Making an Application
Each of the sections below gives a brief description of the information that should be included.
Project Aims
This section should act as an introduction to the project and should clearly outline what the project aims to achieve.
Executive Summary
This should be a brief summary of the most important points, the main issues that the project addresses and how it will make an impact.
Description of Project
Give a description of how the project will operate, who the partners are, the projects relationship with any similiar activities in the LEADER+ area, and organisational structures and the role and responsibility of each partner.
The Market, Social or Environmental Need
You should explain why the project is needed, what issues it will address and how it affects the rural community of the area. This section should include details of any market research or other preliminary work, as well as written evidence or comments of support from relevant organisations. It should also include details of why public sector funds are necessary for the project.Breakdown of Costs
This should provide full details of all costs for the life of the project, preferably on a quarterly basis. It should be linked to the timetable for the project and clearly identify what LEADER+ can and cannot fund. Cash flow forecasts, descriptions of any assumptions and how overheads are calculated are also required.
"Complementarity"
In this section, you should describe how the project complements and adds value to other projects and initiatives in the area. You should show how you will avoid duplication of effort through partnership. It should demonstrate that the project could not go ahead without LEADER+ funding, or that it would only go ahead in a reduced or inferior way.
Innovation
Innovation is very important to LEADER+, and under this heading you should set out how the project is innovative. This could be demonstrated by a new approach, new products or services or original forms of organisation and involvement.
Sustainability
Sustainability is another key aspect of the LEADER+ programme. This section should outline the projects contribution to the social, economic and environmental sustainability of the local area. It should also consider the longer-term viability of the project beyond LEADER+ funding and ensure that the delivery of the project itself is sustainable.
Project Objectives, Outputs & Results
This section should be a clear description of what you plan to do and when, and should detail significant achievements or milestones. The outputs for the project must contribute to those that the Local Action Group has chosen.
Project Management and Monitoring
You will need to set out your experience of running a similiar project and give details such as who the project manager will be and how they will be appointed, the skills that will be required to implement the project and whether any training is required. If the project will employ staff this section should give details of the intended renumeration packages and how they have been calculated. Another consideration will be the overall project management costs in relation to the financial value of the rest of the project.
Financial Management Arrangements
We will need to ensure that projects fincially viable. This means that you will need to provide accounts for the business or project for the previous financial years. This section should also give a detailed description of the financial management arrangements for the project. You will need a system that can provide clear, auditable accounts. You should also explain any divisions of financial responsibility that will be put in place.
Project Promotion and Publicity
How you promote your project to partners, participants and customers will determine its success. This section should describe which methods you will use and who the target audience will be. You will also be required to publicise the Defra and EU funding that the project has received.
Equal Opportunities
North West Devon LEADER+ has an Equal Opportunities policy. You should give details of how you propose to reflect equal opportunities in your project and how it will comply with current legislation.
Planning & Other Consents or Statutory Requirements
If any building, planning or other consents are required then details should be included in this section.Risk Assessments
This section should identify the main areas of risk within the project, the impact that these could have on its success and what will be done to minimise the risks.
