Financial Assistance 2023-2024

Newry, Mourne and Down District Council invites applications for financial assistance towards the programmes areas outlined below:

Scheme details

Call 1 - Financial Assistance 2023-2024

Open to Community Voluntary Sector (ALL)

• Community Engagement

• Community Events & Festivals (Projects running between 01 April 2023 - 30 September 2023)

• Community Growing 'Let's Grow NMD'

• Irish Language

• Local Biodiversity Enhancement

• Minority Communities

• Suicide Prevention & Emotional Wellbeing

Open to Community Voluntary Sector (ALL) and Business

• Tourism Events

Open to Community Associations Only 

Applicants must meet the definition of a community association given in the guidance notes, documentation will be required as evidence.

• Community Summer Schemes

Open to Community Associations Managing a Community Facility 

Applicants must meet the definitions of a Community Association and community facility given in the guidance notes, documentation will be required as evidence.

• Community Capital for Community Facilities

• Community Facilities Minor Capital Items

• Service Level Agreements for Community Facilities 2023-2027

• Facility Management Agreement 2023-2027 (Closed call for Council-owned facilities only)

Closing Date for applications is Tuesday 17 January 2023 at 12pm for all themes except Community Capital for Community Facilities which closes on Tuesday 14 February 2023.

For more information and to apply, please visit Grant Manager (eformz.info)

Community Development & Festivals Grants

The Community Development and Festivals Grant Aid Programme provides financial support for groups in the Antrim and Newtownabbey District Council area which have Community Development as a primary objective that improves the lives of local people. Projects must also develop a strong, healthy and vibrant community whilst encouraging maximum participation in community life by all residents.

Scheme details

This is a new three-year Community Development Grant Aid Programme (2023-2026) which will allow interested community/voluntary/charitable organisations to apply for grant aid for community facilities and programmes/activities to cover a three-year period (subject to availability of funding), with the exception of the Small Grant & Technical Assistance Grant which will continue to be available all year round on a rolling basis.

The aim of the Community Development Grant Aid Programme is to provide financial support for projects which have Community Development as a primary objective that improve the lives of local people. Projects must develop a strong, healthy and vibrant community whilst encouraging maximum participation in community life by all residents.

What is a Community Development Project?

Organisations applying to this fund must have community development as a primary objective of their application. A ‘project’ is a series of activities with a common theme delivered within a defined start and end date.  There should be a clear purpose to the activity and it should be based on sound community need.  The activity should promote participation, involvement, progression and create a sense of community ownership and pride contributing in a positive way to the social well being of the community.

What is a Festival?

A community ‘festival’ is defined as a series of events with a common theme and delivered within a defined time period. It is developed from within a community and should celebrate and positively promote what the community represents. Community festivals are about participation, involvement, inclusion and the creation of a sense of identity, and are important in contributing to the social well-being of a community.

Community Development Grant Aid - two options available are:

1) Community Programmes and Activities Grant (up to £5,000 available per year for a three-year period, £15,000 max. in total for the three-year period) – which will cover what was previously community outreach and involvement and summer scheme and will also cover insurance. Summer Programmes are limited to £3,000 per year - £2,000 for Programme & £1,000 for Insurance. 

2) Community Facilities and Programmes Grant (up to £10,000 available per year for a three-year period, up to £5000/year for facilities/ premises and up to £5,000/year for Programmes - £30,000 max. in total for the three-year period) – which will cover what would have been premises, community outreach and involvement, summer scheme and insurance.

Community Festivals Fund Grant Aid

Maximum amount available per year is £5,000 but up to £10,000 per year for events attracting more than 5,000 people. The maximum available for a three year period is either £15,000 if less than 5,000 attendees or £30,000 if more than 5,000 attendees.

Small Grant

Rolling programme, one grant per year for seedling activity and/or insurance up to £1,000.

Large Grant

Rolling programme, one grant per year for techincal assistance up to £10,000

For more information and to apply please visit Grant Manager (eformz.info)

Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council: Policing & Community Safety Grants Programme

The Causeway Coast and Glens Policing and Community Safety Partnership (PCSP) Grants Programme has been designed to support, promote and develop community safety initiatives throughout the council area.  Causeway Coast and Glens Borough PCSP will fund up to a maximum of £5,000 for eligible projects. 

Scheme details

This is a rolling Fund and will remain open throughout the year. There will be regular assessment points, each with a deadline by which applications must be submitted in order to be considered for assessment in that period.

