21 Jul MADE IN RURAL 10. WILL YOU COME?
Some ideas are born during a summer conversation with friends, while thinking about how to create more opportunities for our communities. Many of those ideas deserve to become reality.
That’s why we created Made in Rural, a programme that celebrates its 10th anniversary in 2026. It supports projects led by young people who want to make a positive difference in their rural communities.
If you are between 18 and 35 years old, live or are officially registered in a rural municipality in Aragón, and you’ve often thought, “Someone should do something about this…” — maybe that someone is you.
What is Made in Rural?
Made in Rural is much more than a funding call. It is a learning journey that combines mentoring, networking and practical support to help transform good ideas into real projects capable of creating positive change in rural communities.
Over the past nine editions, we have seen that young people living in rural Aragón have the talent, creativity and commitment needed to launch initiatives that improve the quality of life in their communities. All they need is an opportunity to make those ideas happen.
This year, we are once again joined by LAAAB – Aragón Open Government Lab, a public innovation laboratory that promotes collective intelligence, citizen participation and the co-creation of solutions to today’s social challenges.
What kind of projects are we looking for?
The topic doesn’t matter. What matters is that your proposal responds to a real local need, offers an innovative and creative solution, and has the potential to create a lasting impact.
Applications can be submitted individually or by informal or formally established groups of young people.
Projects promoted by companies, self-employed professionals, cooperatives or organisations whose professional activity is directly related to the proposed idea are not eligible.
What expenses can be funded?
Made in Rural can cover the costs of:
- Consumable materials
- Transport
- Training
- Communication and dissemination
- Professional advice
- Equipment rental
Investment costs, permanent equipment and staff salaries are not eligible.
How does the process work?
1. Submission of ideas
Until 1 October 2026 (11:59 p.m.)
Complete the application form and upload a one-minute video explaining your idea and the need it aims to address.
2. Initiative Meeting
5–7 November 2026 · Munébrega (Aragón)
Selected applicants will take part in a collaborative event focused on training, peer learning, project development and the exchange of experiences. Attendance is mandatory to continue in the programme.
3. Final project submission
Until 1 December 2026
Following the Initiative Meeting, each team will develop and submit its final project proposal with support from the programme.
4. Project implementation
Until 1 September 2027
Selected projects will have nine months to implement their ideas with ongoing support from the JDR technical team.
5. Sharing results
Peer learning is at the heart of Made in Rural. Selected projects will therefore participate in communication, dissemination and knowledge-sharing activities designed to inspire other young people and strengthen the rural innovation network.
Financial support to make it happen
The programme has a total budget of €5,000, which will be distributed among the selected projects in proportion to the score awarded by the evaluation committee.
Projects that are not selected will also receive guidance and support in identifying alternative funding opportunities to help them move forward.
How are projects selected?
Projects are assessed by an evaluation committee made up of technical staff from LAAAB, youth and rural development professionals, and young people who have previously led Made in Rural projects.
The committee evaluates proposals according to criteria such as:
- Innovation
- Inclusion
- Community participation
- Project design and quality
- Impact
- Sustainability
- Results and outputs
- Communication and visibility
Ten editions proving that ideas can transform rural communities
Made in Rural celebrates its tenth edition by continuing to support those who believe that living in a rural area is not a limitation, but an opportunity to create, collaborate and innovate.
Because transforming a community doesn’t always start with major investments. More often, it begins with a good idea, a group of committed young people and the determination to take the first step.
What about you?
If you have an idea that could improve your village, create new opportunities or respond to a real need in your community, this could be the perfect moment to turn that idea into reality.
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