leader funding workshop session 2: how to apply for funding judy bell local action group manager...
TRANSCRIPT
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 [email protected] 354 561
Coastal Action Zone – Judy Bell [email protected] 354 561
Wash Fens Rural Development Programme – Frances [email protected]: 07920 295 150
Kestevens Rural Development Programme – Sheila [email protected]
01522 550 642