In order to ensure that financially smaller, but often very innovative and forward-thinking projects find their way into the LEADER program, and thus also local/regional actors with voluntary commitment and non-profit character, the Umbrella Project is intended to ensure that small associations can benefit from LEADER funds without major administrative expenditure. Under the umbrella of the so-called Umbrella Project, mini-projects can be developed and implemented via a simplified funding route.

In a first step, the topic area “Culture and Sustainability“ will be the focus. Special emphasis should be placed on mini-projects involving youth participation in order to promote, develop and support them in a targeted manner.

Grants between 1,000 € and 4,000 € per mini-project are possible. Funding is provided after completion of the project upon presentation of invoices and documentation. Eligible are non-profit organizations, schools, foundations, youth centers or non-organized groups.

The LEADER Region Board acts as a jury/selection committee, evaluates the mini-project based on objective selection criteria and determines the funding. The LEADER Region concludes a bilateral convention/target agreement with the project sponsor, in which the framework conditions for the project and the funding are defined.

The following goals are to be achieved with the realisation of the project:

• simplified access to LEADER funding for actors in the region
• promotion of innovative mini-projects
• broadening the offer in the region
• Support and promotion of volunteer work
• Increasing awareness of the LEADER initiative
• expanding the pool of project sponsors
• New contacts with active actors in the region