The Community Action Fund

The Community Action Fund exists to support grassroots campaigning and community organising in the UK. 

It will provide one-off grants between £2,500 and £20,000. 

These grants are available to grassroots organisations that are building the power of their community and campaigning for long-term change. 

All successful applicants will be offered support beyond funding. This will include the Civic Power Fund Governance Hub and optional, bespoke cohort and capacity building opportunities.

The deadline is 26th February 2023.

The Community Action Fund is open to UK-based organisations that are:
‍

1. Rooted in and accountable to their community. 
   ‍

2. Hoping to achieve long-term change on issues affecting the lives of their community. 
   ‍

3. Addressing injustice by building the power of their community. For example, through community organising, campaigning, or democratic engagement. 
   ‍

4. Lacking the resources to take their vision to the next level. 
   ‍

5. Seeking to build a larger us and resisting the politics of division 

The Community Action Fund prioritises organisations led by people with lived experience of the injustice they are trying to overcome. 

For more information and to apply, please visit Community Action Fund (civicpower.org.uk)

The Woodward Charitable Trust - Children’s Summer Playschemes

The Summer Play Scheme grant round will open Monday 6th February 2023, the online application form will only be available after this date.  The deadline is noon on Friday 31st March 2023. The Trustees will review summer play scheme applications in May and successful applicants will be informed by the end of June 2023. 

Each year the Trustees of the Woodward Charitable Trust set aside funds for summer playschemes for children from disadvantaged backgrounds between the ages of 5-16 years.

Trustees only fund programmes that run for a minimum of 2 weeks or 10 full days or 20 half days across the summer holidays.

Grants can only be paid to registered charities, CICs, CIOs or exempt charities. If your organisation does not fall into one of these categories, please give the full name and address of a registered charity who has agreed to accept a grant on your behalf. Please note you will need to upload a copy of their most recent audited accounts at the end of the application form, if this is not available on the Charity Commission or Companies House.

Please note that Trustees will now only fund up to 50% of the total cost of a scheme. Most grants awarded are in the range of £500 to £1,000. Around 35 grants are made each year.

Preference is given to:

• small local playschemes that provide a wide-ranging programme of activities. Trustees prefer activities that are relatively inexpensive such as crafts and cooking, as well as outdoor activities and sport.

• schemes that involve a large number of children.

• schemes where past users are encouraged to come back and help as volunteers.

Exclusions

Trustees will not fund:

• trips that are only social such as to a theme park or cinema. Trustees prefer to fund trips that are educational and motivational or relate to the natural environment such as to the seaside or countryside.

• charities whose annual turnover exceeds £100,000.

• overseas projects

Application Form

The trustees receive many more applications than they are able to fund, so please make the most of the opportunity to tell us what makes your charity different and what your achievements are. When talking about your plans for this summer, please feel free to compare them to previous years and what the benefits of attending the scheme has meant to the families and the children attending. Please give details of what you plan to do, beyond just a list of activities, and note that we are looking for organisations that are making a real difference in their communities. Please let us know if any of your activities are child-led and who your volunteers are. Do you provide food and if so, what do you provide?

For more information and to apply, please visit Children’s Summer Playschemes Guidelines | The Woodward Charitable Trust

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

Annual Funding Programme 2023/24

The aim of the Annual Funding Programme (AFP) is to support Northern Ireland’s arts infrastructure through grants to organisations in all artforms and practices for their core and programming costs. AFP organisations will be key to helping us achieve the objectives set out in our 5-year strategic framework for developing the arts, Inspire / Connect / Lead, and we expect all awardees to support us in delivering these objectives.

Who can apply?

• Non-profit distributing organisations which can demonstrate they require a year-round resource to deliver arts programming.

• Commercial organisations can only apply for support if the proposed programme is primarily for the benefit of the public and where there are plans to re-invest any surplus into a similar programme.

• New applicants to the Annual Funding Programme must have been in receipt of a single award of at least £10,001 from ACNI since 1 April 2020 in order to be eligible for the scheme and must contact the appropriate ACNI arts officer to discuss their application prior to submission and by 5pm on 10 February at the latest. Failure to make prior contact with the Arts Council before submitting an application will render your application ineligible.

