Funding Opportunities - ABC Council

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Armagh City, Banbridge & Craigavon Borough Council is offering financial assistance to eligible groups in the voluntary, community and social enterprise sector for capital projects and The King’s Coronation Grant for 2023/2024:

Funding Opportunities

Large Capital Project Fund 2023 / 2024

Opens for applications at 9.00am on Monday 13th February and closes at 12 noon on Friday 27th October 2023, or when the budget is committed, whichever comes first.

 

Small Capital Project Fund 2023 / 2024

Opens for applications at 9.00am on Monday 13th February and closes at 12 noon on Friday 10th March 2023.

 

The King’s Coronation Grant

Opens for applications at 9.00am on Monday 13th February and closes at 12 noon on Friday 3rd March 2023

 

Projects must not commence before the 1st April 2023.

Groups wishing to be notified of future funding opportunities and other relevant information should request their details be added to the Council’s database by emailing fap@armaghbanbridgecraigavon.gov.uk

 

Further information, including details of how to apply and dates of proposed Virtual Information Sessions is available from www.armaghbanbridgecraigavon.gov.uk/resident/community-grants

First point of contact is Valerie Leatham 07515607480.

APEX: Community Spirit Grants (formerly Involvement Grant Fund)

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Applications for Apex’s Community Spirit Grants (formerly CIF Grants) are now being accepted from individual tenants, community groups and non-profit organisations. Individual Apex tenants can apply for up to £250 to deliver a programme that will bring their community together or address an issue that has been highlighted by tenants. Community groups and non-profit organisations can apply for grants of up to £500 towards providing assistance and support to communities in which Apex tenants live.

Scheme details

Individual Apex tenants can apply for up to £250 to deliver a programme that will bring their community together or address an issue that has been highlighted by tenants.

Community groups and non-profit organisations can apply for grants of up to £500 towards providing assistance and support to communities in which Apex tenants live.

Applicable criteria to meet include: 

  1. Community development – the event will bring the community together

  2. Community led – the proposed event has been developed by a group of tenants or the event will address an issue highlighted by tenants

  3. Community spirit – the event will help improve how tenants feel about where they live or improve the reputation of the area

  4. Legacy/sustainability – the event is part of a long term plan for the area

  5. Benefit to tenants – Apex tenants will directly benefit​

How to apply

If you’re interested in applying, please contact their Tenant Participation Officers Mieke Hegarty (for the North West) or Donna Richmond (for Greater Belfast, Enniskillen, Dungannon and Newry areas) on 028 71304800 or email TP@apex.org.uk.

Closing date for completed applications: Friday 17 February 2023

 

Fermanagh and Omagh District Council Grant Aid and Bursaries for 2023/24

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1st Call for Applications – 2023 / 2024

Applications for the following grant aid & bursary streams opens on Monday 13 February 2023 and will close on Friday 3 March 2023 at 5pm.

 Grant Aid:

  • Community & Wellbeing

  • Community Premises Support

  • Good Relations

  • Irish in the Community

  • Remembering & Commemoration – Decade of Centenaries

  • Seeding

  • Summer Schemes 2023 – July/August

  • Ulster Scots in the Community

  • Verti-Draining

Funding covers the financial year 2023 – 2024

For further information and Guidance Notes on Grant Aid Streams Open.

Bursaries 

  • Irish Language (Gaeltacht, Minors, Adult, Family)

  • Irish Language (Academic)

  • Sport

For further information on Bursaries.  Click Here

Carers’ Support Fund

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The Community Foundation NI on behalf of the Department of Health is delighted to open for application a Carers’ Support Fund.

The Carers’ Support Fund will provide support for organisations working for and with carers in line with the outcomes set out below.

Grant values of between £2k and £75k will be distributed to properly constituted community groups and voluntary organisations.

Funding awards will fall into 2 broad categories:

  • Funding awards of up to £10k

  • Funding awards between £10k and £75k

Fund Outcomes

Specific outcomes that the Fund should deliver are:
a) Enhanced provision of and access to practical support and help for carers.

b) Improved access to and availability of advice services for carers, including support available through new technologies.

c) Enhanced skills of carers to advocate for the needs of both themselves and the person they care for.

d) Support improved physical and mental health and wellbeing of carers.

e) Enhanced ability for carers to lead their own lives and enjoy a work/life balance.

f) Increased capacity to advocate for and advance carers’ issues with government and statutory bodies.

g) Raised awareness of the contribution of carers.

h) Improved evidence base on carers to support and inform service provision, and government strategy.

For an application to be successful, it must contribute to one or more of the above outcomes, depending on the level of funding applied for.

