About
Why a funding guide for rural areas?
While not explicitly designed for rural development, numerous EU funding programs and initiatives can play a significant role in revitalising and enhancing the quality of life in rural areas. However, identifying the right source of funding or support and how to make the best use of it can be challenging.
The Rural toolkit aims to facilitate local institutions, businesses, associations and individuals in rural areas to navigate the diverse EU funding and support options, and to take full advantage of them.
How is the Rural toolkit helpful?
The toolkit provides a unique entry point to all existing initiatives, with comprehensive information on available resources, and explains why these are relevant for rural areas.
Pactical examples featured on the platform encourage knowledge sharing and peer learning among rural communities. The Get inspired section offers insights on successful initiatives implemented in rural areas across the EU, and on how to combine EU funds effectively to maximise their impact and address specific local needs.
Within the toolkit, users will find a range of valuable resources including handbooks and guidance on EU funding opportunities. These resources equip users and applicants with the knowledge and tools needed to address the unique challenges facing rural areas, with an effective, integrated and place-based It refers to policies or actions that are designed and implemented with a specific geographical area or location in mind. It means considering the unique features and challenges of that area. approach.
What funding opportunities are available?
The toolkit offers a gateway to various EU Funding and Financing initiatives, categorised into 3 main groups:
Funding and support opportunities directly managed by EU institutions. The toolkit includes information about current programmes and calls for which users can apply directly via the European Commission’s portals. Details about support initiatives (info days, trainings, and more) for applicants, along with insights on how these funds can be utilised in rural areas, are also available.
Funding and support initiatives managed by national and regional authorities. Applications must be submitted through the relevant regional or national authorities referred to as ( Managing authorities A managing authority may be a national ministry, a regional authority, a local council that has been nominated and approved by a member state. Managing authorities are put in charge by the states to manage EU funds. ). Since EU countries manage these funds autonomously, detailed information on the specific funding calls are not provided. The toolkit offers an overview of existing programmes and their respective Managing authorities A managing authority may be a national ministry, a regional authority, a local council that has been nominated and approved by a member state. Managing authorities are put in charge by the states to manage EU funds. . For more practical advice, consult the FAQ section.
A range of Financial Instruments, such as e.g., equityThe amount of ownership you have in an asset (like a house or business) after you subtract what you owe on it. , loanMoney given by a lender to a borrower, to be paid back later, often with extra money called 'interest'. , guaranteesA pledge or assurance that an obligation such as a loan will be fulfilled. If the person or entity responsible fails to meet the obligation, the guarantor will cover the cost. , debt, that can be used for various types of investments. These Financial Instruments are implemented in collaboration with public and private institutions (e.g. banks and venture capitals), and often with the support of the European Investment Bank. The toolkit gathers information on specific investment programmes, and provides references to selected financial partners or so-called implementing partners responsible for administering the funds, as well as the specific financing conditions, including the amount, duration, interest rates and fees.