What You Can Apply For

You can apply for one year funding only. Eligible costs include the following:

Core costs:
Administrative salaries
Rent and Rates
Light and Heat
Maintenance, security, etc.
Telephone and Fax
Printing, postage, stationery
Financial costs
Insurance

Programming costs:
Artists’ costs
Volunteer expenses
Audience Development plans
Publicity/Marketing (excluding catering/merchandising)
Transportation
Travel, Accommodation, Subsistence
Equipment/Materials
Access/Participation Plans

Premium Payments:
An amount of up to £3,000 each year is available within the grant (i.e. to be included and potentially awarded as an element of your budget and request amount) for successful applicants who can clearly demonstrate that additional costs are associated with the delivery of their project for people with particular needs as defined under Section 75 of The Northern Ireland Act 1998. Please note that premium payments are made retrospectively on submission of evidence of demonstrated use of the services.

Deadline for applications: Friday 17th February 2023 at 12pm

For more information and to apply, please visit Annual Funding Programme | Arts Council of Northern Ireland (artscouncil-ni.org)

The Fibrus Community Fund

Purpose of the Fund:

The Fibrus Community Fund was established by Fibrus Networks Ltd in 2021.  The fund is aimed at addressing digital poverty and exists to support the work of communities across Northern Ireland to provide access to digital technology for the most vulnerable.

We recognise that the most vulnerable in our community can sometimes get left behind when it comes to accessing modern technology, something most of us take for granted.

Having the ability to access the internet can open a range of opportunities for individuals and communities especially when it comes to education, employment and socialising.   Formed with one vision; to connect communities across Northern Ireland, the Fibrus Community Fund will offer technology grants to enable people to stay connected, whether it is young people staying connected to online resources for school, or elderly people ordering groceries and video calling family.

Data from the Office of National Statistics in 2019 detailed that, despite how the number of people who can’t or don’t use the internet, has declined in general since 2012, Northern Ireland continues to have the highest proportion of non-internet users across the UK, at 14.2%. Those who perhaps are already disadvantaged and isolated, are now even more so as a result of the pandemic. The digital divide remains a problem throughout Northern Ireland.

The fund therefore, has a particular focus on supporting grassroots organisations that support older people or young people aged 18 and under.

The Fibrus Community Fund will open in two phases in 2023 in tandem with Fibrus’ build programme of new full fibre broadband, with phase one opening in January 2023.

Fund Aims:

The fund is aimed at addressing digital poverty by awarding grants of up to £2,000 to enable local groups and organisations in particular areas, to provide access to digital technology for the most vulnerable in that community, with a particular focus on older people and young people aged 18 and under.

We want the fund to support community organisations who are supporting young people or older people to address the digital divide.

What is Available?

We will offer grants of up to £2,000 for projects to address any gaps that younger and older people might face in their communities, which may include provision of access to technological devices.

Who Can Apply?

Constituted community organisations based in the areas outlined below can apply:

Eligible postcodes:

BT22 , BT23, BT24, BT25, BT26, BT27, BT28, BT30, BT31, BT32, BT33, BT34, BT35, BT38, BT39, BT40, BT41, BT42, BT43, BT44, BT45, BT46, BT48, BT51, BT52, BT53, BT54, BT55, BT56, BT57, BT60, BT61, BT62, BT63, BT65, BT66, BT67, BT69, BT70, BT71, BT74, BT75, BT76, BT77, BT78, BT79, BT80, BT81, BT82, BT92, BT93, BT94

In the event of oversubscription we will prioritise:

1.       Applicants who have not previously been awarded a grant from the fund

2.     Organisations that have an annual income below £50,000

3.     Those who more clearly articulate the need in relation to the beneficiaries

Examples of Types of Projects:

• Projects that provide access to engage with a range of digital devices (laptops, tablets, iPads, smart-phones, etc.), such as a community loan facility, etc.

• Projects that strengthen the capacity of individuals to use a range of available digital services, such as training workshops or courses, which may also include catering and venue hire costs.

• Projects that provide access to enhance connections with others, such as a community-use internet hub, or internet café, etc.

• Provision of internet installation/connection in community facilities for community use.

