LEADER+ is an EU funded programme specifically designed to assist rural communities in improving their quality of life and overall economic prosperity across their local area. It funds Local Action Groups (LAG's),
to develop and implement bottom-up, innovative and sustainable solutions to local rural development issues.

Chalk and Cheese delivers the LEADER+ funding in Dorset through its120 member strong LAG and has secured close to £4 million from the EU, DEFRA and a range of private and public sources to support projects that add value to local products and improve the quality of life in rural areas. None of which would have been possible without the kind support of Dorset County Council and West, North and East Dorset District Councils - so a huge thank you to them!

We've now funded 57 projects, both Dorset based and across Europe with our European partners, and continue to fund new projects through our Small Grant Scheme. There are many ways of getting involved so please contact us to find out more.