Please read the information below in order to find answers to the questions that many project applicants ask when they contact the Rural Down Partnership for the first time.

Q1. How much money can I be awarded from the LEADER+ Programme?
A1. The maximum level of funding for the various themes are outlined on the Funding Opportunities page. The figure beside each theme states the maximum level of funding available.

Q2. Can I be funded under more that one theme?
A2. Sometimes projects can overlap across several themes but funding will only be awarded from one theme.

Q3. What if I require Planning Permission for my project?
A3. The Board of Directors of the Rural Down Partnership has taken the decision not to consider projects that require planning approval/building control approval until all statutory requirements have been met and documented evidence of this is provided along with the application.

Q4. When is the closing date for applications?
A4. All applicants who have successfully completed expression of interest forms and have been invited to proceed to the formal application stage will be advised of the next closing date for applications. The last closing date for applications this year is Friday 24th October 2003. Please check this web site regularly for details on closing dates for 2004.

Q5. What does 50% Grant Rate mean?
A5. The maximum level of funding at 50% grant aid means that successful applicants will be awarded grant aid on a 50% match funding basis up to a maximum of the stated level of grant. For example under the theme of  'Support for the conversion of redundant buildings for new business use' , the maximum level of funding is £15,000. If the total cost of your project is £25,000 we will grant you 50% of this i.e. £12,500.

Q6. What is ineligible expenditure?
A6. The LEADER+ Programme will not fund the purchase of mobile equipment (eg tractors, trailers, vans, ride on lawn mowers, boats etc). The only type of equipment that is eligible for funding is specialist non-mobile equipment. Professional fees are also not eligible expenditure under the LEADER+ Programme nor is the purchase of land or buildings.

Q7. If I have started my project can I claim for expenses already incurred?
A7. LEADER+ funding cannot be used to reimburse applicants for expenditure incurred prior to the issue of a letter of offer. In most cases it is advisable that work does not commence on the project until a letter of offer has been issued.

Q8. When do I receive my grant?
A8. Grant aid is paid retrospectively on the provision of vouched receipts. This means that applicants initially out lay the expenditure and we then reimburse you 50% of the agreed costs on the production of receipts.

Q9. If my project does not score high enough or is rejected by the Board can I apply again?
A9. Feedback will be given to applicants whose application was rejected or did not score high enough at assessment. Applicants are welcome to resubmit another application to the Rural Down Partnership.

Q10. Can I submit an application form for more than one project?
A10. Applicants can submit an application for more than one project but given the level of interest in the Programme it is very unlikely that any one would receive more than one grant from the Rural Down Partnership.