Project Priorities:

• Focus on the positive contribution of people within the community, and support those most in need of support to use and access digital technologies

• We want to hear how your community intends to build on the assets within that community, to support those who have faced digital challenges

• We expect you to focus on the need of your beneficiaries in terms of digital poverty, as well as focus on what is good about your community, and how this project will build on previous successes as a community, and support the beneficiary/beneficiaries in the longer term

The fund will close at 1:00pm on Monday 20 February 2023.

Please visit The Fibrus Community Fund - Community Foundation Northern Ireland (communityfoundationni.org)

RTÉ Toy Show Appeal Impact Grants Fund

The RTÉ Toy Show Appeal was established in 2020 to raise funds for Irish children’s charities through the televised Late Late Toy Show. Since then, more than €17 million has been raised to support these charities.
The RTÉ Toy Show Appeal mission is: Inspired by children, we work to bring the magic of the Late Late Toy Show to every child in Ireland. By funding essential support, health, wellbeing, play and creativity we aim to change children’s lives for good.

In the wake of the cost-of-living crisis, increased number of refugees from Ukraine and elsewhere in the world, and the climate crisis, the RTÉ Toy Show Appeal is more important than ever.

Last year over €6,600,000 was raised and distributed in 154 grants to support more than 1.1 million children and their family members all across Ireland. Thanks to the continued generosity of the Irish public, this year the Appeal raised over €3,800,000 which will be distributed through two open grant rounds:

·        Impact Grants Round

·        Community Grants Round

Children and family focused charities working at local, regional and national level can apply for a grant under one of the following thematic pillars:

·        Addressing Essential Needs

·        Improving Health and Wellbeing

·        Creativity and Play

The Impact Grants Round is now open and is for children and family charities with an annual income of £500,000 or more and will close at 1pm on Friday 10 February 2023. For more information and to apply, please visit RTÉ Toy Show Appeal Impact Grants Fund - Community Foundation Northern Ireland (communityfoundationni.org)

***The Community Grants Round is due to open mid February and is for children and family charities with an annual income of less than £500,000.***

Organisations can apply only once to the RTÉ Toy Show Appeal this year. Where multiple applications are received from the same organisation, none will be considered for assessment.

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

Expressions of Interest for 2023-25

The Irish Football Association (Irish FA) and the Department for Digital, Culture, Media & Sport (DCMS) Multi-Sports Grassroots Facilities Investment Fund aims to allow local grassroots football clubs in Northern Ireland (NI) to improve and upgrade facilities to create a better grassroots football infrastructure foundation. 

Investment in creating the best possible multi-sports and grassroots football facilities enables young people to have the opportunity to reach their full potential in football, as well as providing the local community with access to facilities where they can participate in other sports and become healthy and active. 

The UK Government has confirmed the allocation of a £230 million uplift to England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland for investment in football facilities across the UK. Read more on this here.

DCMS has committed to supporting grassroots football facility development in Northern Ireland up to March 2025. Phase 3 of the investment covers the financial year, April 2023 to March 2024 with Phase 4 covering April 2024 to March 2025. 

Two million pounds of capital funding has been secured for 2023/24, with a further £3.59 million of capital funding to be delivered in 2024/25.  Projects to be supported will be selected for their ability to deliver improved facilities in deprived areas, support multi-sport use and increase participation among currently underrepresented groups, including women, girls and those with a disability. 

The Irish FA / DCMS Multi-Sport Grassroots Facilities Investment Fund 2023-25 will be directed towards larger capital projects primarily focusing on the installation and improvement of natural grass or certified artificial grass pitches (AGP).  Funding will support and be directed towards the installation of new or replacement natural grass surfaces, new or replacement artificial grass surfaces or new multi-use games areas (MUGA).

Associated pitch infrastructure will be considered for funding in addition to the pitch installation e.g. changing rooms, floodlighting, fencing etc.

In order to understand the number, type and scale of projects which may come forward over the next two financial years, we are running an Expression of Interest (EOI) process. The EOI will gather crucial information on proposed projects at early stages of their development, identifying future investment possibilities.  It is anticipated that applications for funding will be opened in February / March 2023. 

EOIs will be open for over two weeks from Wednesday 18 January 2023 and will close at 12 noon on Friday 3 February 2023.   The EOI can be accessed via the link below.