Purpose of Small Grant Programme

The PCSP small grants programme has been developed to provide organisations with up to a £999 grant to organise a project or event that will help prevent, reduce, address crime and help people feel safer in their own communities. 

Grant Amounts

Grants of up to £999 (Nine Hundred and Ninety Nine pounds) are available towards eligible costs and groups may be limited to one successful PCSP grant application per year depending upon the level of demand. Please Note: Successful applicants will be able to claim 100% up front before the start of the project and if requested by the Council Funding Unit, will need to provide proof of the expenditure if selected for audit. 

Early Intervention: Initiatives designed to reduce the risk of individuals, (especially young people aged up to 17 years) from the Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council area from coming into contact with the criminal justice system.

Alcohol, Drug & Substance Abuse: Working to achieve a reduction in alcohol, drug and substance abuse including prescription medication.

Anti-Social Behaviour: This encompasses a range of behaviours including noise, vandalism, graffiti, anti-social driving, or causing annoyance to people not in the same household.

Societal Abuse: Working to achieve a reduction of levels of physical, mental, financial and cyber abuse. Also includes working to increasing the levels of reporting of the abuse to PSNI and other support agencies.

Reducing opportunities for crime: Working to achieve a reduction in the opportunities to commit crime in rural and urban communities.

Fear of crime: Working to reduce the fear of crime in rural and urban communities and increase community confidence in policing.

Who Can Apply?

Organisations must be from within or operating within the Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council area. For the purposes of this programme, only formally constituted organisations which are not-for-profit that are open, accountable and representative of the geographical area which they service and which promote and enhance Community Safety can apply. Such as:

• Community and Voluntary organisations; This includes School, PTA’s, Churches, youth clubs, Social Enterprises etc.

If you are unsure if you group can apply please contact one of the PCSP staff team.

For more information and to apply, please visit Grant Manager (eformz.info)

Randal Charitable Foundation

Grants are available for UK based charities, voluntary groups, and other not-for-profit organisations to support projects and activities that directly assist people in the most desperate need, with a particular focus on directly saving lives and improving quality of life.

Randall Charitable Foundation provides grant funding to a wide range of charities, voluntary groups, and non-governmental organisations to achieve the following aims:

• Directly saving lives.

• Improvements to primary healthcare, globally, and to aid the distribution of quality medicines to lower and middle-income countries.

• Helping people living with severe mental health issues.

• Relief of sickness, protection of good health, and the raising of life expectancy.

• Prevention or relief of poverty and improving the quality of life of the most vulnerable.

• Social disadvantage because of age or disability.

• Enabling children facing extreme hardship or social disadvantage to access education.

Both small scale-grants (under £3,000) and larger-scale grants are available.

Eligible Expenditure

Funding is available for projects and activities that fall under the following categories:

• Health – such as:

  • Delivering food and medicines.

  • Home care for elderly patients leaving the hospital.

  • Support for people with critical illnesses, people with disabilities, and people suffering from loneliness.  

• Mental health – such as:

  • Support for young people and families who are disadvantaged through no fault of their own, such as victims of domestic violence and sex trafficking.

    • Suicide prevention.

• The prevention and relief of poverty

• Social disadvantage – such as:

  • Helping older people who are isolated or have mobility issues.

  • Post-hospital care.

  • Educational support services for young people.

• Addiction – such as:

  • Work that focuses on tackling the root causes of addiction.

  • Helping addicts to recover.

    • Recovery support for families affected by drug use and addiction.

• Education – such as:

  • Work that helps young people recognise their worth and full potential, so they are equipped to build the skills and vision for their future success and employment.

How To Apply

Applications can be made at any time.

To apply, groups must first contact the Foundation, including the following details:

• Name, contact details and registered charity or company number (If applicable)

• An overview of the organisation’s objectives and focus

• The organisation’s area of operation (this may be different to the registered address)

• The specific cause/project the funding is for

• Total funding required.

Successful applicants will then be invited to complete an application form. The Foundation aims to respond to all completed application forms within 12 weeks.

Guidance notes are available from the Randall Charitable Foundation’s website - Randal Charitable Foundation (randalfoundation.org.uk)

Spring Forward Events Grant Aid Programme

THIS GRANT AID PROGRAMME IS ONLY AVAILABLE TO COMMUNITY EVENT WHICH TAKE PLACE WITH THE SPERRIN OR DERG ELECTORAL AREAS. 

Opening date for applications 21 December 2022.

Closing date for applications 16th January 2023 at 5pm.

