In collaboration with 2into3 Nonprofit Consultancy, Access Europe organised an interactive 3-part training on the LEADER rural development funding programme. €70 million is allocated to the Transitional LEADER programme for the period 2021-2022 with €65 million specifically allocated to the Local Action Groups (LAGs). With our LEADER training series, we're equipping civil society with the tools and knowledge to successfully access this funding for their organisations.
At our first session, An Introduction to LEADER, trainer Trish Keenan advised participants on the types of projects that are eligible for LEADER funding and emphasised the need for an innovative, collaborative approach when preparing an application. Our second session, Planning Your LEADER Project, featured guest speaker Geraldine Crean from the LEADER Policy and Operations Unit of the Department of Rural and Community Development. Geraldine provided a Department perspective on the programme’s objectives and priorities including digital transitions, environmental sustainability and addressing the challenges of COVID-19 in rural Ireland. Our final session, Supports for Your LEADER Project, featured a panel comprised of Niall Walshe from Avondhu Blackwater Partnership and Johnny Sheehan from The Wheel. The panellists provided helpful tips for creating a strong LEADER application and signposted attendees to available supports.
We were delighted by the turnout and engagement from the audience and hope this is the start of many successful LEADER applications! You can listen to the recordings of the three sessions here:
Access Europe is funded by the Department of Foreign Affairs.
