Connect Fund Round 2

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The Goodyear Sports & Social Club was set up as part of the old Goodyear factory in Craigavon in 1977 by the factory workers. The club building was opened in 1982 and although the factory closed not long after this date the Sports & Social club was able to provide sports and social facilities to the local Community until the wind down of its activities in June 2024.

The Goodyear Community Fund was set up as a grant-making initiative designed to distribute the net sales proceeds of the original club building to support grassroots organisation’s within the greater Lurgan and Craigavon area.

The focus of the fund builds on the original ethos of the Goodyear Sports & Social Club in ensuring a positive legacy with the continued promotion of sport, arts, health & wellbeing and cross-community engagement.

The fund is launched in recognition and celebration of the contribution of voluntary groups and people locally and the aim is to make it a simple application process.

Grant size

Grants of between £1,000 to £5,000 are being made available to cover project and associated costs for your organisation.

Eligibility Criteria

Applicants must:

  • Be a Not-for-profit organisation or Community Amateur Sports club (CASC) or Charitable body operating within the Greater Lurgan and Craigavon area.

  • Demonstrate a clear community benefit, particularly in areas of sport, arts, health & wellbeing and inclusion.

  • Provide a governing document and a bank account in your organisation’s name.

  • Confirm availability of accounts, and safeguarding policies if required

  • Be able to deliver the project within 12 months of receiving funding.

Priority Areas

Funding will prioritise projects and organisations that can outline how they meet one or more of the following priorities:

  • Have connected with the Goodyear Sports & Social Club since at any time since its foundation in 1977.

  • Promote cross-community collaboration and inclusion.

  • Support sports, arts, or charitable activities that enhance health & wellbeing.

  • Address local needs.

  • Support grassroots organisation’s within the greater Lurgan and Craigavon area.

  • Encourage volunteerism and community leadership.

Ineligible Activities

The Foundation will not fund organisations or activities which promote causes that are contrary to our purposes. Causes and activities that are contrary to our purposes include, but may not be limited to, those outlined in our investment policy. We will not therefore fund organisations or activities which we determine are linked to the promotion of armaments, alcohol, human rights abuses, tobacco or pornography.

Timeline

  • Applications open: Monday 5th January 2026

  • Deadline for submission: Friday 30th January 2026 at 1pm

  • Decisions communicated: Within 6 weeks of deadline for submission of applications

  • Project delivery: Within 12 months of grant award

For more information, please visit Goodyear Community Fund - Community Foundation Northern Ireland