current support
In the current program period (2023–2027), Leader Närheten has funds from the Rural Development Fund to distribute to projects that fall within the framework of our four intervention areas in the Development Strategy.
You can apply for Project Support, Project Support for Businesses, Support for Cooperation, and support for sub-activities within Umbrella Projects.
Project support
The support type Project Support may be relevant if the project has a broad public benefit where many can enjoy the results. You can receive support for 40-100% of eligible expenses, butthe amount of support depends, among other things, on how public-beneficial the project is and to what extent it contributes to our set goals. The minimum support you can apply for is 24,000 kronor. Generally, there is no cap on the maximum amount, but the more public-beneficial a project is, the more support the project can receive – and the higher the support you apply for, the more public-beneficial results the project is expected to contribute with.
Project support for companies
For project support to businesses, you can receive support for 40-70% of the expenses, but the maximum amount is 300,000 kronor. Project support to businesses becomes relevant if the benefit of the project primarily benefits one or a few commercial enterprises.
Support for cooperation projects
Projects may in some cases include several leader areas, these are then called cooperation projects. It should concern a concrete project idea and meet common needs. Cooperation projects can be carried out by support recipients in one leader area who wish to collaborate with one or more support recipients in other leader areas. You can also have a preparatory cooperation project that involves searching for one or more cooperation partners in other leader areas.
Cooperation projects may, for example, become relevant in projects that concern the entire Vänern, where several leader areas around Vänern are affected by the initiative.
Umbrella project
Umbrella projects make it possible to apply for support for smaller projects or activities, without starting a whole leader project. Here, you can also apply for support under 24,000 kronor. The project is owned by the association's board, LAG, which grants and disburses support within the umbrella project. If you want to apply for support within an umbrella project, it is determined by the LAG board how much money each individual sub-activity can receive. The sub-activity must not contain any investments – what counts as an investment the leader office will assist you with. Current umbrella projects now are:
Who can apply?
Associations, businesses, foundations, and other organizations can submit an application. Individuals cannot apply.
The projects must be carried out in our area and the benefit must accrue to the area.
Our geographical catchment area is the municipalities Kil, Forshaga, Hammarö, Grums, Kristinehamn, Storfors, Filipstad and Karlstad (excluding urban areas). See the map below for clarification on which areas in Karlstad are included in Leader Närheten's catchment area:
What can I receive support for?
You can apply for support for actual costs for expenses that benefit several and/or are prerequisite-creating for positive development. Support is only granted for expenses and costs that are necessary to achieve the purpose and goals in the support decision, and if these are deemed reasonable. You can only receive support for expenses that have an invoice date and payment date no earlier than the day your application was submitted to the authority.
Examples of eligible expenses for support:
- salary for staff, including salary cost surcharges and indirect costs
- investments
- own work (applies to sole proprietorship)
- purchase of services
- other expenses (materials, travel, snacks, etc.)
One can not receive support for ongoing operations or regular activities.