Are you a member of a business or organisation looking for financial support for and event taking place between January and March 2023? Look no further!

Introducing the Spring Forward Events Grant Aid Programme, a funding opportunity designed to support and stimulate both the business and wider community through events. Whether you're planning a music festival, or a community fair, we want to help make your event a success.

The grant aid programme is open to community organisations, businesses organisations, charities, social enterprises, and religious groups.  We welcome applications from events of all sizes and purposes, as long as they are open to the public and benefit the business community in some way.

We understand the importance of events in driving business growth and community development, and we want to help businesses and communities thrive by providing financial support for their events. The grant aid programme is designed to cover a range of event-related expenses, including venue rental, marketing and advertising, animation, Live Music, hire of third party services i.e. first aid, event management company etc.

To apply for a grant, simply fill out the attached application form and provide a detailed description of your event, including your budget and how the grant funds will be used. Our team will review all applications and award grants based on the merit of the event and its potential impact on the business and wider community.

Don't miss out on this opportunity to bring your community together and make a difference. Apply for a grant today and let us help you make your event a success!

Download Documents below: 

Application Form

Guidance Notes

Scoring Matrix

For any queries on the above, please email Catherine Collins, Business Officer on  email Catherine.Collins@derrystrabane.com

Financial Assistance Call 1 2023/2024 Now Open

Financial Assistance Call 1 2023/2024 is now open on the Electronic Grant Management System (EGMS), which can be accessed through the Newry, Mourne and Down District Council web page under Grants and Funding.

Themes available:

Open to Community Voluntary Sector (all):

• Community Engagement

• Community Events & Festivals (Projects running between 01 April 2023 - 30 September 2023) 

• Community Growing 'Let's Grow NMD'

• Irish Language

• Local Biodiversity Enhancement

• Minority Communities

• Suicide Prevention & Emotional Wellbeing

Open to Community Voluntary Sector (all) and Business:

• Tourism Events

Open to Community Associations only (Applicants must meet the definition of a Community Association given in the Guidance Notes and documentation will be required as evidence):

• Community Summer Schemes

Open to Community Associations managing a community facility (Applicants must meet the definitions of a Community Association and Community Facility given in the Guidance Notes and documentation will be required as evidence):

• Community Capital for Community Facilities

• Community Facilities Minor Capital Items

• Service Level Agreements for Community Facilities 2023-2027

• Facility Management Agreement 2023-2027 (Closed call for Council-owned facilities only)

Opening date: Tuesday 06 December 2022 at 12:00 noon

Closing date: Tuesday 17 January 2023 at 12:00 noon for all Themes except Community Capital for Community Facilities which closes Tuesday 14 February 2023

Online Funding Workshops

Online workshops providing an overview of the themes, key changes for 2023/2024 financial assistance and guidance on procurement will be available on the following dates:

• 12 December 2022, 2pm

• 14 December 2022, 7pm

• 15 December 2022, 10.30am

To book a place on one of the workshops please visit Residents - Grants and Funding - NMDDC (newrymournedown.org).  A link to the online workshop is provided automatically by Eventbrite upon registration.

Please note: All themes are subject to funding availability. Late application submissions will not be accepted under any circumstances.

2023/24 Central Good Relations Fund now open for online applications

The 2023/24 Central Good Relations Fund (CGRF) is now open for groups who wish to apply online for a project funding grant (for projects over £1,500).

Applications must be submitted online by:

Thursday 12 January 2023 at 6:00pm

To access the online application portal, you must first register your organisation. However, if you have previously registered, you do not need to register again. Please follow the link below and enter your username and password in the ‘Local Account Login’ section to log in to the application portal.

Already Registered? Login to apply for a 2023/24 CGRF grant

If you have not already registered, please use the link below to register your organisation. Please note, you must register your organisation by 12:00 noon on Wednesday 11 January 2023 to enable access to the online application portal. Any registrations submitted after that time will not be accepted.

Register to be able to apply for a 2023/24 CGRF grant

You should read the 2023/24 CGRF Guidance notes found here Central Good Relations Fund | The Executive Office (executiveoffice-ni.gov.uk) which include a step-by-step guide to registration and a step-by-step guide to the application form before you start.

Register

To register (if you have not already done so), you will need:

• Your contact information;

• Details of your organisation, including address and organisation type; and

• A copy of your organisation’s constitution (WORD or PDF).