Closing date for applications is 13th March 2023. For more information and to apply, please visit Carers’ Support Fund - Community Foundation Northern Ireland (communityfoundationni.org)

Investing in Spaces and Places Grant 2023

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Grants are available for small, local groups in the UK to improve community spaces and places where local people can be together and thrive.

Background

Set up in 1988, the ASDA Foundation is Asda’s charity. It operates independently of Asda stores but works very closely with Community Champions in Asda’s superstores with the goal of building resilient communities by empowering local groups to make a positive difference.

The Foundation offers a number of grants programmes at different times throughout the year, providing more than £3 million to Asda communities.

Objectives of Fund

This annual fund is aimed at local groups who are working to improve spaces in the heart of their local community.

In 2023, the funding will support bigger community projects within local communities where local people can be together and thrive.

The funding is intended for projects that address at least one of the following categories:

  • Building repair

  • Building development

  • Outdoor development.

Projects need to align to at least one of the Foundation’s aims:

  • Create and/or develop safe and inclusive community spaces for groups to meet and bring people together.

  • Create or improve spaces which can be used by a range groups on a regular basis.

  • Support groups to deliver long-lasting projects focused on long-term community impact.

Value Notes

The 2023 funding pot is £500,000+ with grants of between £10,000 and £25,000.

The grants can cover between 25% and 75% of the total project costs.

Grants can only be made by cheque.

Who Can Apply

Applications are accepted from grassroots, community-led organisations in the UK, including registered charities, CICs, companies, unincorporated club or association, small community groups or government entity/public body.

To be eligible, applicants must:

  • Be not-for-profit.

  • Have an annual income of less than £250,000.

  • Have community groups of people as their end beneficiaries.

  • Have a presence locally with work that benefits their local community.

  • Have unrestricted reserves below £100,000, unless they can provide an explanation.

  • Have a bank account in the group’s name and be able to provide proof.

  • Have suitable governance to be able to manage the grant.

  • Have the ability to report back on progress throughout the project.

  • Be able to show clear positive impacts for communities.

Since the Asda Foundation does not accept nominations or applications sent directly from community groups, applications must be submitted to a Community Champion from an Asda superstore.

To be eligible, applicants must either:

  • Own and have full responsibility for the upkeep and maintenance of the building/space; or

  • Have a lease of over five years and full responsibility for upkeep and maintenance.

The funder is looking for groups that are:

  • Committed to the community mission.

  • People-centred and they promote equality, inclusivity and diversity.

  • Efficiently run.

  • Locally focused with spaces that are focused on the local community, delivering services and support to multiple beneficiaries.

Eligible Expenditure

Eligible project costs may include materials, tradespeople and equipment costs.

The funding is for projects that fall into at least one of the following categories:

  • Building repairs: for spaces and places which already exist but are in disrepair and therefore limit the usability, safety or level of expectations for other to use the space. Repairs may be external or internal and may be due to age, vandalism, abandonment. Example include but are not limited to repairs to roofs, doors, windows, replacing central heating, upgrading electrical wiring or repairing/replacing plumbing.

  • Building improvement or development: to enhance a space already in use. The improvements will enhance the quality of space or give more people/new groups the opportunity to use the space. Examples include but are not limited to new kitchens, improving toilet facilities, extension on a building, developing an unused internal space, improving disabled access and facilities, or security features to keep the space and place secure.

  • Outdoor Development: to develop outside space for the benefit of the community, particularly outdoor spaces which benefit everyone and can be accessed by large groups of people. Examples include but are not limited to improving access to a community garden, transforming wasteland into usable space, or upgrading a local play area development/upgrading safety features.

There is a five-stage application process:

  • Stage 1 - Applications are accepted from 6 February 2023 to 19 March 2023

  • Stages 2-4 – Internal Asda Foundation review. This will take place from March through May 2023.

  • Stage 5 – Announcement of the funding from 5 June 2023.

Maximum grant value is £25,000.

For more information and to apply, please visit Foundation Grants | Asda Foundation

SPAR Community Cashback Scheme

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Leading convenience symbol group SPAR has launched a new £100k Community Cashback scheme which will give grants to local voluntary or community organisations and charities who need it most.

Launching today, shoppers from all over the UK can apply for a grant for an organisation or charity they feel deserves funding. All applicants need to do is share the exceptional contribution a local organisation has made to their community and what the grant would be put towards.

For more information on the scheme visit: http://www.spar.co.uk/community/community-cashback

The Community Action Fund

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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:
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  1. Rooted in and accountable to their community. 
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  2. Hoping to achieve long-term change on issues affecting the lives of their community. 
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  3. Addressing injustice by building the power of their community. For example, through community organising, campaigning, or democratic engagement. 
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  4. Lacking the resources to take their vision to the next level. 
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  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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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)

Open to Community Voluntary Sector (ALL) and Business

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.

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.

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

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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)