FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

A Leader project is a locally anchored development project where as many local parties as possible are engaged. The project should have a positive impact on the local community and the benefits should accrue to the area. What distinguishes Leader projects from other EU projects is that it is a local board that decides – those who know the conditions best influence how local development should look. LEADER stands for Liaison Entre Actions de Développement de l’Économie Rurale which can be translated to joint efforts to strengthen the rural economy. Leader exists in almost all of Europe with about 3500 areas similar to ours.

Local Action Group, the local action group. LAG is the association/partnership led by the LAG board which consists of local representatives from the non-profit, private, and public sectors. The LAG board prioritizes which project applications should receive support.

Contact us and we will tell you more about what it means to become a member and how you can proceed. Both organizations and individuals can be members. Members have the opportunity to attend the annual meeting and elect the board (LAG). Membership is free of charge.

Organizations can apply for project funding. Usually, associations seek support but public organizations and companies can also apply for project funding.

Project funding can be applied for local development projects that contribute something new to the community. Funding is not provided for maintenance/running costs. The benefits of the project should accrue to those of us who live and work in the Leader 3sam area. Costs can include salaries, purchased services, investments, and other expenses that move the project forward towards a specific goal. The areas of intervention that Leader 3sam prioritizes for support can be read about in the development strategy.

We start from the local needs and together with the applying organization we work out a reasonable and realistic budget. In other words, we do not start by talking about money but begin by discussing development needs and the benefits of what one wants to carry out.

Please start by asking yourselves these questions:

• What is it that you want to do and what is the purpose?
• Will the project benefit several people?
• What is your intended target group and who is the project aimed at?
• Do you have thoughts on collaboration with multiple actors in the community?
• Do you have an organization number?

Answer the questions and send them to us, and we will get in touch. You are also welcome to contact us directly for a conversation or a meeting. We can come to you or have a digital meeting!

We continuously receive expressions of interest and applications. The actual application should be made with e-identification on the Agricultural Agency's website, but applicants should contact us first for advice and guidance on how the application process works and what conditions apply.

Our local board (LAG, Local Action Group) usually meets every other month, but sometimes more often if needed. However, the application must be completed and submitted at least four weeks before the board meeting. After the local decision, the Agricultural Agency must also make its decision, which can vary in waiting time.

When our local board has approved the project, one can start. However, it is at one's own risk until the Agricultural Agency has made its formal decision. This can be good to know before making significant investments in a project, for example.

All funds are paid out in arrears, after actual costs have been incurred. When costs have arisen, an application for payment can be made to the Agricultural Agency. There is an option to apply for an advance.

Leader is primarily funded by the Rural Development Fund. In recent years, we have also had funding from the European Social Fund and the Regional Development Fund. The money thus comes from the EU and the Swedish state, with co-financing from Region Jämtland Härjedalen, Ragunda municipality, and Strömsund municipality. Sometimes projects are co-financed with other actors, such as the Inheritance Fund and the Sámediggi.