Who We Fund

Applications Are Sought From:

INDIVIDUALS | RURAL BUSINESS | FARMERS FARM FAMILIES | COMMUNITY & VOLUNTARY GROUPS | SOCIAL ENTERPRISES & COOPERATIVE SOCIETIES

Supported Groups

LEADER provides support to a wide range of people, groups and enterprises who are working to improve rural life.

Funding is available to those who have ideas, projects or initiatives that can strengthen their local community, develop the rural economy or protect the environment.

Icon of a motorcycle in orange outline
Storefront or shop icon with an awning
Icon of a person in orange outline on a black background
Got a Project Idea?
Icon of two hands holding or supporting several dots or particles
An orange outline of two hands shaking.

Farmers & Farm Families

Community Groups

Social Enterprises & Cooperative Societies

Individuals

Rural Business

A man sitting at a wooden table, signing a document with a pen, with a cup of tea or coffee nearby, in a cozy home setting.

Individuals

Individuals or small groups with rural project ideas can apply for funding to boost local economic opportunities.

  • Individuals or small groups with a rural project idea can apply for funding that supports activities improving local economic opportunities, community inclusion, or environmental sustainability. Projects might include feasibility studies, business development supports, training, or small-scale capital investments.

    • Must be located within the boundaries of the operational area (Please find map here)

    • Projects should have an economic, social, or environmental benefit for the community

    • Applicant must have the capacity to complete the project

Green rolling hills with grazing sheep and cows, trees, and distant landscape at sunset.

Rural Businesses

Rural businesses can seek funding for projects that grow or diversify their operations.

  • Rural businesses can seek funding for projects that grow or diversify their operations. Eligible activities include enterprise development, job creation initiatives, business upgrades, green economy investments, and supports that strengthen resilience and competitiveness in the rural economy.

    • Must be located within the boundaries of the operational area (Please find map here)

    • Have clear objectives and outcomes for the project

    • Must be a small, medium, or micro-enterprise. Demonstrate job creation or sustainability.

    • Demonstrate financial stability and the ability to co-fund the project.

A young man planting seedlings in a garden or field during sunset or late afternoon.

Farmers & Farm Families

Farmers and farm families can apply for funding to diversify into new rural enterprises such as artisan food, tourism, farm shops, or other value-added ventures.

  • Farmers and farm families can apply for projects that diversify traditional farm activities into new rural enterprises such as artisan food production, rural tourism experiences, farm shops or other value-added ventures.

    • Must be located within the boundaries of the operational area (Please find map here)

    • The project must support farm diversification, environmental sustainability, or additional rural employment

    • They demonstrate the skills and resources needed to implement the project.

Three women wearing green safety vests standing outdoors in front of a garden with flowers, a fence, and a house in the background, smiling for the photo.

Community Groups

Community and voluntary groups can access supports for projects that enhance social inclusion, community services, and local infrastructure.

Registered Charities can also apply but will have to furnish details of their charitable status. Groups can make applications under the three programme themes.

  • Community and voluntary groups can access supports for projects that enhance social inclusion, community services, and local infrastructure. Typical eligible initiatives include community facility improvements, service development for underserved groups, digital inclusion activities, and events or activities that strengthen social cohesion in rural areas.

    • Must be located within the boundaries of the operational area (Please find map here)

    • Are implementing projects that deliver social, cultural, recreational, or environmental benefits

    • Engage the local community and encourage participation

Two men laughing and smiling closely face-to-face outside, one older with gray hair and a lighter shirt, the other younger with a burgundy cap and shirt, as they share a joyful moment.

Social Enterprises & Cooperative Societies

Social enterprises and cooperative societies are encouraged to apply to the LEADER Rural Development Programme.

  • Social enterprises and cooperative societies can apply for funding for projects that address social, economic or environmental needs while generating local benefit. Eligible projects include community enterprise development, job creation initiatives, environmental actions, and activities that support inclusive growth and community wellbeing.

    • Must be located within the boundaries of the operational area (Please find map here)

    • Have a clear governance structure

    • Demonstrate co-funding ability and long-term sustainability

Got a project idea? We’d love to hear from you.

From the first conversation to submitting your application, the Dublin Rural LEADER team is here to guide you through the entire process with clear advice, hands-on support, and a friendly approach. No experience? No problem.

Email: rdinfo@fingalleaderpartnership.ie

A woman with dark hair and glasses working on a laptop in a modern office space, with plants and office supplies around her.