Small Woodland Grant Scheme

The Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs's Small Woodland Grant Scheme is now open and will remain open until 10pm on 31 August 2023. 

Almost all woodlands in Northern Ireland are planted with some form of grant assistance. The Forest Service encourages the creation of new woodlands and the management of existing woodlands by providing grant aid towards the cost of the work.

Forests for Our Future programme aims to plant 18 million trees or 9,000 hectares of new woodland over the next 10 years to help our environment and economy. Grant funding for creating new woodlands will be via the Small Woodland Grant Scheme or the Forest Expansion Scheme.

The Small Woodland Grant Scheme is specifically for new native woodland planting of 0.20 hectares and larger. It provides a fixed area based payment for woodland establishment, a fencing grant and where eligible annual premia for a 10-year period.

Closing date: 31 August 2023 at 10pm

For more information and to apply bit.ly/3SJR418

Small Grants Scheme 2023 - Grants opening 11th May!!

Live Here Love Here Small Grants are funded by 10 Local Councils, Northern Ireland Housing Executive and Keep Northern Ireland Beautiful. The Small Grants Scheme provides support to volunteer projects that:

• Contribute to the development of civic pride within a community with a focus on environmental improvement.

• Encourage actions and projects that enable Pollution Solutions, Biodiversity Recovery and Climate Action.

• Enhance the environmental management of a local area.

• Improve the health and wellbeing of communities whilst helping to improve and/or maintain public spaces.

• Improve the quality of their local environment by reducing littering and dog fouling through community Action.

• Support environmentally focused actions that help support people impacted through reduced contact with society.

Value of Grants

Grants are available between £500 - £3000. The average value of grants awarded is £1200.

Non-constituted groups can apply for a maximum of £500.

Eligibility

The Small Grants Scheme is open to:

• Community & Voluntary groups (including non-constituted groups)

• Sports clubs, churches and youth groups

• Not for profit organisations

• School and third level education organisations

Applications are particularly welcome from grassroots groups who have not previously received support through the Live Here Love Here Small Grants Scheme.

Funding is only available in the Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council area to projects located in Northern Ireland Housing Executive areas.

What type of projects will the Small Grant Scheme fund?

• Development of shared spaces such as alleys.

• Community food growing initiatives.

• Skill sharing in horticulture and community growing.

• Projects that tackle litter issues and dog fouling.

Litter picking equipment is not eligible for funding through this grant - please check out the Adopt A Spot project.

Need some inspiration?

Check out the documents below, they are packed with hints and tips to help with your application.

Biodiversity Recovery Project Advice
Pollution Solutions Project Advice
Tackling Textiles Project Advice

Please visit Small Grants Scheme delivered by Live Here Love Here

Climate Action Fund - Energy and Climate

This funding aims to inspire and support communities across the UK to address the energy and climate crisis. We’re looking for projects that show how communities can address climate change while tackling the energy challenges through community-led climate action.

We want to fund projects that:

• encourage communities to use energy in an environmentally friendly way

• bring communities together so that they can explore ways to promote energy efficiency

• enable communities to understand and engage with opportunities for clean energy generation, which do not use fossil fuels.

All projects should consider how everyone in the community can get involved with climate action. They must also address any reasons why some people might be left out.

We’re looking for projects that will bring a range of benefits to communities, including:

• improving health and well-being

• creating local ’green’ jobs, such as jobs providing low-carbon heat for homes, community energy champions and energy advisors

• reducing carbon emissions

• supporting communities to be more resilient.

We want to fund projects that aim for long term change. And projects that have the potential to have a positive impact beyond the communities they're directly working with.

Area UK-wide

Suitable for Community and voluntary organisations

Funding sizeProjects can apply for up to £1.5 million over 2 to 5 years, with most projects over £500,000. Minimum grant £500,000. We aim to fund around 8-12 projects.

Total available £10m including £1.5m for a Learning Network.

Application deadline You can apply when you’re ready. We expect the programme to remain open until at least December 2023 but it will depend on when and how many others apply for our funding.

There will be virtual information sessions on the following days:

• 21 March, 12:00 to 12:45

• 18 April, 12:00 to 12:45

• 16 May, 12:00 to 12:45

• 20 June, 12:00 – 12:45

For more information and to apply, please visit Climate Action Fund - Energy and Climate | The National Lottery Community Fund (tnlcommunityfund.org.uk)

#InTheLoop Grant Fund

Hubbub is launching a new #InTheLoop grant fund for two new projects with funding of £8,000 each to boost the opportunity to recycle on-the-go using the #InTheLoop toolkit

The fund is supported by McDonald’s.

