up to €200,000.  Applicants can apply for a grant to cover up to 40% of the project's eligible costs.

Applicants must demonstrate how the project will provide economic growth and job creation opportunities.  For every £25,000 of grant, applicants must be able to create at least 1 new full-time equivalent sustainable job.
Priority 3 - Support for Rural Tourism
Funds under this priority will be used to support tourism businesses, accommodation providers, attraction providers, those working as groups for promotional purposes and those in hospitality to invest in projects which build on the distinctiveness of the Fells and Dales LAG area.
 Applications are sought which:
  • Expand venues for tourism activity to enable them develop their offer and become more sustainable, in particular those located in less visited areas of Fells and Dales, 'all weather' or 'non-weather' dependent activity, development of 'niche' tourism experiences, utilisation of linkages to sustainable transport infrastructure, and/or are aimed at the international visitor.
  • Develop and provide high quality sustainable bed space, in particular where it is located in less visited areas of Fells and Dales and to attract new visitor groups (e.g. business tourism, overseas visitors). The funding is highly unlikely to support new bed space in the more visited parts of the area, due to the risk of displacing established businesses unless it is meeting a new visitor market, providing new experience, developing a niche market.
  • Assist hospitality businesses or food and drink businesses who offer a locally distinctive approach and/or menu.
Grants are available from £2,500 up to £50,000.  See Applicant Handbook for grant rates.

Applicants must demonstrate how the project will provide economic growth and job creation opportunities.  For every £25,000 of grant, applicants must be able to create at least 1 new full-time equivalent sustainable job.
Priority 4 - Provision of Rural Services
Funds under this priority will be used to develop innovative approaches to rural service provision / to increase accessibility to rural services / to promote community cohesion.  
Applications are sought from rural businesses, community organisations, charities and partnerships, which:
  • Invest in the improvement and/or expansion of community assets particularly those that can act as sustainable ‘hubs’ for local activity and service delivery (e.g. pubs, shops etc);
  • Invest in small scale innovative and collaborative community based projects and technologies that seek to improve accessibility to rural services and reduce social isolation.
  • Support community greening and energy initiatives (not otherwise supported through FITs/RHI)
Grants are available from £2,500 up to €200,000.  See Applicant Handbook for grant rates.

Revenue support available is very limited and cannot be used to fund on-going salaries. Contact the LEADER Programme Team for more information.
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​Applicants must demonstrate how the project will provide economic growth and job creation opportunities.  For every £30,000 of grant, applicants must be able to create at least 1 new full-time equivalent sustainable job.
Priority 5 - Support for Cultural and Heritage Activity
The Cumbria Fells and Dales LAG is open for applications under this priority. There is a very limited amount of funding available and applications will be assessed on a case by case basis by the LAG.  The LAG is seeking strong projects with a clear fit to the objectives of this priority (see LEADER Applicant Handbook and Local Development Strategy for more information on this).
Priority 6 - Support for Increasing Forestry Productivity
Funds under this priority will be used to provide grants to improve the economic performance, resilience and competitiveness of the forestry sector.
Applications are sought from owners or tenants of private forestry holdings and micro, small and medium-sized forestry contracting businesses, which:
  • Invest in machinery and equipment to help the production, extraction, mobilising, processing and marketing of timber and non-timber products (such as wild venison)
  • Invest in new forestry technologies and products
  • Enhance the forestry potential or add value to forest products by processing, mobilising or marketing
  • Develop wood fuel supply chains.
​​Grants are available from £2,500 up to €200,000.  Applicants can apply for a grant to cover up to 40% of the project's eligible costs.

Applicants must demonstrate how the project will provide economic growth and job creation opportunities.  For every £25,000 of grant, applicants must be able to create at least 1 new full-time equivalent sustainable job.

​Equipment for Farming and Forestry that we can and cannot fund is here.
ALL APPLICATIONS should demonstrate how the project will create wider benefits for the local community and economy.  Projects can do this through, for example:
  • The introductions of 'green' technology creating a significant saving in business running costs and/or which moves the business towards a recognised environmental accreditation.
  • Creation of high skilled and/or high value jobs.
  • Creation of employment for young people and disadvantaged groups.
  • Use and promotion of local suppliers including food and drink.