Assessment process

Anyone wishing to apply for funding should firstly read the Information Note. If the project is eligible for LEADER funding, applicants should discuss their idea with the LEADER Co-ordinator.  Assistance with developing the project idea and completion of the application form will be given. 

On receipt of your completed application, an initial eligibility check will be carried out by the LEADER Co-ordinator.  If there are any gaps in information or if the project is ineligible you will be contacted for further discussions/additional information.  Once the Co-ordinator is satisfied that your project is eligible it will be presented to the next meeting of the LEADER Decision Making Group for scoring and discussion.

The LEADER Decision Making Group meets quarterly to assess applications and review general project progress.  The Group receives and scores the applications prior to the meeting. They discuss the application at the meeting and make a decision to approve, refuse or defer the application.    

The LEADER Co-ordinator will contact the applicant shortly after the Decision Making Group meeting to discuss the decisions made.  The LEADER Co-ordinator may, in the case of deferred applications, request further information to support the application.  

For the successful applicants, formal offer letters with conditions of grant will be sent out by the Programme Secretariat (Scottish Borders Council) as soon as possible after the Decision Making Group has met.  On receipt of the signed grant acceptance form, grant claim forms and guidance notes will be sent out to the applicant.  Where projects are refused, the Secretariat will write to unsuccessful applicants outlining the reasons for refusal and where appropriate make suggestions as to how the project may be adapted to make it more likely to be approved.