The use of European funding is a transformation accelerator for rural associative training organizations. Building momentum for Erasmus+ and LEADER projects not only amplifies their social and territorial impact, but also strengthens their strategic role in skills development and educational innovation.
In a context of transformation of rural areas, European funding, particularly through the Erasmus+ and LEADER programs, represents a major opportunity for associative vocational training and non-formal education organizations. These programs make it possible to experiment with new training models, support digital and ecological transitions, and strengthen professional integration in rural areas.
Rural areas face numerous challenges, including economic attractiveness, youth retention, the ecological and digital transition, and the upskilling of local stakeholders. In the face of these challenges, European funding provides an essential strategic lever for structuring ambitious and sustainable projects.
This funding makes it possible to develop training programs tailored to the specific needs of local areas, with a focus on promising sectors such as green jobs, digital technology, and the circular economy. It also promotes the strengthening of European cooperation and the exchange of best practices between different stakeholders, thus enabling collective skills development and a rewarding sharing of experiences.
In addition, these funds provide valuable support to non-profit organizations, giving them access to complementary resources and expertise to strengthen their efforts. They also enable the testing of new methodologies aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), thereby providing a framework for innovation and adaptation to contemporary challenges.
Finally, they help broaden the perspectives of local decision-makers by providing them with a more global vision and opening up new opportunities for investment and territorial development. In short, European funds are a major asset for revitalizing rural areas and placing them on a path toward sustainable and resilient development.
How do Erasmus+ and LEADER funding work?
The Erasmus+ and LEADER programmes facilitate the implementation of projects by providing substantial and structured financial support.
Erasmus+ (Action KA220-VET, among others):
- Funding up to €400 per project
- Prepayment of up to 80% upon signing the contract Possibility of financing mobility, training, educational experiments and skills recognition tools (micro-certifications, digital badges, etc.)
- Strong long-term partnership approach between establishments, associations, businesses and communities
LEADER (European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development – EAFRD):
- Support for territorial innovation and local development
- Funding for training projects, territorial animation and structuring of rural economic sectors, networks of actors
- Management by Local Action Groups (LAGs), in line with the needs of the territory
Mobilizing European funding requires a long-term strategic vision. It's not just about securing one-off funds, but also about being part of a structured, sustainable development process. To maximize the impact of this funding, it's essential to adopt a multi-year project submission schedule.
This approach primarily provides leverage and increases funding opportunities by coordinating different sources of funds to maximize their reach. It also promotes the structuring of a solid network of stakeholders, bringing together training organizations, communities, businesses, and other partners, who can thus collaborate with confidence and capitalize on their shared experiences.
Finally, this planning ensures the sustainability of the initiatives implemented and contributes to the development of skills of the teams involved, by providing them with a clear vision of upcoming developments and allowing them to anticipate future challenges. By adopting this approach, project leaders optimize their chances of success and actively participate in the sustainable transformation of their territory.
The keys to success: clear positioning and rigorous management
- Stability of internal positioning: consistency of projects with the mission and values of the organization
- Network animation and coordination: involvement of partners and sharing of expertise
- Administrative and financial management skills: effective management of budgets and reporting in accordance with European requirements