They’re looking for ambitious, projects that will transform recycling in public spaces.

• Each successful project will receive an £8,000 grant to invest in, and boost, recycling facilities.

• Grants will help you to boost recycling facilities in your area by providing funding to invest in infrastructure.

• Projects will also get on going support from Hubbub based on our expertise and experience in delivering recycling campaigns.

• Successful applicants will be able to demonstrate ambitious, robust and long-term plans to boost recycling in their area.

• Successful projects will be selected by Hubbub and the McDonald’s UK team.

• The fund is open to any organisation. We anticipate that the majority of applications will be from local authorities, business improvement districts, shopping centres, major property owners and transport hubs.

• Please read the terms & conditions before submitting an application.

• The payment schedule is 80% up front, 10% at 4 months and 10% on completion of the project.

For more information and to apply, please visit #InTheLoop grant fund — In The Loop

The 2023 Ashden Awards

For over 20 years, the Ashden Awards have been uncovering and spotlighting the world’s next climate champions. Through grant prizes of up to £25,000, as well as ongoing development support, our awards accelerate climate innovation – helping businesses, charities, governments and others power up their impact in the UK and low-income countries. 

We back organisations that advance social justice while lowering emissions, with a particular focus on the power of climate action to improve jobs, skills and livelihoods. Winners and finalists enjoy grants, publicity and priceless new connections- as well as endorsement from globally-recognised climate experts.

Applications close on 8th March 2023.

For more information and to apply, please visit Apply to the 2023 Ashden Awards - Ashden

Inishative Community Benefit Fund

This local community benefit fund was set up by Gaelectric in 2016 and is now managed by CGN Europe – a wind energy and energy storage company that believes in a sustainable future. GCN is committed to ensuring that their wind farms, whilst having obvious environmental benefits, also provide significant economic benefits to the local community.

The Inishative Community Benefit Fund is available to local community projects within a 10km / 6 mile radius of the wind farm.  Priority is given to applicant organisations based within the Carrickmore (3.5 miles), Galbally/Cappagh (4-5 miles) and Sixmilecross (6 miles) areas.

The Inishative Community Benefit Fund is administered by the Community Foundation for Northern Ireland.

Funding will be available to local community projects within a 10km/6 mile radius of the wind farm. Inishative CBF Map

The fund aims to encourage:

• Stronger more inclusive communities by ensuring that local people have ownership and involvement in the design and delivery of the project.

• Partnership working with community, voluntary and statutory agencies to ensure a coordinated approach.

• Sustainable solutions that address local issues.

• Projects that improve the utilisation of existing community space in each of the above areas.

• Particular emphasis will be placed on funding activities/services that are specifically aimed at older people, people with disabilities, children and teenagers (including pre-school children), providing skills development of local people and promoting health related activities or services.

• Given the remoteness of some of these locations, the isolation and lack of statutory transport provision consideration will be given to local transport initiatives.

• Projects and programmes offering invaluable advice and information and signposting on key rural issues e.g. Farm Support Services, Welfare & Benefits and Parenting/Family issues etc.

• Outdoor/Environmental projects will also be considered in terms of encouraging a healthier and active community as well as protecting and enhancing the local environment.

• Finally, wider community events and programmes that encourage greater community interaction (including cross community aspects) encompassing the local rich and varied cultural aspects of music, drama, dance and sport.

• Funding will be considered for costs associated with running/administration costs and for purchasing additional equipment to expand services/activities in each of the areas.

• Priority will be given to projects which demonstrate the ability to collaborate, network and share best practice.

Grants of up to £2000 are available. Closing date for applications is 13th February 2023 at 1pm.

For more information and to apply, please visit Inishative Community Benefit Fund - Community Foundation Northern Ireland (communityfoundationni.org)

Cregganconroe Community Benefit Fund

This local community benefit fund was set up by Gaelectric in 2016 and is now managed by CGN Europe – a wind energy and energy storage company that believes in a sustainable future. GCN is committed to ensuring that their wind farms, whilst having obvious environmental benefits, also provide significant economic benefits to the local community.

The Cregganconroe Community Benefit Fund is available to local community projects within a 10km / 6 mile radius of the wind farm. Cregganconroe wind farm is based just off the Loughmallon Road, Pomeroy, Co Tyrone.  The areas located within a 10km radius of the wind farm are largely rural, having a rugged mountainous terrain within the Sperrin Mountains and comprises dispersed rural settlements including the hamlets and villages of Cappagh, Galbally,  Pomeroy, Carrickmore, Kileenan  and the Rock.

