Grant funding is being made available by the Oxfordshire LEADER Programme for farmers, foresters, rural business and communities involved with projects that create jobs, bring visitors to the area or provide essential community services to local people.
Applications for up to £75,000 in grant funding are administered by South Oxfordshire District Council and will be assessed by a Local Area Group (LAG), a non-political group that brings together public, private and community representatives to support, fund and monitor the projects.
Projects must contribute to one or more of the following priorities:
- increasing farm productivity
- supporting micro and small businesses and farm diversification
- boosting rural tourism
- providing essential rural services
- providing cultural and heritage activities
- increasing forestry productivity
The Oxfordshire LAG is particularly keen to see applications that will revive local waterways, support local food markets, create vibrant villages, or unlock the potential of woodlands.
Potential applicants can find out if their project is in the Oxfordshire LEADER Programme area by visiting www.oxfordshireleader.org.uk
The Oxfordshire LEADER Programme is open to applicants until March 2019. Anyone with a viable idea is being urged to contact Oxfordshire LEADER Programme Manager Sophie Milton by calling 01235 422245 or via [email protected]
Elizabeth Gillespie, Chairman of the Oxfordshire Local Action Group said: “This is a great opportunity for rural projects, such as farming and tourism, to secure much needed funding which can help them grow their business and boost the local economy in the process. We’ve got £1.5 million available however, grants have to be allocated by March 2019 so I would really urge anyone with a viable scheme to get in touch and start the application process as soon as possible.”