Online Application

To apply online you will need:

• Your online sign in details (username and password);

• Details of your proposed project including proposed activities and costings; and

• Copies of job descriptions, if applicable (for any salary(s) being claimed).

Got questions?

Contact our team using the e-mail below:

• GoodRelationsFund@executiveoffice-ni.gov.uk

Crighshane and Churchill Community Benefit Fund

Purpose of the Fund

This local community benefit fund was originally set up by Energia Renewables, and has now been taken over by Greencoat Capital.

The fund has been established to ensure that the Crighshane and Church Hill wind farms, whilst having obvious environmental benefits, also provide significant social and economic benefits to the local community.

Funding is available to local community projects that are planned and run for the benefit of the local population and are within 6km of the Wind Farms.

 Crighshane-Church Hill  Map

The fund will support projects addressing issues within the following theme areas:

• Energy efficiency and sustainability

• Social, cultural or sporting benefit for the local community

• Educational issues with a sustainability angle

• Environmental benefit or economic benefit

Examples of who can apply:

• Constituted voluntary organisations and community groups

• Faith organisations (if the funding is not to promote religion)

• Local youth groups

Funding available:

• Grants from £1,000 to £5,000

Closing dae is 13th January 2023. For more information and to apply, please visit Crighshane and Churchill Community Benefit Fund - Community Foundation Northern Ireland (communityfoundationni.org)

Financial Assistance 2023-2024 – Call 1

Newry, Mourne and Down District Council invites applications for financial assistance towards the programmes areas outlined below:

Open to Community Voluntary Sector (ALL)

• Community Engagement

• Community Events & Festivals (Projects running between 01 April 2023 - 30 September 2023)

• Community Growing 'Let's Grow NMD'

• Irish Language

• Local Biodiversity Enhancement

• Minority Communities

• Suicide Prevention & Emotional Wellbeing

Open to Community Voluntary Sector (ALL) and Business

• Tourism Events

Open to Community Associations Only 

Applicants must meet the definition of a community association given in the guidance notes, documentation will be required as evidence.

• Community Summer Schemes

Open to Community Associations Managing a Community Facility 

Applicants must meet the definitions of a Community Association and community facility given in the guidance notes, documentation will be required as evidence.

• Community Capital for Community Facilities

• Community Facilities Minor Capital Items

• Service Level Agreements for Community Facilities 2023-2027

• Facility Management Agreement 2023-2027 (Closed call for Council-owned facilities only)

Opening Date: Tuesday 6 December 2022 at 12pm

Closing Date: Tuesday 17 January 2023 at 12pm for all themes except Community Capital for Community Facilities which closes on Tuesday 14 February 2023

Online Funding Workshops

Online workshops providing an overview of the themes, key changes for 2023/2024 financial assistance and guidance on procurement will be available on the following dates:

• Monday 12 December 2022, 2pm

• Wednesday 14 December 2022, 7pm

• Thursday 15 December 2022, 10.30am

To book a place on one of the workshops please click here. A link to the online workshop is provided automatically by Eventbrite upon registration.

Please note: All themes are subject to funding availability. Late application submissions will not be accepted under any circumstances.

Groups wishing to be notified of future funding opportunities should request their details to be added to the Councils database by contacting:

The Programmes Unit

T: 0330 137 4040 / 0330 137 4782

E: programmesunit@nmandd.org

Community Festivals Fund 2023/24

A community Festival is a series of events with a common theme and delivered within a defined time period. It is developed from within a community and should celebrate and positively promote what the community represents. Community festivals are about participation, involvement and the creation of a sense of identity and are important in contributing to the social well-being of a community. They must be initiated and led by a community organisation or a community led partnership. It is not enough to run a festival for a community, the community must play a strong part in the development and delivery of the festival and have ownership of it.

The following are the Community Festival/Events key criteria;

• Promotes social inclusion and improving community relations

• Has strong community participation in the design and delivery of the event

• Provides opportunities for your community to express and celebrate their cultural heritage

• Provides opportunities for development - this includes capacity building, links with other organisations and diversity of activities

• Attracts visitors to the area

• Demonstrates how it will ensure that hard to reach groups will engage with your festival as volunteers, participants and audience

• Demonstrate how it will complement and contribute to the existing calendar of events

• Maximises non-public sources of income (e.g. through commercial sponsorship, donations, ticket sales, advertising revenue, etc)

• Demonstrates value for money and good financial governance

The fund opened for applications on 21st November 2022 and will close on 12th January 2023. For more information and to apply, please visit Community Festival Fund 2023/24 (LIVE) - Derry City and Strabane District Council (smapply.org)

