Access to Resilience

This programme is supported with money from Dormant Assets NI. Dormant Assets NI is an expansion of the Dormant Accounts Fund NI.

This programme aims to address the gaps in our Dormant Assets investment to date. We want to fund support organisations – sometimes known as network, umbrella, membership or community anchor organisations. We want these organisations to improve access to the help they provide to small, underrepresented community groups in Northern Ireland.

By small community groups, we mean groups with an annual income of around £10,000 up to £100,000.

By underrepresented community groups, we mean groups that focus on representing the needs of:

• older people

• disabled people

• women

• ethnically minoritised people

• faith-based communities

• LGBTQ+ people

• rural communities.

Specifically, we want to fund support organisations so that they can help community groups with things like:

• financial planning and budgeting

• project management

• good governance

• diversity and inclusion

• digital skills

• impact measurement

• strategic planning

• volunteer management

• collaboration

• leadership

• succession planning.

We want the projects we fund to address existing barriers and achieve meaningful and inclusive participation.

You might be a generalist support organisation that already helps a diverse range of community groups. You might want to improve access to underrepresented community groups who are not currently benefiting from that support.

Or you might be a specialist support organisation that already specialises in helping underrepresented community groups. For example, women, older people or disabled people.
Your aim might be to get more resources to meet the needs of these groups.

Area

Northern Ireland

Suitable for

Support, network, umbrella, membership or community anchor organisations.

Funding size

Up to £150,000, for up to 3 years.

Total available

£3 million. We aim to make around 25 to 30 grants.

Application deadline

12pm on Thursday 4 July 2024

For more information, please visit Access to resilience | The National Lottery Community Fund (tnlcommunityfund.org.uk)

Climate Action Fund – Our Shared Future Opens for UK Applications

The National Lottery Community Fund (NLCF) has launched its new £20 million ‘Climate Action Fund – Our Shared Values’ as part of its wider Climate Action programme.

The funding is for formal partnership working across sectors, led by community and voluntary organisations or public sector organisations for projects that reach more people by either: 

• Linking climate action to the everyday lives and interests of local communities and inspiring them to take action.

• Influencing communities at a regional or national level, for example by linking up groups across locations, or a campaign that inspires change across one country, or the whole UK.

The funding is intended to reach people who are new to climate action by funding other types of organisations and by using other using people's everyday activities and interests as a starting point for climate action.

For example, a project might:

• Involve people who have not had a say. This could be because they are new to climate action, or because they come from communities that experience poverty, disadvantage and discrimination.

• Introduce a climate perspective to a group who came together around another interest or activity.

• Test the best ways to engage different audiences in climate action.

• Spread an exciting local approach to climate action by sharing it nationally.

There is particular interest in projects that involve people, places and communities experiencing poverty, discrimination and disadvantage.

A total of up to 25 projects is expected to be funded. The minimum grant is £500,000. It is expected that most grants will be between £1 million and £1.5 million over three to five years. Some exceptional projects of up to £3 million, for up to seven years, may be funded.

NLCF is holding the following information sessions:

• 16 May 2024 (11:00 to 12 noon) (Welsh and English). 

• 21 May 2024 (14:00 to 15:00)

Advanced registration is required and can be done on the NLCF website.

There are currently no deadlines for funding applications.

Applications will be accepted  until at least 31 December 2024. NLCF plan to close to applications in early 2025.

For more information, please visit Climate Action Fund - Our Shared Future | The National Lottery Community Fund (tnlcommunityfund.org.uk)

Road Safety Trust Accepting UK Applications to Spring 2024 Small Grants Round

The Road Safety Trust, an independent grant-giving trust, supports projects and research that make UK roads safer for all road users.

Public and non-profit organisations across the UK can now apply for the 2024 funding round of Road Safety Small Grants.

This year, grants of £10,000 to £50,000 for up to 24 months is available.

The main aim of the Small Grants Programme is to improve road safety at a local level. The funding is for smaller, local projects with a practical focus. The funder is looking for measurable interventions that link to local priorities and show a proposed link to reducing casualties either directly or through clear interim measures.

Eligible projects are pilots/trials, expanding successful trials across a new area, and/or the evaluation of interventions. Projects should have the potential for being brought to scale, with the ultimate goal of reducing deaths and injuries both locally and across the UK.

Requests for 100% project costs will not be eligible. All projects should have other sources of funding, either cash or in-kind. This contribution can come from the applicant or other partners.