A full list of the questions on the Expression of Interest form can be found in the PDF download below.

CLICK HERE FOR EXPRESSION OF INTEREST FORM

Irish FA/ DCMS Grassroots Facilities Investment Fund...

Mid Ulster District Council’s 2023/24 Grant Programme

Mid Ulster District Council’s 2023/24 Grant Programme will be open for applications on Monday 30th January until Thursday 16th March 2023.  To make an online application visit www.midulstercouncil.org/resident/grants

Grant Categories

Category 1

• Small Development Grant

• Community/Sports Venue/Facilities Grant

• Strategic Arts & Culture Grant

• Strategic Sports Development Grant

• Strategic Community Development Grant

Category 2

• Strategic Events Grant

• Irish Language Activity Grants

• Irish Language Bursaries

• Good Relations Grant *

• Community Local Festivals Grant*

• Sports Representative Grant (Team & Individual)

Category 3

Miscellaneous Grants not online (need to speak with designated grant officers)

• Capital Discretionary Grant

• School Sports Access Grant

*Applications to rolling grant programmes are accepted throughout the year, and should be submitted 6 weeks in advance of the project/event.

Good Relations and PCSP Strategic Plans

The Council’s Good Relations and Mid Ulster Policing and Community Safety Partnership are currently developing their Action Plans for 2023/24. If you would like to engage or partner with them on the delivery of their plans, please contact the PCSP or Good Relations team 03000 132 132.

Grant Advice Workshops

Grant Aid Workshops are being held to support the application process for 2023/24 grant programmes year. There are some key changes to grant programmes for this year which will be covered at these sessions. The workshops will be on:

• Dungannon Office: Tuesday 24th January at 7-9pm

• Cookstown Leisure Centre: Wednesday 25th January at 7-9pm

• Magherafelt Office: Thursday 26th January at 7-9pm

• Online Workshop: Wednesday 1st February at 7pm

To register for any of these or to receive Councils monthly grants newsletter please email communitydevelopment@midulstercouncil.org or telephone 03000 132 132 ext: 24615

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.

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)

Grand Choice 2022

What is Grand Choice?

So, what is Participatory Budgeting all about?

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 Lisburn North- 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 Lisburn North District Electoral Area. This includes Derriaghy, Harmony Hill, Hilden, Lambeg, Magheralave, Wallace Park.

How will my personal information be used?

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 22nd January 2023.

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 26th January or as soon as possible thereafter.

The shortlisted projects will be required to exhibit their proposal at a Community Decision Event on 18th February 2023.

Stage 2. Community Decision Event

At the Community Decision Event in February 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 North 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.

Guidance notes:
Who can apply? - eligibility

You don’t have to be an existing group with your own constitution to apply. You just need a minimum of three people who have an idea for a project and a constituted group to sponsor your entry. Groups with a constitution are also welcome to apply.

You must be based within the Lisburn South area.

Programme criteria

Successful projects have to be delivered between February and May 2023 and you will also be required to attend a community celebration event.  

What can we apply for?

You can apply for up to £1,000 for a local project.

Key themes

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 

• 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

What we will fund

You can apply for up to £1,000 to pay for things such as online activities, events, tutors, venue hire, transport for trips, workshops, performers, specialist facilitator, funding towards marketing campaigns to raise awareness of specific issues identified by the community, equipment for projects e.g. ipads, litter picks, safety equipment, sports kits, outdoor gym equipment and other innovative ideas events.

Application process

Before applying, please check that:

• your organisation is eligible to apply;

• your application meets the priorities of this fund;

• you have completed every question on your Application Form;

• you can provide all the information we ask for as part of the application process.

Grand Choice Stage 1:

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

Once your initial application is received, we will:

• Perform an Eligibility Check on your application and then assess it against the key themes of the grant, as highlighted in the PROGRAMME CRITERIA section above;

• Contact you with questions should we need to, so please keep a copy of your Application Form for your reference;

• Not assess your application if it is incomplete.

If your initial application is successful, we will:

• Contact you about Stage 2 of the process

• At this stage successful groups will be asked to attend the February Community Decision Event to showcase their project.

How does the voting work?

• Voting will take place at the Community Decision Event.

• Voting will be by electoral area only.