BHSCT ‘Carer Support Service’ – invite to their Information Sharing Session and launch of grant

The Carers NI State of Caring (2022) report found that 40% of carers said that they had not had a break within the past 12 months, 27% reported their mental health as bad or very bad, rising to 31% for those caring 50+ hours a week and to 32% for those who had been caring for 10 years or more, and almost a quarter - 23% said that they were cutting back on essentials like food and heating to help them cope. Against this backdrop, the Belfast Health and Social Care Trust (BHSCT) want to ensure that ‘unpaid’ carers are supported and provide a range of services including a small grant set to be launched in December to provide services for carers to the Voluntary & Community. Find out more about the grant and other services at their Information Sharing Session, Thursday 8th December from 12 noon to 1.00pm.

Community and Voluntary Sector Information Sharing Session - 8th December 2022 12 - 1pm (office.com)

Keystone Fund

Sharply increased demand for services, economic pressures and an ongoing decline in public donations is putting many smaller charities across the UK under heavy strain.

The Keystone Fund aims to enable locally and regionally-focused charities working towards social equity to become more agile in their support for their communities. It provides a programme of unrestricted grants, networking and access to advice webinars and toolkits.

The legacy of the fund will be greater opportunities for those who need it most, along with charities that are in a stronger position to continue to support them, thereby accelerating progress in society towards a fair and sustainable future for all.

CAF intends that through these grants and access to additional resilience building resources, small charities will be better positioned now and for the future as keystones in their communities.

Grants available

• Unrestricted grants, intended to enable charitable organisations in the UK to adapt ways of working, strengthen capacity or build resilience, according to identified needs.

• Grants will be awarded between £5,000 and £50,000

• Approximately 120 grants will be awarded over 2-3 rounds during 2022-23.

• Grant funds must begin to be spent within 6 months of grant payment, but can be carried forward into the following financial year if required to enable flexibility. They should be fully spent within 24 months of grant payment.

Grants will not normally be restricted to specific projects, but we will ask you to tell us how you would like to use the funds. We intend that charitable organisations can use a grant to become more agile in their support for their communities. This might include the costs of leadership time to develop strategy or organisational capacity, or to access additional external expertise, support and advice to develop their resilience plans. Grants might also be used for staff costs, digital costs, overheads, delivery costs or equipment, according to your identified longer-term needs.

In addition, building on CAF’s advisory opportunities for charities across the UK, all grant holders will gain access to webinars, toolkits, and networking opportunities to accelerate their impact.

Priorities for the Keystone Fund

We will support eligible charitable organisations to:

• Adapt their ways of working (eg digital capability, staff and volunteer training, operational challenges)

• Bolster their core building blocks (eg governance, strategic planning, capacity building)

This fund is not designed to support direct service provision or capital projects.

How and when can we apply?

A two-stage online application process aims to provide the smoothest possible process for small charities to apply:

• Stage 1: You will complete a small number of eligibility questions, and provide a short overview of your work

• Stage 2: Selected organisations will then be invited to complete a more detailed application

We will offer a short webinar for any organisation which is invited to Stage 2 so that you can ask questions about the application process.

Timelines

• Stage 1 applications open: 9 November – 23 November

• Webinar for further information: 2 December (recording also available)

• Stage 2 applications open: 7 December – 9 January

• Decisions communicated: February 2023

There will be more than one round of funding. Further rounds will be announced and are likely to take place in Spring/Summer 2023.

For more information and to apply, please visit Keystone Fund (cafonline.org)

Grand Choice 2022

Grand Choice is a Participatory Budgeting initiative which means that local people get to decide how public funds are used to address needs in their area. Community Planning Partners have pooled their resources to fund community projects.

Local people with a valid email address and Lisburn South postcode can apply for up to £1,000 for a project they think will benefit their area of Downshire East - and best of all, it is the local residents who decide which projects should go ahead!

Your project should take place between  and must be within Downshire East District Electoral Area. This includes Ballymacbrennan, Dromara, Drumbo, Hillhall and Ravernet.

Stage 1.  Application Form 

Generating Ideas and Apply Stage – where groups complete a short application form outlining their project idea.

If you decide to apply for funding and use your personal contact details in the Stage 1 application form. This information will be stored in a safe place and used to contact you about the application. Your full name will not be used in publicity material and contact details will not be shared.