Applications are accepted from local authorities, police forces, fire and rescue services or UK based registered charities, legally constituted not-for-profit social enterprises or community interest companies.

Groups can now book a 1:1 slot with the Grants Team for 9 April or 16 April 2024.

Commenting on the 2024 funding round, The Road Safety Trust’s Chief Executive, Ruth Purdie OBE, said:

“The purpose of The Road Safety Trust is to make UK roads safer, achieving impact through the funding of practical measures, research, dissemination and education initiatives.

“In making decisions, we will take a strategic approach so that a range of different types of projects are funded that have the potential to improve road safety outcomes. All projects are expected to produce a report and describe how it will be shared and promoted.” 

The deadline to apply is 24 April 2024.

For more information, please visit Road Safety Trust

ASDA Foundation launch their second Grassroots Grant round for 2024

Asda Foundation’s goal is to build resilient communities by empowering local groups to make a positive difference, addressing local challenges and social needs. We aim to achieve this by providing funding to local grassroots community groups to enable them to meet the diverse needs of their community and to help them thrive and grow.

The Empowering Local Communities (ELC) grant is one of three grants within our ‘Grassroots Grants’ programme, our broadest grant programme which aims to empower our Community Champions and grassroots groups to apply for what’s important in local communities. It is designed to support a broad range of activities helping to transform communities and improve lives.

To apply, you must Contact your local Community Champion in your local ASDA store.

For more information, please visit PowerPoint Presentation (asdafoundation.org)

Applications open: 25th March to 24th May 2024* Funding for activities & events up to the end of November 2024 Minimum Grant Value £400 Maximum Grant value £2,000

Education Authority release funding oppurtunities available for 2024/25

The Education Authroty have released a number of funding oppurtunities available for 2024/25:

• Regional Project Funding - Provides support services to youth work organisations on key themes identified as needed for children and young people to include; supporting the educational attainment of children and young people, support for Section 75 groups and young people who live in rural areas.

• Regional Development Funding - Is available for the delivery of additional or enhanced key services identified as needed for example; development of research on key issues affecting young people and Small Grants Scheme.

• Area Based Funding - Is for EA registered local youth work organisations who directly deliver in communities across Northern Ireland including;

  • Centre-Based Youth Work

  • Area Based Youth Work

  • Outreach or Detached Youth Work

• Local Project Funding - Is for EA registered local youth work organisations who directly deliver youth work on key themes identified as needed for children and young people including; supporting educational attainment, support for Section 75 groups and young people who live in rural areas.

• Planned Intervention Programme - Is designed specifically to enable organisations to work with young people in interface areas and areas where there is the potential of heightened social unrest during the period of the 1st June 2024 to the 7th of November 2024, particularly on weekends, evenings and during the traditional times of community events. It seeks to provide positive alternatives for young people at risk of becoming involved in anti-social behaviour, sectarianism and recruitment from paramilitary gangs, and to address heightened inter and intra community tension around interfaces.

For more information and to apply, please visit Funding – EANI Funding

The Fore’s Funding Programme Opens for Summer Registration on 28 March

The Fore offers unrestricted funding to small charities across the UK that are making a big impact and who want to significantly grow, strengthen, become more efficient or resilient. The national funding programme is open to any sector and region within the UK with particular interest in grassroots organisations working with underserved communities.

Unrestricted grants of up to £30,000 spread over one to three years are available. In addition, non-financial support such as access to a network of skilled, pro-bono volunteers, online training workshops and seminars are available to successful charities for life.

The unrestricted funding can be used for any purpose, including core costs and capital funding as long as the grants will help strengthen the organisation internally and help it to take the next step forwards in its growth or sustainability. Applications for core costs must show how the funding will move the organisation forward rather than enabling ‘business as usual’.

Applications will be considered from UK registered charities, community interest companies, charitable incorporated organisations and community benefit societies with less than £500,000 annual income in the previous completed financial year. Applications will be accepted from anywhere in the UK.

To apply for funding, organisations must first register some basic contact details at the start of the funding round. Once their place on the funding round has been confirmed by email, they have three to four weeks to submit an application. Only organisations that have registered with the Fore and are allocated a place may submit an application for the specific funding round.

This is a very competitive process, and The Fore reports that one-third of applicants will get through to the ‘ideas testing’ phase.

There are three funding rounds per year (Spring, Summer and Autumn) which open for registration for one week only.

The Summer funding round will open for registration at 12pm (midday) on 28 March 2024 and close at 12pm (midday) on 4 April 2024.

For more information and to apply, please visit Home - The Fore

PEACEPLUS Investment Area 1.3- Building Positive Relations, is now open

Applications are invited for projects which will promote good relations characterised by respect, where cultural diversity is celebrated and people can live, learn and socialise together, free from prejudice, hate and intolerance. Supported projects will enable individuals and communities to collaborate across a broad range of areas of mutual interest, such as parenting, arts and culture, sport, education, and social innovation/enterprise.

The programme area aims to increase in the percentage of the programme area population which has relationships with and as such a greater understanding of those from different cultural backgrounds.

The call will be open for 12 weeks, with a closing date of 13th June 2024. Pre application support for potential applicants is available on the SEUPB website, along with the call document. More information and details on how to apply can be found below:

https://www.seupb.eu/peaceplus/overview/themes-and-investment-areas/theme-1/13-building-positive-relations/investment

Call 2 Revenue Grant and Civic Representative Grant 2024/25

Armagh City, Banbridge & Craigavon Borough Council is offering financial assistance to eligible groups in the voluntary, community and social enterprise sector for the period 1 July 2024 - 31 March 2025 for:-

• Running costs (for eligible organisations)

• Programmes

• Events

Funding is available through the following grant programmes:

• Community Grants

• Arts, Culture and Events Grants

• Good Relations Grants

 Applications are open from 9.00am on Monday 25 March until 12 noon on Friday 26 April 2024

Civic Representative Grant will be opening for eligible organisations/ individuals for funding from date of Letter of Offer until 31 March 2025

Applications are open from Monday 8 April 2024 until 12 noon Friday 7 February 2025

Further information including details of how to apply can be found at Funding Hub | Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon Borough Council (armaghbanbridgecraigavon.gov.uk)

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

Initial queries should be directed to Valerie Armstrong on 07515 607480

2024 Partnership Grants Scheme is now open

Biffa Awards are currently accepting Expressions of Interest for up to £1,000,000 to the 2024 Partnership Grants Scheme. Applications can now be submitted for both the Built Environment and Natural Environment themes.

Partnership Grants Scheme Overview

Built Environment projects should restore, modernise and/or improve facilities such as cultural, heritage or visitor centres. The facility should be inclusive and promote learning, curiosity, and participation to large numbers of visitors on a national scale.

Natural Environment projects should restore and/or improve the environment and the natural systems or habitats that support it. Projects should be working to Biodiversity 2020: A Strategy for England’s Wildlife and Ecosystem Services, its predecessor, or a Local Biodiversity Action Plan.

Your application should also consider environmental sustainability to mitigate the impact your project will have both during project delivery and after funded works are completed. You may consider employing local trades people, using sustainable materials, recycling existing components, reducing energy consumption or reducing carbon footprint.

If you are interested in submitting an application, please read our Guidance Notes.

Expression of Interest submission deadline date: Noon 31 May 2024
Outcome of Expression of Interest submission: July 2024
Outcome of Full Application submission (if invited forward): November 2024

Preference will be given to projects:

• Where Biffa Award is recognised as the majority funder

• That work in partnership with other organisations

• Which engage with the public

General Criteria

• The project must be eligible for registration with the scheme regulator, Entrust

• The organisation must be a fully constituted, charitable or not for profit organisation with no share capital. Unfortunately, local authorities, hospices, hospitals, day-care centres, rehabilitation units, residential care facilities, and schools are not eligible to make an application. Village halls and community centres are not eligible to make an application for funding through the Partnership Grant scheme.

• Applications must be for between £250,000 – £1,000,000

• The project site must be located within 15 miles of a significant Biffa operation or active Biffa landfill site (check your project’s postcode using the Postcode Checker below)

• Each project site must also be within 10 miles of any licensed landfill site. To find your nearest landfill site, telephone the regulator Entrust on: 01926 488300

• If the organisation does not own the project site, a fully signed lease with at least 25 years remaining must be in place for Built Environment applications

• There must be a minimum of 104 days of full public access to the project per year

• Any Biffa Award grant must be used for site-based improvement work, not for movable equipment, staff core costs or storage facilities

• Biffa Award is unable to fund requests to help an existing facility meet the requirements of the Disability Discrimination Act

• Biffa Award is unable to fund retrospectively, so you should only apply for funding for work that will take place in the future

• All shortfall funding must be secured

• Planning permission must be in place, if it is required

• The project must not cross the two themes

Specifically for Natural Environment projects:

• Projects must be working to Biodiversity 2020: A Strategy for England’s Wildlife and Ecosystem Services, it’s successor, or a Local Biodiversity Action Plan target. See 25 year environment plan

