Funding Priorities
THE CUMBRIA FELLS & DALES LEADER PROGRAMME IS NOW CLOSED
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.
|
![]()
|
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:
|
![]()
|
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:
Funding is available for projects that fit with the following Priorities:
Priority 1 - Support to Increase Farm Productivity - CLOSED |
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.* Pages 17 to 19 of the LEADER Handbook (downloadable above) detail items that are eligible under Priorities 1a and b. (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 £30,000 of grant, applicants must be able to create at least 1 new full-time equivalent sustainable job. |
Priority 2 - Support for Micro and Small Enterprises and Farm Diversification - CLOSED |
Funds under this priority will be used to provide grants for developing or starting rural micro and small businesses and farm diversification. Applications are sought from:
Grants are available from £2,500 up to £20,000. 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 £30,000 of grant, applicants must be able to create at least 1 new full-time equivalent sustainable job. PLEASE MAKE SURE YOU READ THE CALL FOR PROJECTS DOCUMENT WHICH PROVIDES FURTHER INFORMATION AND DEADLINES. |
Priority 3 - Support for Rural Tourism - CLOSED |
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:
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 4 - Provision of Rural Services - CLOSED |
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:
Revenue support available is very limited and cannot be used to fund on-going salaries. Contact the LEADER Programme Team for more information. 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 - CLOSED |
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 - CLOSED |
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:
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. |
ALL APPLICATIONS should demonstrate how the project will create wider benefits for the local community and economy. Projects can do this through, for example:
|