If you are under 18 and you decide to add your personal contact details to the form you must ask a parent/ guardian/ carer to complete the online consent.  It must be submitted by Sunday 13th November.

When you submit your entry, we will check if it meets with our themes – we might give you a call for some further information.

We aim to let groups know if they’ve been shortlisted by Thursday 17th November or as soon as possible thereafter.

The shortlisted projects will be required to exhibit their proposal at a Community Decision Event on Saturday 3rd December 2022.

Stage 2. Community Decision Event

At the Community Decision Event in December you will tell the voters what you plan to do and what you hope to achieve as they visit your stand. All you need to do is tell them some information about what you do, what the project is about and how this will be good for the Lisburn South area. You can do this by using pictures, posters and/or display boards etc.

Your views, ideas and proposal may appear in reports and press releases once that information is made public.

Voting Process

The people attending the Community Decision Event will vote on which projects should be funded. They will be required to vote for 10 projects.

Your project must demonstrate how it relates to one or more of the Take 5 Ways To Wellbeing themes:

• Connect – with the people around you and keep in touch with each other

• Be Active – to help us feel good both physically and mentally

• Take Notice – to ensure the community is safe to incorporate policing and community safety

• Keep Learning – new things that give us a sense of achievement, enjoyment and increased confidence

• Give – doing something that gives back to our community and help each other

For more information and to apply, please visit Grand Choice in Downshire East (lisburncastlereagh.gov.uk)

Rural Action launch new awards

To mark their third birthday, Rural Action will celebrate with the launch of the Rural Action Awards Scheme, aimed at supporting rural communities celebrate their own achievements. 

The scheme is designed to support up to 12 volunteer led community action projects. Rural community-based organisations in Northern Ireland, or the border region of Ireland will have the opportunity to apply for and be in with a chance of securing £1000 or €1000 towards their project.

The scheme is open to constituted rural community-based organisations including charities, not for profit community groups, sporting and cultural organisations, heritage groups, Parent Teacher Associations, youth groups/clubs and social enterprises.   The scheme seeks to support practical, tangible and timebound projects where the project must complete within 12 weeks.

Teresa Canavan, Rural Action Chief Executive, explained, “As we celebrated our third birthday this year and also secured charitable status, we were keen to give something back to rural communities and hence we are delighted to announce the launch of the Rural Action Awards Scheme for 2022/2023.”

“We realise communities have faced and are facing many challenges and we hope this scheme in some small way offers encouragement to celebrate community activity. We are not prescriptive of the type of project we will support.  The only stipulation we have is that the project is volunteer led and supports wider community engagement and celebration.”

“Groups wishing to enter must complete a simple online form available at www.ruralaction.co. The successful groups will then be contacted and following a simple verification process, can avail of the £1000/€1000 to use for their community action project.  Full terms and conditions are available on our website.” 

Applications must be submitted by 20th of each month to be considered for funding and applications will remain valid for 3 months up to the final allocation in March 2023.

Belfast City Council’s Small Grants 2023-24

Belfast City Council’s Small Grants 2023-24 Tranche 1 are now open for applications for the grants listed below. The submission deadline for receipt of applications is 12 noon on Friday 13 January 2023.

1. Community Festivals Fund

2. Arts & Heritage

3. Good Relations

4. Parks Events

5. Sports Events

6. S4S Large Development Grant

7. S4S Small Development Grant

8. S4S Hospitality Grant

9. S4S Sporting Individual Grant

10. Community Summer Scheme

11. Community Activity Medium Grant

12. Community Activity Micro Grant

For further details, guidance notes and to apply online please visit our website www.belfastcity-grants.com  or contact the Central Grants Unit Belfast City Council at cgugrants@belfastcity.gov.uk 

We will be holding the following information sessions on how to apply for the Small Grants:

• Monday 14 November 2-4pm Banqueting Hall, City Hall

• Wednesday 16 November 10am Microsoft Teams

• Wednesday 16 November 2pm Microsoft Teams

• Wednesday 16 November 7pm Microsoft Teams

If you wish to attend any of the sessions, please reply to this email detailing which session you would like to attend. For the online Microsoft Teams sessions we will email you a link in advance of the session you have chosen. Alternatively, if you cannot attend either of these sessions please get in touch with us and we arrange another session that suits.

For further details, guidance notes and to apply online please visit our website www.belfastcity-grants.com  or contact the Central Grants Unit Belfast City Council at cgugrants@belfastcity.gov.uk 

Plant trees, hedges and orchards in your community

If you’re planning to plant trees in your community this coming 2022-2023 winter season, then our grants can help.