The Cregganconroe Community Benefit Fund is administered by the Community Foundation for Northern Ireland.

Funding will be available to local community projects within a 10km/6 mile radius of the wind farm.  Cregganconroe Map

The fund aims to encourage:

• Any programmes/projects that address marginalisation and help tackle rural isolation.  In particular, support will be considered for transport solutions that allow a greater sharing of local community resources and to allow for improved mobility for the most isolated.

• Projects that have a particular emphasis on maximising community space by providing minor capital works that bring premises or facilities up to modern standards and in line with current building control regulations.

• Activities/services that are specifically aimed at children and young people and older people; provision of local educational classes/training courses and health related initiatives and arts/cultural activities.

• Projects designed to improve and develop local environmental schemes.

• Priority will be given to beneficiaries within the Pomeroy area given their close proximity to the wind farm.

• Projects that encourage greater cross community interaction at a local level with a focus on improving relations between nationalist and unionist communities in the area.  Consideration will be given to activities and events designed to encourage this interaction and cohesion e.g. – Open Days, Festivals and other Community Events including programmes of shared culture, music, sport, drama and dance.

Grants of up to £2000 are available and closing date for applications is 13th February 2023 at 1pm.

For more information and to apply please visit Cregganconroe Community Benefit Fund - Community Foundation Northern Ireland (communityfoundationni.org)

Green Flag Community Awards

Green Flag Community Award

Applications for Green Flag for Community Awards 2023 are now open. 

The Green Flag Community Award is the national award recognising high-quality green spaces managed by voluntary and community groups.

All community green spaces that are easily accessible and open to the public (i.e. accessible to users during the day where no key/code is needed for entry) are eligible for the award. These include:

• Community gardens

• Woodlands

• Nature reserves

• Allotments

• Churchyards

  The Green Flag award is a fantastic accreditation for your green space and great recognition for local volunteer action. 
  

  Closing for applications on 17th February 2023. For more information and to apply, please visit Green Flag Community Award, Keep Northern Ireland Beautiful

Local Environmental Action programme

LFT Charitable Trust is a family foundation based in Belfast.

Identifying the right network of dedicated and ambitious partners enables us to deliver on our charitable purposes and to that end we are currently interested in connecting with charitable organisations in Northern Ireland who have project proposals to galvanise local communities to undertake local environmental actions for mutual benefit.

Our aims are to fund work delivered by partner organisations which:

1. will make a lasting difference to people’s lives as well as alleviating the symptoms or current problems;

2. is aimed at reducing isolation, inequality and stigma; and

3. inspires or empowers individuals to realise their potential and share in the life of the whole community.

Please visit https://lftcharitabletrust.com/local-environmental-action-programme/  for more information and to learn how you can apply for a grant of up to £7,000 for your project.

Submissions must be made by 5pm Tuesday 31st January 2023.

Acorn Farm – I Can Grow

The Acorn Farm, I can Grow project is calling for families in Derry/Londonderry and Strabane to roll up their sleeves and get planting. No experience needed!  The programme supports families to grow their own fruit and vegetables. Families are given everything they need to grow food at home, learning from horticultural experts to begin the creation of a more sustainable food system throughout the city.

The project aims to: 

Build a new iconic urban farm at St Columb’s Park in Derry~Londonderry as a demonstration hub for growing food, recreation, education and learning 

Train local people how to grow food at home 

Improve awareness of the connection between climate change and food choice 

Activate a local movement of food growers 

Conduct and produce research of the impact of our local food systems on climate  and health 

Influence local food policy in relation to climate change and health 

Register your interest at Acorn Farm - I Can Grow (office.com)

Closing date for applications is 31st January 2023

Branching Out Fund – deadline extended to 15 January 2023!

The Tree Council are delighted to announce that due to the popularity of this Grant, they are extending the deadline for applications to 15 January. 

This is only for NEW applications, not those currently in progress, but not yet submitted.  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.  They 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. You may also be interested in our Wildlife & Biodiversity Fund below.  If you would like to have a chat about this grant, please contact geraldine.creaven@treecouncil.org.uk

To read about other funding opportunities please visit Our grants - The Tree Council

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)

Tyrone Three Community Benefit Fund (Gortfinbar, Eshmore and Altamuskin)

This local community fund has been set up by Energia Renewables, working in close partnership with local groups from the areas surrounding the Tyrone 3 Windfarms. The Tyrone 3 Windfarms comprises three farms, which are:

- Altamuskin (6 wind turbines / 14.1MW)
- Eshmore (3 wind turbines / 7.0MW)
- Gortfinbar (5 wind turbines / 15.0.MW)

The windfarms are situated in close proximity to each other between the town of Ballygawley and the villages of Carrickmore, Sixmilecross and Beragh in County Tyrone. They are located in the Mid Ulster District and Fermanagh and Omagh District Council areas respectively.

