LEADER supports innovative initiatives that originate from local residents, entrepreneurs and organisations within the area itself and that contribute to a vibrant rural community in the long term. LEADER is a ‘bottom-up’ approach to developing rural areas. In practical terms, the aim is to strengthen the rural economy and enhance the quality of life in rural areas.
LEADER in the municipality of Apeldoorn
There are two areas in Apeldoorn where LEADER is active
- GEUS
View all the information about LEADER in GEUS (Garderen, Elspeet, Uddel and Speuld) on the website of GEUS’s regional approach. - IJssel Valley
The IJsselvallei LEADER area comprises the municipalities of Heerde, Epe, Voorst, Brummen and the eastern outskirts of the municipality of Apeldoorn. You can read more about it on this page.
What is LEADER?
At the heart of the LEADER approach is the drawing up of a Local Development Strategy (LDS) by the area. Implementation of the LDS is the responsibility of the LEADER Action Group (LAG). It identifies opportunities for new projects, contributes to their development and assesses which projects are eligible for a LEADER grant. The LAG consists of local residents, representatives of civil society organisations, entrepreneurs and public authorities. The LAG members use their knowledge and networks to work together with residents, entrepreneurs and organisations in the IJssel Valley to shape the future of the area. To this end, the LAG promotes initiatives, connects networks and ideas, and encourages the exchange of knowledge and experience.
The IJssel Valley LEADER area
The IJsselvallei LEADER area comprises the rural areas of the municipalities of Heerde, Epe, Voorst, Brummen and Apeldoorn.
What does the IJsselvallei Local Development Strategy (LOS) contain?
For the period up to and including 2027, the IJssel Valley region has drawn up a Local Development Strategy (LOS) drawn up. The Local Development Strategy sets out the objectives the LAG will work towards, how it will do so, and the criteria projects must meet to be eligible for a LEADER grant. In addition to meeting the objectives of the LOS, projects must also demonstrate sufficient LEADER characteristics, such as community support, innovation, collaboration and an integrated approach.
The objectives set out in the LOS are:
Strengthening soil and water systems and increasing biodiversity through landscape adaptations, raising awareness and developing knowledge to strengthen soil and water systems.
Protecting and enhancing natural values through management and development initiatives, new partnerships and revenue models to broaden and strengthen local cycles, circular, multifunctional and/or nature-inclusive agriculture, and translating local identity and narrative into new agricultural products, services and nature experiences.
Strengthening cultural heritage by creating new ways of experiencing traditional crafts, promoting new crafts and conveying the cultural narrative; developing new products, services and partnerships for quality tourism; enhancing the role of hospitality; and telling the region’s story.
Who are the members of the IJsselvallei LAG?
The members of the IJsselvallei LAG are: Jan Willem Wiggers (independent chair), Sjoerd Bokma, Mariëlle Dekker, Frank Drost, Jan Lowin IJzerman, Leen Jacobs, Jos Penninx, Mandy Plante, Hanneke Stegeman, Kimberley Wevers, Bas Nijenhuis (IJsselvallei Master Plan), Jasper Timmer (Vallei en Veluwe Water Board), Geert Kurvers (Province of Gelderland). The LAG is supported by LEADER coordinator Imke Bardoel.
Documents
How can the LAG help bring your idea to life?
The LAG works alongside project initiators, shares knowledge, collaborates and can provide financial support for a project. For small projects with eligible costs ranging from €19,231 to €99,999, the financial contribution amounts to a maximum of 65% of the eligible project costs, up to a maximum grant of €49,999. The remainder is a personal contribution in cash and/or hours. A financial contribution for large projects with eligible costs of €100,000 or more amounts to a maximum of 50% of the eligible costs, up to a maximum grant of €100,000. The remainder must be a contribution of 50% in cash and/or hours.
How does it work?
A project idea can be submitted to the LEADER coordinator at any time. If the idea appears to be in line with the LOS, you can complete a start-up form. The idea will then be discussed by the LAG, which will work with the initiator to determine how best to take the idea forward. Once the project idea is ready for implementation, a financial contribution can be applied for from Stimulus (the implementing organisation for the province of Gelderland). The coordinator can provide support with this.
Once the formal application has been submitted to Stimulus, the LAG assesses the application against the criteria set out in the Local Development Strategy. If the project scores sufficiently, is ready for implementation, meets the technical requirements and has a sufficient budget, it will receive the requested grant.
Submit an idea and make a request
Throughout the year, there are several meetings at which projects are assessed. The dates by which you must have submitted your formal application in order for it to be assessed at a particular meeting are known as the ‘submission deadlines’. In 2026, the submission deadlines are: 10 February, 30 March, 21 April, 8 June, 8 September and 3 November.
Would you like to submit a formal application before one of those dates? If so, please submit your idea to the LAG well in advance, so that we can help you develop it and guide you through the application process. You can submit an idea to the LAG at any time of the year.
- Submit by 10 February 2026 – review at the meeting on 23 March 2026
- Submit by 30 March 2026 – review at the meeting on 11 May 2026
- Submit by 21 April 2026 – review at the meeting on 2 June 2026
- Submit by 21 September 2026 – review at the meeting on 12 October 2026
- Submit by 3 November 2026 – review at the meeting on 8 December 2026
Would you like to submit a formal application before one of those dates? If so, please submit your idea to the LAG well in advance, so that we can help you develop it and guide you through the application process. You can submit an idea to the LAG at any time of the year.
