Village Development in the Fulda District
The Fulda district is helping to strengthen rural development by implementing Hesse’s “Village Development” grant program.
The goal is to strengthen the unique character of each village. A particular focus of village development is on preserving historic village centers. The challenges are significant: In many villages and communities, demographic change is leading to an exodus of young people and, consequently, an aging rural population. At the same time, essential services are withdrawing from rural areas. Developing sustainable structures requires coordinated action and a comprehensive municipal strategy aimed at strengthening the design and functionality of village centers.
The development of a municipal development plan provides an opportunity to address the key issues of inward development, local public services and basic services, as well as civic engagement, and to develop proposed solutions. It serves as the basis for applying to be a funding priority under the Hessian Village Development Program.
Goals of Village Development
- Strengthening Inner-City Development: Preserving and Enhancing a High Quality of Housing and Life
- Building social and cultural networks to promote essential public services
- Preserving the Diversity of Village Lifestyles
- Harness and expand future potential from an economic and social perspective
- Develop solutions to address demographic change
- Energy-Efficient Renovation, Improving Energy Efficiency
- Counteracting Vacancies
- Active Involvement of Citizens
Village development is a process—driven by the active participation of residents.
Process and Procedures
The “State of Hesse Guidelines for the Promotion of Village Development and Village Facilitation” have been in effect since January 1, 2023. The Hesse village development process has undergone a fundamental change with regard to recognition and concept development:
The application for inclusion in the village development program is based on a development plan prepared in advance by the municipality, which must meet the specified minimum requirements.
Inward development, local public services and basic services, as well as civic engagement, are core themes of village development in Hesse. Particular emphasis is placed on the guiding principle of “inward development before outward expansion.” Accordingly, the application must specifically address aspects and issues related to inward development.
Citizens must be informed and involved in the development of the plan. If necessary, the municipal development plan can receive funding through the “Dorfmoderation” grant program. This program offers municipalities the flexibility to address areas of action in greater depth, going beyond the minimum requirements of the municipal development plan.
The deadline for submitting applications to the county as a funding priority is February 1 of each year.
The municipality is applying to be a funding priority under the Village Development Program based on its municipal development plan; once approved by the relevant ministry, the six-and-a-half-year funding phase will begin.
Specific Funding Opportunities
Funding opportunities are divided into two categories: “Municipal Funding” and “Private Funding.” Funding is available in the towns and villages of recognized municipalities and is provided in the form of grants. Projects for which funding has been requested may begin after receipt of the written grant award notice.
In the municipal sector, funding may be available for, for example:
- Expenses for concepts and feasibility studies, project planning, facilitation and consulting services, training, and IT and software-based solutions
- Civic Engagement
- Preservation and enhancement of the village's character, including its architectural and cultural heritage
- Local Infrastructure Facilities
- Investments in the urban-planning-compatible demolition of buildings and properties in town centers
- Inner-City Development Through Strategic Redevelopment Areas
For residential projects, the requirement is that the main residence, outbuilding, or courtyard and garden area be located within the funding area of a village development priority zone. Owners can contact the Regional Development Department for information on funding opportunities. Planning, renovations, or conversions of buildings based on traditional local architectural styles are generally eligible for funding, as are new constructions that blend into the characteristic building fabric.
To address structural and design issues, a free initial consultation is offered by the relevant planning firm.
Application for Private Funding
Before submitting an application, please contact the Regional Development Department and the Advisory Office. For initial guidance, you will find additional informational materials under the related links.
Since 2023, applications have been submitted digitally via the LaWiLe-Portal-Hessen. To submit an application, you must provide at least two bids for each trade or a cost estimate from an architect or civil engineer. In addition, approval under building or historic preservation laws must be obtained, along with renovation plans and photos that clearly show the building.
The project is co-financed by the European Union with funds from the Joint Program for the Improvement of Agricultural Structures and Coastal Protection.
