This is how it goes
-Four steps from idea to decision
Applying for development support from Leader Lappland should not feel like a complicated process. Our goal is to give you the best possible conditions to realize your idea, and our staff is here to guide you through the four steps in the process.
Four steps to your project
You have the opportunity to apply for funding for development projects that take place within our geographical area and that align with our strategy.
We wish that the time and commitment you invest in an application to us will have good chances of being approved! Therefore, we recommend that you take the time to read through our information and our tips below, and that you do not hesitate to contact our development office for further assistance.
The process of applying for project support consists of four steps, from idea to decision. We have developed information and guidance for each step to support you throughout the process of realizing your idea.
Step 1
Getting started
All projects begin with an idea. Perhaps you and your community have long discussed how you can develop your place, or maybe the thought has just begun to take shape. Gathering and discussing your place marks the starting point for all change work and can of course also be the first step towards realizing a leader project.
If you are already organized in, for example, a village association, a sports club, or a community company, you can invite members and other interested parties to start exploring the possibilities – what kind of change would you like to see?
Does it feel difficult to take the first step?
Use these questions as a starting point:
What does the situation look like right now? What challenges are you facing? What strengths do you have? What do you have available and what is missing? And when you look ahead, what does your vision look like and what goals are you striving for?
So you have an idea! But what do you need to know in order to apply for support?
Project funding from Leader Lappland 2030 is designed to support initiatives that promote the implementation of our development strategy. The strategy is likened to a puzzle where the approved projects constitute the different puzzle pieces. Now it is time to familiarize yourself with the strategy to assess whether your idea fits in. In the strategy, we describe our goals, areas of work, and guidelines. These details are crucial for assessing whether your idea is suitable for funding from us.
Step 2
Test your idea
Once you have started to get going and actively formulated your project idea, you can also try using our testing tool on the website. By testing your idea here, you will receive quick feedback that can help you determine if there is anything further to consider. It also gives you an indication of whether you are ready to contact us.
If your idea seems to fit within the framework of our opportunities to grant support, we are really interested in hearing from you.
We then initiate a joint dialogue to collaboratively refine your project idea, before you proceed and formulate your application in its entirety.
Step 3
Write the application
Depending on whether you plan to apply for support to carry out a project or a subproject, the process will look a bit different. If you apply for a project, you need to write your application in the Agricultural Agency's system.
We at the office are available to review and provide you with feedback on your application. When you receive the green light from the office, you can submit it in the system.
If, on the other hand, you are seeking support for a subproject, you use the application form that is relevant for that specific support. Fill out the application form and then send it to us via email. We will review it and provide you with feedback before your application is fully complete.
Step 4
Decisions are made
When your complete application is in the system, it will first be processed by a preparation group appointed by the board. Here you can receive additional feedback. If the preparation group assesses that your application is ready, it will be sent up to the board for a decision.
The board has decision meetings at regular intervals, and you can keep track of the meeting dates in the calendar here on the website.
As soon as the decision is made, we will contact you to share the result. If your project application has been approved by the board, the development office will take care of your application. Sometimes certain supplements may be required that you need to submit before the matter is finalized with us. When the development office completes its handling, they will forward it to the Agricultural Agency for their processing. This is where the final decision is made.
NOTE! There are currently long waiting times for decisions at the Agricultural Agency. Expect that it may take up to a year before you can start your project.
If you receive a positive response from the Agricultural Agency as well, you can just get started with your project!