Energia has set up the fund to ensure that the wind farm, whilst having obvious environmental benefits, will also provide significant social and economic benefits to the local community. The Tyrone 3 Windfarms Community Benefit Fund will be administered by the Community Foundation for Northern Ireland.

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 projects that the fund might support:

• Local cultural projects recording and researching history

• Establishment of a “Men’s Shed” or other similar initiative

• Small capital works to a community facility

• Environmental awareness projects

• Activities supporting young people, the elderly, those with disabilities

• Community wide events

• Strategic projects that will benefit a number of communities, including partnership applications

Grants size are up to £5,000

Closing date for applications is 9th December 2022. For more information and to apply, please visit Tyrone Three Community Benefit Fund (Gortfinbar, Eshmore and Altamuskin) - Community Foundation Northern Ireland (communityfoundationni.org)

National Lottery Community Fund - Living Places and Spaces

Grants are available to voluntary and community organisations in Northern Ireland for small-scale projects to create more sustainable and resilient outdoor spaces.

Fund Information

Funding body: National Lottery Community Fund - Northern Ireland

Maximum value: £ 10,000

Application deadline: 06/01/2023

Background

The Living Places and Spaces programme is administered by the National Lottery Community Fund on behalf of the Northern Ireland Executive's Department for Infrastructure.

Objectives of Fund

The funding is intended to support environmental improvement works in local communities through projects in the following areas:

• Greening - planting more trees and plants in an area.

• Rewilding - allowing nature to take over an area.

• Water management - slowing rainwater before it gets to the drainage systems.

Value Notes

The fund has a total value of £750,000.

Grants of £1,000 to £10,000 are available.

Projects may start from April 2023 onwards, and grants must be spent within one year of award.

Who Can Apply

Applications will be accepted from the following organisation types:

• Voluntary or community organisation.

• Registered charity.

• Constituted group or club.

• Not-for-profit company or community interest company

• School.

Organisations must have at least two people on their board or committee who are not related.

For land or building projects, the applicant must either:

• Own the land or building.

• Have a lease that cannot be ended for five years.

• Have a letter from the owner saying the land or building will be leased to the applicant for at least five years.

• Have a letter from the owner or landlord that says the applicant is allowed to do work on the building.

Applicants must also consider whether they require planning permission for the work.

Location

Northern Ireland

Restrictions

The following are not eligible for funding:

• Individuals.

• Sole traders.

• Organisations that are aimed at generating profits primarily for private distribution.

• Organisations based outside the UK.

• One individual or organisation applying on behalf of another.

• People under the age of 18.

• Revenue costs (including salaries).

• Projects delivered outside of Northern Ireland.

• Items which will only benefit an individual or family, rather than the wider community.

• Contingency costs, loans, endowments or interest.

• Feed-in tariff payments.

• VAT that can be reclaimed.

• Activities that generate profits for private gain.

• Costs that have already been incurred.

• Work on land or buildings where the applicant does not meet requirements around land ownership and permissions.

Eligible Expenditure

Grants may be used to support the following types of projects and activities:

• Community gardens (a single piece of land gardened collectively by a group of people).

• Pocket parks and forests (small urban or rural forests).

• Allotments (an area of land used for growing fruit and vegetables).

• Rain gardens (an area which is planted so that rainwater from roofs, driveways, etc runs into it and soaks into the ground, and therefore does not cause flooding or other problems).

• Green roofs (a roof that is partially or completely covered with vegetation).

• Ponds and living walls or vertical gardens (vertical structures that have living plants or other greenery attached to them).

• Installation of outdoor furniture or features to encourage usage.

• Measures to encourage walking, wheeling and cycling.

Eligible costs include:

• Land and building costs (ie the costs of creating pathways, installation of vertical garden structures, developing a green roof etc).

• Equipment and materials (ie trees, plants, seeds, pots, tools, furniture etc).

All applicants should consider the environmental impact of their project and try to reuse, reduce and recycle where possible.

How To Apply

The programme will open for applications on 9 November 2022 and close to applications on 6 January 2023 (6pm).

Guidance notes and the online application form can be found on the National Lottery Community Fund website.

Contact National Lottery Community Fund for further information.

