What is the Leader Method?

All projects must be run using the so-called LEADER method. This means that the projects must have a strong local anchoring through a three-way partnership where the non-profit, private (enterprise) and public sectors come together around a project idea to develop their region. LEADER does not provide "normal" association grants, investment support or business support. Three examples:

A football club needs money for youth activities and for a fence around the pitch. This is purely an association grant and therefore cannot be applied for through LEADER.

A football club wants to develop its operations to also conduct introductory activities for newcomers, etc. The municipality and some local companies express their support for the project idea. This is a Leader project because it is new and beneficial to the area. The Leader method exists but is weak because the municipality and companies do not contribute anything to the implementation of the project.

A football club wants to invest in a rural festival, partly with football, but other sports in the area are taking the opportunity to show their activities. The municipality thinks the initiative is brilliant and the municipal village school is taking the opportunity to organize an outdoor day with parents there, and is also assisting the association with setting up the sports field and lending tents. The local company thinks the same and is making free marketing material, lending generators and providing transportation of materials. This is a Leader project as it is new and beneficial in the area and the Leader method is strong as many people are actively contributing to the implementation of the project.