– The 27 project supports we have prioritized so far are spread across the island's rural areas and apply to both associations and companies. It is very positive that there is such a great interest in developing the local areas with the help of our supports. Among the prioritized projects, there is a wide range that provides different types of rural benefits, says the operations manager of Leader Gute Ellen Lundqvist.
Short articles about all 27 prioritized projects are available to read HERE
Only two types of project supports available
So now it is the last chance to apply for larger project support in this program period. There are only limited funds left to apply for within two types of project supports:
- Within General project support a total of 500,000 kronor left to apply for. It must be implementation projects – feasibility studies cannot be applied for. The project must also fit into one of Leader Gute's three focus areas: Living and residing on the entire island, Accelerating climate and energy transition or Sustainable business.
- Within the call for Rural Enterprises there are 600,000 kronor left to apply for (two supports of max 300,000 kronor each). The support is aimed at companies that have an address and operations in rural areas. It should be used for sustainable new initiatives. However, not within primary production. The project must be carried out in collaboration with at least two other actors.
Checklist, application, and prioritization in case of funding shortage
Read more about the remaining project supports and how to first submit a checklist and then apply HERE
Checklist must be in the hands of Leader Gute by September 15, 2026 for application in the Swedish Board of Agriculture's E-service no later than October 12, 2026. Prioritization is done by Leader Gute's board December 3, 2026. The Swedish Board of Agriculture then makes a decision.
If applications come in that together correspond to a larger sum than the remaining budget, we must prioritize based on funding shortage. Therefore, Leader Gute's board has established guidelines for prioritizing projects in case of funding shortage. The entire document with all information about the guidelines for prioritizing projects in case of funding shortage is available HERE.
We continue to offer support for mini-projects!
Even though the funds for larger project support are soon completely exhausted, we continue to offer several different mini-supports to both associations and companies – now and in the future.
Right now, the following mini-supports are available to apply for:
Themes for non-profit activities
Pre-studies in collaboration – develop your local vitality!
Skills development for associations: Cultural organizing and inclusion
Energy saving for meeting places 2.0
Preparedness in the community 2.0
Water conservation for meeting places
Themes for companies
Skills development: Strengthened Cultural Entrepreneurship
Companies that improve the environment – Purchasing services or products
Preparedness for rural businesses – Purchasing services or products
Develop local tourism with sustainable experiences – Services
Several new themes for mini-supports are continuously added.
General information about mini-supports is available HERE