Focus areas

Our 4 focus areas are

· Attractive leisure time

· Sustainable business

· New harbour facilities

· Cooperation and development

1. Attractive leisure time

We support projects aimed at providing island life with exciting and meaningful leisure time. The goal is to create experiences that enhance the appeal of small island life for inhabitants and newcomers alike.

Leisure activities may include exciting cultural events, exchange visits, clubs, and associations. We place particular focus upon cultural history and cultural values — both of which lend island life meaning.

We give support primarily for the development and facilitation of new activities. Only rarely do we support the purchase of supplies and equipment.

2. Sustainable business

We support island-based enterprises wishing to produce new products, introduce new innovation, or offer new services. The goal is to increase earnings and job creation through innovation and business development.

Broadly speaking, business-related projects should contribute to positive and sustainable development on the small islands.

We also support tourism-related projects that enhance the visitor experience in tandem with the islands' environment, traditions, and culture.

Businesses may, for example, apply for funding construction and equipment. However, the business should reckon on meeting a significant part of the investment itself.

This focus area allows applicants to seek funding from both the EU's Agricultural Fund for Rural Development and Fisheries Fund. Projects supported by the Fisheries Fund must be related to fisheries, aquaculture or other maritime business.

3. New harbour facilities

We support projects that help make harbour facilities on the islands exciting and appealing for inhabitants, ferry services and tourists, as well as for fishermen working either commercially or for subsistence.

Our support encompasses new facilities within the entire harbour vicinity, and may include investment towards buildings, equipment and materials. We also support harbour-related activities that make the harbour more exciting and appealing.

Projects supported by the EU's Fisheries Fund must be related to fisheries, aquaculture or other maritime business.

4. Cooperation & development

Greater cooperation and stronger ties between islands – as well as between islands and other remote communities – can help advance progress and open eyes to new development opportunities.

We support:

a) the establishment of local networks and initiatives that benefit local communities, and

b) development-oriented cooperation at both the national level (such as between islanders and other remote communities in Denmark) or at the international level.

This focus area applies to projects that help create new jobs or enhance island lifestyles. Such projects may revolve around:

• micro-business start-ups

• tourism

• the environment

• nature and cultural awareness

• urban renewal

• infrastructure

• cultural activities, and