In 2026, residents, entrepreneurs, organizations, and associations in Drenthe can once again apply for subsidies through the LEADER program. LEADER supports initiatives for the development of a Future-oriented economy, Living and community, Strengthening biodiversity and landscape quality, and Climate adaptation and sustainability in the Drenthe countryside.
Drenthe has two schemes: the Provincial LEADER scheme and the European LEADER scheme. The Provincial LEADER scheme supports small-scale projects in the Drenthe countryside with a minimum subsidy amount of €5,000 and a maximum subsidy amount of €25,000. For the coming two years, more than €800,000 is still available for East Drenthe and more than €350,000 for West Drenthe.
The European LEADER scheme supports large projects with a minimum subsidy amount of €50,000 and a maximum subsidy amount of €125,000. For both schemes, they contribute a maximum of 50% of the project costs.
New Play Barn Drentse Koe
One of the projects realized in 2025 with a contribution from the European LEADER scheme is the new Play Barn at Drentse Koe in Ruinerwold. The new play barn was officially opened on Friday, December 12, by Deputy Gert-Jan Schuinder. “With this expansion, the company can remain open year-round and also offer year-round employment in the area. A great example of LEADER’s contribution to the economic development of the countryside!”
Diverse Projects
LEADER stands for ‘Liaison Entre Actions de Développement de l’Economie Rurale’, meaning Cooperation for rural development. It is a European subsidy program focused on regional cooperation, less urbanized areas, and regions lagging in economic development. Besides the new play barn of Drentse Koe, the following projects were realized with contributions from LEADER:
- Tram Remise, Frederiksoord
- De Venehoeve, 2nd Exloërmond
- Food Garden De Zonnewending, Eelde
- Farmers Sil and Saar, Dwingeloo
- Living Room in Village Hall Over Entinge, Dwingeloo
- Villa Vita, Emmer-Compascuum
Curious about these projects or do you have an idea you want to realize with LEADER subsidy? For more information, visit the website www.leaderdrenthe.nl (refers to another website).