Useful links

National Lottery Community Fund - Living Places and Spaces
Living Places and Spaces | The National Lottery Community Fund (tnlcommunityfund.org.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

Marine Litter Capital Grants

The Marine Litter Capital Grants will support organisations and groups to purchase items to:

• Prevent litter and plastic pollution from entering the marine environment

• Enhance the environmental management of a local area to reduce marine litter

• Improve the health and wellbeing of communities and marine biodiversity recovery by helping to improve and/or maintain the quality of public open spaces

• Improve the quality of their local environment by changing behaviour through creative concepts to reduce the incidence of littering.

Guidance and support

Please read the guidance notes before you complete your application.

Recipients of Marine Litter grants in Round 1 of funding in 2022 are not eligible to apply to Round 2.

To be eligible:

• Your organisation is likely to be responsible for managing and/or owning free to access public open space, or if not, will have a clearly defined role in managing the local environmental quality of such space and this will be formally agreed with the land owners

• Your project must be located on free to access public open space or, for creative concept ideas, must show how it is applicable to free to access public open space

• You must clearly demonstrate how the project will decrease the amount of litter and plastic entering the marine environment

• You must clearly demonstrate commitment and the ability to provide for the ongoing management of any physical assets (eg regular and timely emptying of bins) purchased as part of the project

• Funding must only be used for the purchase and installation of eligible capital items

• Schools must demonstrate how they will use any assets purchased in an educational context.

Grants are available across the whole of Northern Ireland and are not restricted to coastal areas. However, the funding is specifically targeted at preventing marine litter. Therefore, applications must be able to demonstrate clearly how a project will contribute to reducing litter and plastics entering our seas. In this way, projects will help ensure good environmental status of our coastal and marine environments in relation to litter. Ultimately, this will ensure that the properties and quantities of marine litter do not cause harm to the coastal and marine environment.

Need inspiration or help to complete your application? Book a 121 Q&A session to speak with a member of the team to discuss your project. Book here Marine Litter Q&A session

For more information please visit Marine Litter Capital Grants delivered by Live Here Love Here

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)

The ESB Community Benefit Fund is open for 2023

The ESB Community Benefit Fund aims to support community projects which clearly address current and emerging local issues, needs and opportunities, while also seeking to develop and build upon existing initiatives. From equipment to refreshments for activities; from painting lessons to science books, you can apply for items that will help you address at least one of the following themes:

• Education and skills

• Health, safety, and wellbeing

• Environment and habitat conservation

• Energy efficiency and sustainability

• Culture and heritage

• Recreation, sport, and social inclusion

Who can apply?

• If you are a current recipient, you should submit your last claim by Tuesday 1 November. Unfortunately, we will not be able to take your application forward if this is not the case.

• If you have been unsuccessful before to the ESB Community Benefit Fund, an application from your organisation/group is welcome.

• If you are a group/organisation applying for the first time to the ESB Community Benefit Fund, your application is welcome, please note the criteria below and for further information, visit our website.

Eligibility

To be eligible to apply, you must meet all the following criteria:

• Your project must address at least one of the above themes

• Your project must be located within the Area of Benefit.

OR the primary beneficiaries of your project must be drawn from one of the above areas of benefit.

• You must be a registered charity; voluntary/community sector organization; sports or recreation club; or school with a constitution or article of association.

Workshop

Join us for an online workshop which will cover the application form and criteria for this fund. Register here:  https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZwsf-qqqj0oGdVyN0uQl0aNmFuh7rWX-zIc

If you have any queries about your application, please send us an email at esbcommunityfund@groundworkni.co.uk

National Garden Scheme - Community Gardens Award

In 2011 the National Garden Scheme set up an award scheme in memory of Elspeth Thompson, the much-loved garden writer and journalist who died in 2010. Elspeth was a great friend and supporter of the National Garden Scheme; she also wrote an admired ‘Urban Gardener’ column in the Sunday Telegraph. Her column often celebrated community gardens and so the awards support gardening projects carried out within local communities.

Previously managed in partnership with the Royal Horticultural Society, from 2019 the scheme became wholly managed by the National Garden Scheme.

In 2022 we gave out awards to 75 projects bringing the total number of projects supported to-date to almost 200, with the total amount donated just shy of £400,000.

Grants will only be made to bodies in England, Wales and Northern Ireland. The following bodies are not eligible:

· Local authorities (including parish councils)

· Schools Applications from any such bodies will not be considered.

Applicants must be a fully set up community group or CIC with a functioning non-personal bank account.

Individual grants are between minimum £500 and maximum £5000. Each application must itemise the details of the costs they are planning to cover.

Applications for 2023 will open on Monday 17 October. Please read the Application Guidelines before applying - Community Garden Grants - National Garden Scheme (ngs.org.uk)