About us
Leader Södermanland is a non-profit association that works for local rural development. We collaborate with other actors and by financing projects that contribute to our strategy and work according to the Leader method, we create attractive and sustainable rural areas.
Leader Södermanland
Our operations and the project support we grant are financed by the EU, the state and our member municipalities. Our leader area consists of Eskilstuna, Flen, Gnesta, Katrineholm, Nykvarn, Strängnäs and Vingåker, with the exception of the central town of Eskilstuna and the municipality of Katrineholm.
The support is granted based on an application and the project must meet certain criteria, hence support and not grant. Support is the formal, overarching concept for EU funding through Leader.
Would you like to know more about our organization? Click the button below to read our statutes.
OUR FOCUS
Rural development
Leader is a method where business, non-profit and public parties work together to develop their place. The idea is that development of the place you live is best carried out by those of you who live and work there – by you, your association, local businesses and other organizations. You are also the ones who know what needs and challenges need to be met.
Through Leader, it is possible to seek support for development projects that contribute to the goals of the Leader area's strategy.
Leaders are available all over Sweden and more information about the Leader method can be found on our joint website.
SÖRMLAND IS OUR AREA
Our strategy
Each leader area has a local development strategy that forms the basis for development in the area. Our area includes the municipalities of Eskilstuna, Flen, Gnesta, Katrineholm, Nykvarn, Strängnäs and Vingåker, with the exception of the central town of Eskilstuna and the municipality of Katrineholm.
The strategy forms the framework for our work and governs how we can distribute LEADER support. The strategy applies to the years 2023-2027 and has been developed in collaboration between the non-profit, public and private sectors.
What characterizes leaders?
The Leader Method
We work with the LEADER method in everything we do in our LEADER operations. LEADER is a method for rural development that is based on local needs and solutions.
Furthermore, the Leader method is based on networks and collaborations between non-profit, public and private actors, innovation/new thinking, and local ideas. Every effort, project and activity contributes to the overall development strategy of Leader Södermanland.
Our partnership
Our association and partnership
Leader Södermanland is an association where the board and members form a local action group (LAG). Together they are a hub for rural development within our geographical area, driving both rural issues and operational efforts for local development.
Anyone who lives or works in our area can join our network. Organizations and companies can also become members of our association. As a participant in our network or a member of our association, you receive several benefits.
Please read more about the benefits you can receive and how you can get involved.
WE WANT TO HEAR ABOUT YOUR IDEA
The Leader Office
Do you represent an association, a company or an organization that has an idea that in some way develops Sörmland's rural areas? If you want to develop and realize it, then the staff at the Leader office can help!
If you contact the office, you will receive support, coaching and advice. We welcome your feedback!
LOCALLY-BASED DECISIONS
Board of Directors
Our board consists of members from the non-profit, public and private sectors. It is the board that is responsible for achieving the goals of the strategy. The board also decides on the prioritization of projects and the distribution of leader support based on established selection criteria.
After the board has prioritized awarding a project Leader support, the Swedish Board of Agriculture, our administrative authority, makes a decision on the project. If the project is approved, the Swedish Board of Agriculture will handle further processing and checks when you apply for payment. The Swedish Board of Agriculture's task is also to carry out checks and audits of Leader Södermanland's operations.
