The LEADER Programme provides funding for projects developed by community groups which improve community facilities or positively contribute to the development of the village or local environment. Scroll down to find out more about who can apply and what can be funded. 

What is the LEADER Programme?

LEADER is a grant aid programme for community groups, social enterprises and private enterprises. Groups need to be formalised; this means they have a constitution, bank account and other documentation which will change depending on the type of project they want to undertake. 

Groups who can apply include village development associations, committees running local community buildings/facilities and clubs who are developing projects for the whole/wider community (outside of sports). 

Projects which require funding must benefit the whole community and be focused on developing community facilities, developments which benefit the whole village (smart villages) or the local environment. 

Check out our guide to see if your group is ready to apply for LEADER funding: 

LEADER funding & Kiltealy village

Hear about Kiltealy Hall Development Committee’s experience of planning and developing community projects, and about their experience of applying for LEADER funding. 

LEADER funding & County Wexford

To see an overview of all the projects benefiting from LEADER funding from 2014-2022 click here. 

Community funding under the 23-27 LEADER Programme is available to formalised community groups. Examples of the type of groups that can avail of LEADER funding include: 

• Village development associations 
• Committees running the local community building and/or community facilities
• Walking trail or blueway trails committees 
• Clubs who are completing projects for use by the whole/wider community outside of sports

Funding is available for: 

• Construction works including extensions, refurbs and fit outs (up to 75% grant aid) 
• Purchase of equipment and machinery (up to 75% grant aid) 
• Development of marketing materials (up to 75% grant aid) 
• Analysis & development e.g. feasibility studies (up to 90% grant aid) 

Please note – any project activity undertaken or started prior to application or the date of the signed acceptance of the con-tract, will not be eligible for LEADER funding. 

*Smart villages are communities working to enhance their area through technological or social innovation. 

Applications will be accepted for the following areas at any point in the programme: (Please contact a Project Officer to discuss any potential project you may have from this list) 

• Climate or Biodiversity Action Plans: Applications for funding to engage an expert to produce climate and/or biodiversity action plans for your community will be accepted at any time during the programme. 
• Social Enterprises: with an objective of creating & sustaining jobs. 
• Sustainable Communities: projects which enable communities to live more sustainable lives e.g. community websites, bespoke training, transport sharing initiatives. 

 To subscribe to receive updates including notices of when funding calls open, click here Subscribe to LEADER emails 

If you have any questions on the LEADER Programme, you can contact our LEADER Community Project Officers: