Measure 3. 4 Basic Services for the Economy and Rural Population

£2.95m

Aim:
To stimulate and support innovative and niche rural services which address issues associated with young people; women; older people; and poverty/exclusion in particular but also ensuring coverage of all Section 75 Groups

Objectives:
To support 11 rural service projects, 3 of which benefit children/young people

Actions:

Support projects which improve the social and physical infrastructure so as to help advance:
Child-care; children’s play; young people’s mental health; disability issues; older people’s well being; women’s well being; farmers’ well being; accident prevention; increased physical activity; inter-generational understanding and mutual help.

Improve the involvement and engagement of marginalised and excluded people in social and economic activities through initiatives such as:
Home-working; Bespoke training; mentoring; and support.

Support projects and initiatives which address core issues such as:
Transport; Fuel Poverty; Utility/ Infrastructure provision

Support innovative and joined up approaches to rural service promotion and delivery, particularly those using community facilities and/or developing rural service hubs to increase the sustainability of rural communities.

Funding Support:

Social economy enterprises, non departmental public bodies and councils may provide match funding in the form of contribution-in-kind (up to 20%) when matched with a 5% cash contribution. No advances will be paid except to Social Economy Enterprises @ a maximum of 20% of total grant award.

As well as making an application for capital and resource funding support, applicants can also apply for technical support, bespoke training and marketing support under this Measure. Maximum funding available per application from the Private Sector is £50k and per application from SEEs, NDPBs and Local Councils is £250k.

Eligible Applicants
The project must be located in a rural area. Private individuals aged over 18 years, social economy enterprises, non departmental public bodies, local councils

Where the total project cost is greater than £10k Community/Voluntary Groups must be registered as Community Interest Company, Limited Liability Partnership or Company limited by guarantee. Where the total project cost is £10k or less the Community/Voluntary group must have a constitution in place. In all cases a lease must be in place to cover the duration of the project (1 year, 2 years etc)

Projects that could be supported:

• Research to identify the needs of isolated rural communities
• Measure technical assistance for building capacity to enable improved provision of basic services
• Measure technical assistance for developing integrated action plans
• Undertaking infrastructural improvements
• Developing innovations in access to basic services for rural communities
• Demonstration or pilot projects
• Recreational facilities
• Renewable Energy Sources may be funded only where it is part of a capital expenditure project for a new or expanding business

Projects that can’t be funded:

• Activity that does not have the appropriate endorsement of the *Key Informant
• Any activity that could be funded by another statutory body/council
• Non time bound activity which offers no sustainability beyond the funding period
• Enhancement of facilities within the premises or organisations or clubs with restrictive membership
• Employment grants
• Training**

*The Department or Agency with statutory or policy responsibility for the service area
**Except bespoke training when linked to a project