• Voters attending on the day will be asked to vote for 10 projects.

• The projects with the most public votes will be awarded up to £1,000 to make their initiative happen!

• When voting closes, results will be announced shortly after the Community Decision Event.

If your project is selected through the public vote, we will:

• Send you a Conditional Offer and our Terms & Conditions of Grant by email for your organisation to sign and return to the council;

• Clearly indicate the eligible expenditure for the funding offered.

• Request the grant to be acknowledged through the inclusion of the official Lisburn & Castlereagh City Council’s logo on all related promotional material associated with the project and that an Elected Member or Council Officer from Lisburn & Castlereagh City Council, is invited to the event/activity to which the grant is awarded. 

• Request the compulsory completion of an Event Notification Form (only where the event is outdoors and requires members of the community to gather together).  This will be assessed by the Council’s Safety Advisory Group (SAG) to ensure compliance with regulations, the impact of which may impact on your proposal.

Once we have received your signed Terms and Conditions we will:

• Make payment to your group’s bank account, via the Bankers Automated Clearance System (BACS).

If your application is unsuccessful, we will:

• Contact you by email informing you of the reasons why your application has not been successful, for which there is no right of Appeal.

Lisburn & Castlereagh City Council request successful applicants submit relevant promotional material of their events to share on their social media platforms in line with the Grand Choice programme.

To apply please visit Grand Choice in Lisburn North (lisburncastlereagh.gov.uk)

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)

Community Facilities Minor Capital Items Grants

Grants are available to community associations which manage a community facility in Newry, Mourne and Down to support the purchase of minor capital items.

Grants of between £500 and £10,000 are available.

All project activity must be completed by 31 July 2023.

Applications will be accepted from constituted community or voluntary organisations and other not-for-profit organisations responsible for managing a community facility. This is defined as follows:

"A community facility is a building which is open to the public where the community can gather for a diverse range of social, cultural, educational, recreational, training and information activities. The facility will normally provide a minimum of three of these diverse activities."

Eligible Expenditure

The funding is to be used for purchases and activities in the following areas:

• Maintenance - relating to the managing of a community facility (both internal and external), eg power washer, buffers, hoovers, steamers, trolleys etc.

• Required to enhance the facility for potential bookings (non-fixed items £100 or over), eg fixed PA system, fixed projector, whiteboard, large sporting equipment eg 5-a-side posts, bowling mat, table tennis table etc.

• Replacement - relating to items required for the day to day running of community facilities, eg tables, chairs, crockery, vinyl, white goods etc. Smaller value items should be bought in bulk.

The deadline for applications is noon on 17 January 2023.

Guidance notes and the application form can be accessed via Newry, Mourne and Down District Council's Online Funding Hub - Grant Manager (eformz.info)

For further information on how to obtain this fund, please contact the following:

Programmes Unit
Newry, Mourne and Down District Council
Monaghan Row
Newry
BT35 8DJ
Tel: 0330 137 4040
Email: programmesunit@nmandd.org

Access Programme for Cultural Organisations

Grants are available to not-for-profit cultural organisations in Derry City and Strabane to improve access to arts and culture for people with disabilities.

The Access Programme for Cultural Organisations is provided and administered by Derry City and Strabane District Council as part of its Arts and Culture Strategy 2019-24.

The funding is intended to support capital costs to enable the following:

• Improve access to arts and culture organisations across Northern Ireland for people with disabilities.

• Make arts and cultural organisations more inclusive across society.

• Increase participation in arts and culture activities by people with disabilities.

  
  Grants of up to £30,000 are available.

Applications will be accepted from constituted, not-for-profit cultural organisations located in Derry City and Strabane.

For projects requiring adjustments to the fabric or structure of a building, the applicant must be the owner or leaseholder (five years minimum) of the premises.

The deadline for applications is noon on 12 January 2023.

An online application form and guidance notes are available to access from the Derry City and Strabane District Council website - Derry City and Strabane District Council (smapply.org)

For further information on how to obtain this fund, please contact the following:

Caitriona Doherty
Derry City and Strabane District Council
Londonderry Office
98 Strand Road
Derry / Londonderry
BT48 7NN
Tel: 028 7125 3253
Email: caitriona.doherty@Derrystrabane.com

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