When can I apply?
You can apply at any time while the programme is still running. It ends on 31 December 2013.
No. You can apply at any time within the programme. Applications are considered at monthly Local Action Group panel meetings.
There is no minimum or maximum grant.
The percentage of match funding varies depending on the type of activities (or 'measures') being delivered by your project. Listed below are those activities which we can support with our RDPE investment funding:
For further details of each the above measures, see pp18-32 of the following RDPE East of England prospectus and guidance note. RDPE East of England Prospectus (1.3 MB)
Match funding can be any private funding, ie personal finance, money raised within the local community, bank loans or from donations. It cannot be public funding. In-kind match funding is eligible for certain activities.
There isn't a simple answer to this. In some elements eligibility is defined by who you are (eg. a farmer, or a rural community group) and in others eligibility is defined through the activity (eg. adding value to forestry products). Applicants are likely to be farmers, foresters, rural small businesses or rural community groups. However, if you do not think you fall into one of these groups but feel that your project is covered by the relevant criteria, contact us for advice.
You need to read our Investment Prospectus and complete our quick and easy 'Project Idea' application for form and send it to: joelc@bedsrcc.org.uk; or by post to: Joel Carré, BRCC, The Smithy, Old Warden Beds SG18 9HQ.
111 Vocational training and information action
121 Modernisation of agricultural holdings
123 Adding value to agricultural & forestry products
124 Cooperation for development of new products, processed and technologies
311 Diversification into non-agricultural activities
312 Support for the development& creation of micro-enterprises
313 Encouragement of tourism activities
321 Basic services for the economy & rural services
323 Conservation & upgrading of the rural heritage
Our delivery team will check it for eligibility and if it meets the criteria, you will be invited to go on to the next stage of the application process. We anticipate the full process will take an average of 4-5 months to complete depending on the complexity and nature of the project.
We have trained staff to assist you in developing your project ideas and completing the application process. Should you need our help with your project, please call: Joel Carré on 01767 626458
When will I get the money?
Payment is claimed in arrears; receipted invoices must be attached. Please note that any expenditure incurred before receiving a written offer of a grant will not be eligible for grant aid.
The decision of our Local Action Group is final.
How does the Local Action Group decide who will get funding?
Our Local Action Group has set out its priorities for the next five years in its development strategy and will review these annually. They will be looking for projects which meet the eligibility criteria and deliver the objectives and targets as set out in our investment prospectus.
All our Local Action Group members have to declare whether they have an interest in any project; and if so, are unable to participate in any.
All full project applications will go through an independent appraisal process, which will give a recommendation to our Local Action Group before it makes its final decision.
Any further queries?
We hope that these FAQs have answered your query. If not please contact:
Joel Carré, Greensand Ridge Programme Director
01767 626458 joelc@bedsrcc.org.uk