We are pleased to announce that we have been able to open a further round of funding for applications up to £15,000 - capital spend only.  All projects must be ready to start immediately as funds must be fully spent by 30 September 2013.

The closing date for applications is Friday 22 February 2013.  These will be considered at the Executive Committee meeting to be held in March 2013. 

If you have a project that you are looking to fund then please contact the Scheme Manager who will be happy to assist in helping potential alternative funding.

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The Rural Development Programme for England (RDPE) runs from 2007 to 2013.  It provides the major financial vehicle for protecting and enhancing the environment and securing a range of public benefits for society.

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In this region, the South West of England Regional Development Agency (SWRDA) is responsible for ensuring that 5% of the RDPE funding is spent on enabling community involvement in rural development.

This investment is about improving the quality of life in rural areas and promoting diversification of the rural economy. The budget is channelled through the 'Leader' community-led approach to development, which is called Local Action in the South West.

The investment programme is now open and looking for Expressions of Interest from communities, partnerships and businesses who have a project that they feel will help to deliver the priorities for our area.

In Somerset we have three Local Action Schemes - Levels & Moors, Western Somerset and Making It Local (Blackdown Hills). Each scheme has slightly different funding priorities however the ‘Measures' that they deliver are set by Europe.