Branching Out Fund

This Grant fund supports schools, community groups and Tree Warden Networks to plant trees, hedges and orchards. Grants can be between £200 and £2000. All projects must have strong community involvement, and ideally involve children and/or young people. We encourage you to read the application guidance fully before you complete the application form, particularly in relation to eligibility. The grant is open to the whole of the UK.

Trees and Hedgerows for Wildlife & Biodiversity Fund

Competition is high for our Branching Out Fund, but for the second year we are delighted to announce that thanks to one of our corporate supporters, Animal Friends, we have some extra funding for community tree planting projects from our new ‘Trees and Hedgerows for Wildlife and Biodiversity Fund’.  This fund places a special emphasis on wildlife and biodiversity, and is a great opportunity for planting projects that are planned with care and thought as to how our animal and insect friends might best benefit, or are situated in a location where animals are cared for, such as rescue centres or city farms, as long as they have charitable status. Grants can supports schools, community groups and Tree Warden Networks to plant trees, hedges and orchards.

Up to 15% of the amount awarded may go towards the cost of wider ecological enhancements to support wildlife and biodiversity, such as providing or enhancing nesting, feeding and roosting opportunities for birds, bees, bats and insects, and costs associated with pond creation. If you believe that your project falls into this category please complete the Branching Out application form above, and provide further details in Section 3 on how you are prioritising wildlife and biodiversity.

Closing date for applications is 4th December 2022. For more information and to apply, please visit Our grants - The Tree Council

Fermanagh Trust Grants

Fermanagh Trust currently have a number of funding oppurtunities available to organisations located within the following Wind Farm areas:

• Callagheen Community Wind Farm Fund

  Is your community project located within 7 km of Callagheen Wind Farm (between Belleek and Garrison in Co. Fermanagh)? If Yes your group may be eligible to apply for a Callagheen Community Wind Farm Fund Grant for further information see GUIDELINES and APPLICATION FORM

  Closing date is 12 noon Tuesday 1st November 2022

• Slieve Rushen Wind Farm Fund

  Is your community project located within 12 km of Slieve Rushen Wind Farm in South West Fermanagh? If Yes your group may be eligible to apply for a Slieve Rushen Wind Farm Fund Grant.

  For further information see GUIDELINES and APPLICATION FORM

• Teiges Mountain Wind Farm Fund

  Is your community project located within 5km of Teiges Mountain Wind Farm? If yes your group may be eligible to apply for a grant from the Teiges Mountain Wind Farm Fund.

  For further information CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD GUIDELINES (please read the guidelines carefully prior to preparing and submitting an application)

  1.  REVENUE SMALL GRANTS PROGRAMME application form - offering grants up to £2000 towards: community activities, venue improvements / minor capital works, recurring costs for a programme.

  2.  STRATEGIC PROJECTS REVENUE GRANTS application form - (up to a maximum of £5000 pa over 1-3 year period) working with a range of organisations across the Area of Benefit, which will make a significant contribution to community life. We would particularly welcome strategic applications which will make a significant contribution to these themes; - reduction in crime / anti-social behaviour, community first aid, defibrillator initiative, hosting of cross-community events, improve access to services via a community volunteer driver scheme, environmental improvements, increasing access to the natural environment, renewable energy, improving mental health.

  Nb - an organisation can only hold one grant award from the Fund at any one time. Partnership applications which include an organisation in receipt of another grant at the time will be considered. The Fermanagh Trust will not discuss, or fund applications submitted by professional fundraising consultants on behalf of local groups. We are committed to building the capacity of grass roots organisation's and are here to help voluntary committee members directly.

  Closing date for applications is 12 noon Friday 4th November 2022

• Cornavarrow and Slieveglass Wind Farm Fund

  Is your community organisation / project located within 5km of either the Cornvarrow or Slieveglass Wind Farm? If yes your group may be eligible to apply for a grant from the Cornavarrow and Slieveglass Wind Farm Community Benefit Funds.

  For further information CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD GUIDELINES (please read the guidelines carefully prior to preparing and submitting an application)

  Application Forms:

  1.  REVENUE SMALL GRANTS PROGRAMME application form - offering grants up to a maximum of £4000. It is envisaged the majority of grants will normally be awarded up to £2000, towards: community activities, venue improvements / minor capital works, recurring costs for a programme.

