A colorful bouquet of ideas can now be put into action in Geldern, Straelen, Kevelaer, and Nettetal—the 2026 small-scale projects have been approved.
The Lei.La Regional Management team was delighted with the strong response to this year’s call for proposals from the LEADER region “Leistende Landschaft” (Lei.La) for small projects up to €20,000: Of a total of 24 valid applications
, 18 small-scale projects will receive funding. Once again, there were more ideas than funds available, so the final decision was based on a ranking according to the funding criteria. The funding budget of 200,000 € has been fully utilized again this year.
“We’re delighted by the strong response to the call for proposals once again,” said Anne Teller-Weyers, who plays a key role in the Regional Management team’s small-project funding program. “The wealth of ideas shows that people are eager to get involved in their region and actively shape it together.” This is the sixth time the LEADER region Lei.La has used its budget to fund small-scale rural development projects.
Projects can now get underway in all four municipalities of the LEADER region. The range of topics is broad: new community spaces, attractive play areas, and regional history are represented, as are the themes of education and nature. Project organizers are primarily nonprofit associations, but also include municipalities and private individuals.
Projects in Kevelaer
Winnekendonk Photo Spot
ONS DERP Winnekendonk e.V. Local History Association
In Winnekendonk’s centrally located public park, a bench nearly six meters long, shaped like the letters of the town’s name, is to be designed and installed. The bench will serve as an attractive photo spot and strengthen residents’ sense of connection to the village. Its location in front of the church and a historic building creates a special connection between modern design and the village’s historic backdrop. In addition to its function as a place to sit, the bench is intended to serve as a backdrop for group photos, events, and tourist photos, thereby increasing the village’s visibility and appeal.
Bar tables for the village of Wetten
Support Association for the Knoase Hall
All clubs and groups in Wetten, as well as the school, kindergarten, and parish, will be able to access a stock of furniture for events in the future. The plan is to purchase 20 bar tables and two transport carts. The equipment will be stored and primarily used in the Knoase Hall.
Active Recess
Friends of the Kervenheim Elementary School, Inc.
The project aims to enhance the largely asphalted and unattractive schoolyards of the Overberg/St. Norbert elementary schools in Winnekendonk and Kervenheim by introducing play and physical activity opportunities. The selection of activities will involve active participation by the students. New play and recreational opportunities will create a vibrant space for physical activity, social interaction, and collaborative learning. The schoolyard is intended to serve as an open meeting place for children and families not only during school hours but also in the afternoons.
The Forest Garden for Everyone
Permakultur Niederrhein e. V.
On Achterhoeker Schulweg, the nonprofit association Permakultur Niederrhein e. V. is developing an open permaculture forest garden on 5,520 m² as a place for learning, culture, and community. In the fall of 2026, the artwork “The World Collector’s Archive”—which has toured throughout Europe—will find a permanent home in the greenhouse. Through this small-scale project, the association is creating the missing accessible infrastructure so that the garden and the artwork will truly be accessible to everyone. Plans include, for example, accessible path networks, seating areas, and planting tables.
Country Life via Livestream – Experience Community – Connect People
Schieß Sport Gemeinschaft Kevelaer 2005 e. V.
The SSG Kevelaer intends to purchase video broadcasting equipment (including cameras, video mixers, and a control console) to conduct livestreams and/or live broadcasts during an event in adjacent rooms. The SSG Kevelaer will make the equipment available free of charge to interested clubs in Kevelaer for the duration of the commitment period.
“We wish all project organizers every success in bringing their ideas to life!” said Ute Neu, executive director of the LEADER region. “Through their valuable—and mostly volunteer—efforts, these dedicated individuals play a key role in ensuring that our region remains vibrant and a great place to live, and continues to thrive.” All projects that were not selected this time will be advised on alternative funding options and can try their luck again next year.
All LEADER regions in North Rhine-Westphalia are eligible for small-project funding; which is offered by the State of North Rhine-Westphalia (Ministry of Agriculture and Consumer Protection) in cooperation with the federal government (Ministry of Agriculture,
Food, and Home Affairs) as a funding instrument for “Integrated Rural Development” under the Joint Task “Agricultural and Coastal Protection.” The required regional co-financing is provided by the municipalities in the LEADER region and the project sponsors. Funding has been announced once a year since 2021 and offers financial support amounting to 80% of the total eligible project costs, which must range between €2,500 and €20,000. People with ideas for the region can contact the regional management team at any time to seek advice on their ideas. In addition to small-scale projects, the LEADER region has access to funding from the state of North Rhine-Westphalia in partnership with the EU, which can also be used to implement larger projects.
Source: LEADER