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Project support for sustainable rural development

Leader Närheten works for sustainable rural development in Karlstad, Hammarö, Grums, Kil, Forshaga, Kristinehamn, Storfors and Filipstad. We distribute project support for good ideas with funds from the EU, the state and the municipalities in our area.

Our projects are based on local needs, local commitment, collaboration, innovation and sustainability – for better opportunities and quality of life in rural areas.

What does YOUR hometown need to develop?

Project support – How it works

Getting started

Design your idea into a project that can match our criteria.

Writing an application

Apply for project support through Leader. The Leader office will guide you!

Implement

After a decision has been made regarding the grant of support, you will implement your project.

End

When the project is complete, you report the results.

Nearby Projects

Here are some of the projects that have been approved in Leader Neighbourhood. You can look at some projects from the 2014-2022 programming period and we are continuously adding newer projects as they come along. (The page is under construction – more projects will be added as time permits.)

See all projects

Investigation of salmon and trout release sites for fishing in Lake Vänern

The purpose of the project is to strengthen the conditions for sport fishing in Lake Vänern. The goal of the project is to create a report on the movement patterns of exposed salmon and/or trout smolt in Lake Vänern.

Mini-grants – Restoration of natural and cultural environments

A LAG-owned umbrella project that will make it easier for smaller local actors to implement efforts to preserve/restore significant natural or cultural environments.

Mini support – Emergency preparedness in the vicinity

A LAG-owned umbrella project that will make it easier for smaller actors to seek support with the aim of strengthening local preparedness and resilience in society.

Vänerresurs 2.0

A collaborative project on sustainable development for Lake Vänern's fishing and tourism industry issues.

We, the Land Builders of Värmland

A collaborative project that highlights the enthusiasts, entrepreneurs and associations that create a vibrant countryside!

Music in Molkom

The non-profit organizing association Kreativa Egon, in collaboration with the Folk High School and local entrepreneurs, has created recurring music events that attract visitors to little Molkom, from near and far!

Military airfield 16

A unique cultural and historical heritage has been brought to life and attracts large crowds of visitors to Brattforsheden!

Mini-support – young people in rural areas

There is now an opportunity for young people to apply for support for smaller projects through the Leader Neighbourhood umbrella project!

Mini support – Local events

A small amount of support for local events through the Leader Neighbourhood umbrella project! The project gives associations in the Leader Neighbourhood area the opportunity to apply for support for local events, such as a singing evening, dance evening, community day or other.

Experience the Norsälvdalen

The association Norsbygdens framtid has made the beautiful trails on water and land along the Norsälvdalen accessible through a very large non-profit effort.

Development of the Troll Trail in Skived

In broad collaboration with many different actors, the popular Trollspåret has been given new life, and the area now offers a pleasant excursion destination and outdoor activities where there is something for everyone.

Mineral Kingdom Geopark

Unique geology, tourism and education in collaboration – Now the world's most mineral-rich area will become a certified Geopark!

See all projects

What is the Leader Method?

The Leader Method

Is a working method that is based on a three-way partnership between public actors, representatives of the business community and the non-profit sector.

The Leader method is about development work that consists of local anchoring, a bottom-up perspective, innovative thinking, collaboration and network building. Leader is an abbreviation of a French expression; ”Liaison entre actions de dévéloppement de l'économie rurale” – which means ”Collaboration between actions to develop the rural economy”.

Read more at leadersverige.se

Leader project

Leader projects produce results!

What is a leader project really? Watch a short film about how it works.

How can we help you?

Do you have a project idea that focuses on local development?

Read more here on the website about what characterizes a leader project, and contact the leader office to pitch your idea and get further help!

News

See all news

THE OFFICE IS TAKING SUMMER VACATION WEEK 27-31

The office is closed for the holidays during weeks 27-31. (We keep an eye on the emails from time to time in case something urgent comes up!)

We wish you all a wonderful summer, see you again in August!

Notice and documents for the Annual Meeting 2026: "Old" Association Närheten

The Närheten Association (with operations in the 2014-2022 program period) is invited to an annual meeting on April 1, 2026 at 12:00.
Location: Digitally via Teams

Invitation and documents for the 2026 Annual Meeting: "New" Leaders Neighborhood

Leader Neighborhood (with operations in the 2023-2027 program period) is invited to an annual meeting on March 31 at 6:00 PM.
Location: Filipstad Culture and Conference, Filipstad

National Leaders Meeting 2026 in Värmland!

This year's national leader meeting will be held at Selma Spa in Sunne on October 6-7. The meeting, which brings together all of Leader Sweden for inspiration and exchange of experiences, is being held in collaboration with Leader Närheten and Leader 7-sam Värmland.