  2.  STRATEGIC PROJECTS REVENUE GRANTS application form - (up to a maximum of £5000 pa over 1-3 year period) working with a range of organisations across the Area of Benefit, which will make a significant contribution to community life. We would particularly welcome strategic applications which will make a significant contribution to these themes; - Community Education Classes; Community First Aid / Defibrillator Initiative – aimed at improving access and support; Organising / Hosting Cross-Community Events; Improve access to services, via a Community Volunteer Driver Scheme; Environmental improvements; Renewable Energy; Improving Mental Health.

  For the Cornavarrow Wind Farm only

  3.  STRATEGIC CAPITAL LEGACY PROJECTS application form - providing grant aid up to £25,000 per annum, over a five year period or equivalent amount over a longer period, which will make a significant contribution to improving the health and wellbeing of the local community. An initial outline application requesting support towards a strategic capital project will be considered. If successful in passing this first stage of the application process – the project promoter will then be invited to go to the second stage of the process. To be considered for this funding, on submission of the Full application the project promoter must have the necessary statutory permissions in place.

  Nb - an organisation can only hold one grant award from the Fund at any one time. Partnership applications which include an organisation in receipt of another grant at the time will be considered. The Fermanagh Trust will not discuss, or fund applications submitted by professional fundraising consultants on behalf of local groups. We are committed to building the capacity of grass roots organisation's and are here to help voluntary committee members directly.

  Closing date for applications is 12 noon Friday 11th November 2022.

For more information please visit Fermanagh Trust Grants

Windfarm Funding

Windfarm Funding

Funding will be available to local community projects that are planned and run for the benefit of the local population within the designated catchment area

Monnaboy Community Benefit Fund

Closing - 31st October. Grants up to £3,500.

Dunbeg Community Benefit Fund

Closing - 31st October. Grants up to £7,500.

Corby Knowe Community Benefit Fund

Closing - 31st October. Grants up to £2,000.

Dunmore Community Benefit Fund

Closing - 31st October. Grants up to £2,500.

Cloonty Community Benefit Fund

Closing - 31st October. Grants up to £10,000.

Carn Hill Community Benefit Fund

Closing - 31st October. Grants up to £3,000.

For more information and to apply, please visit Available Grants - Community Foundation Northern Ireland (communityfoundationni.org)

Churchill Fellowship

A Churchill Fellowship offers you the full funding to travel anywhere in the world for 4-8 weeks, researching a topic of your choice that can make a contribution to UK society on your return.

Scheme details

Churchill Fellows are funded to spend up to two months discovering new approaches and best practice in their chosen topic, from innovators and leading professionals worldwide. Then they support you to share their global insights with communities and sectors across the UK and turn their ideas into action.

For the first time, Fellows can carry out their international research entirely online from the UK, or by travelling overseas, or through a combination of both.

These are not academic research trips, they are journeys to learn about real-world issues from the leading practitioners in the world. And we want you to make a real-world difference with your learning when you come home.

Who can apply

Fellowships are open to all UK adult citizens regardless of their age, qualifications or background. They prioritise applicants and projects that would not receive funding from any other source and welcome applications from those with lived or learned experience of the issue they wish to address.

The Fellowship experience is life-changing for many. In their annual survey of Fellows’ impact, the majority report significant growth in their knowledge, networks, confidence and standing – and projects that may have started with local aspirations have often grown to national scale. In the 2021 survey, 100% of Fellows said they would recommend applying for a Fellowship.

Applications made this year are for projects to begin from August 2023 onwards.

Eligibility

They fund UK citizens from all parts of society to research a practical topic overseas that can make a real difference to their community or profession when they come home. And award 150 of these Fellowships each year and selection is made on the potential of the applicant and the strength of their idea.

Application Deadline 5 pm on 22 Nov 2022
You can apply online here.

£250,000 in grant funding available from The Prince’s Countryside Fund

The Prince’s Countryside Fund (PCF) is inviting applications for grants of up to £25,000 from community projects across the UK, with up to £250,000 available.

The PCF is interested in projects that will make a difference in rural communities across the UK and clearly demonstrate the need within the community.  Applications from Wales and Northern Ireland are particularly encouraged, but communities from across the UK are eligible to apply.

If you have an idea for a project in your community, you can discuss this with the team by completing the form on the website to arrange a phone call. It is also advised that you read through the guidance, FAQ and ‘Grants top tips’ which provide essential information and assistance with the application process:  www.princescountrysidefund.org.uk/grants.

Applications for grants close on 11th October 2022 at midday.