• If you are not the landowner you must have a signed landowner agreement in place agreeing to access for maintenance, surveying and monitoring for a period of not less than 25 years

• Research is not eligible

• There must be a comprehensive management plan in place for the key species/habitat(s) involved for each site

• Biffa Award will not fund habitat improvement work on any land which the applicant intends to sell for biodiversity units

If you are interested in applying for Partnership Grants Scheme funding, please read our Guidance Notes

For more information and to check eligibility, please visit Partnership Grants Scheme - Biffa Award (biffa-award.org)

Evishagaran and Craiggore Community Benefit Fund

Purpose of the fund:

The Evishagaran and Craiggore Wind Farm Community Benefit Fund was established in 2022 by the ERG Group.

The fund’s aim is to provide financial support towards the development of locally-beneficial community-based projects and initiatives within a 7km radius of Evishagaran and Craiggore wind farms, Dungiven.

Applications are invited from charities and community organisations based within a 7km radius of the Evishagaran and Craiggore wind farm sites.

Evishgaran Map

Craiggore Map

Applicants can apply for financial support for any one or more of the following purposes:

• The advancement of education; and/or

• The advancement of environmental protection or improvement; and/or

• Projects for environmental and/or biodiversity benefit; and/or

• Improving the health of residents; and/or

• Promoting care & support of vulnerable people; and/or

• Promoting recreational or sporting activities; and/or

• The advancement of the arts, heritage, culture or science; and/or

• Improving or maintaining community buildings or facilities; and/or

• Social and local community development; and/or

• The promotion of culture and knowledge; and/or

• Support for young people and sports; and/or

• Promoting ERG’s culture and sustainability of renewable energies; and/or

• Supporting social development leveraging on ERG’s business activities; and/or

• Supporting the “call of ideas” for the innovation in the nearby areas; and/or

• Education in relation to sustainability, the development of renewables, and the fight against climate change

Priority will be given to:

• Education programmes for the next generation on the topics of Sustainability and Renewable Energy

• Collaborative projects

• Projects that aim to improve the health of residents, particularly mental health

• Projects that promote care & support of vulnerable people, particularly relating to the cost of living/fuel poverty

Amount of funding available:

There will be two elements to this fund;

• Micro grants of up to £4,000 for small projects

• Strategic grants of up to £10,000 for larger scale strategic partnership projects, with one lead applicant (We anticipate supporting up to 2 of these grants)

Closing date - 23rd April 2024 1pm.

For more information, please visit Evishagaran and Craiggore Community Benefit Fund - Community Foundation Northern Ireland (communityfoundationni.org)

Tesco and The Sun Offer 150 One-off Grants Through the Footie for All Fund

Tesco and the newspaper, The Sun, have joined together for a second year to provide a total of £150,000 to encourage more children and young people to take up football or improve access to the game.

The grants are part of The Sun’s Footie for All campaign to highlight how financial struggles are forcing young people to give up football.

The funding is designed to provide support to grassroots football organisations working with children under the age of 18 to enable them to continue to deliver activities that allow local young people to take part.

Constituted not-for-profit grassroots football clubs from across the UK can apply for grants of up to £1,000 which will support 100% of project costs.

The funding can be used to assist clubs in improving facilities, purchasing equipment and new kits, and meeting any other needs that can enhance the experience of children and young people, enabling them to access and participate in football within the local community.

Applications will not be accepted from schools, projects that work with people over 18 years of age, school breakfast clubs, health bodies or parish and town councils.

Only one application per organisation will be accepted.

The Footie for All Fund is being managed by Groundwork UK which manages Tesco’s grant-giving programme. 

The deadline for applications is 30 April 2024 (midnight).

For more information, please visit Footie for All (tescostrongerstarts.org.uk)

Ulster Wildlife is delighted to be working with the Energy Saving Trust Foundation on their new round of funding

Ulster Wildlife is delighted to be working with the Energy Saving Trust Foundation on their new round of funding for organisations working with children and young people in Northern Ireland.

The funding will support organisations working with children and young people to deliver Sustainable Youth, (Environment and Sustainability Curriculum model developed by Ulster Wildlife on behalf of the Education Authority Youth Service).  Sustainable Youth provides a framework for youth led social action projects that address environmental issues.  It is therefore ideal for supporting children and young people to take action on climate change.

Interested organisations should visit the Energy Saving Trust Foundation’s website to read more about the funding criteria and to submit an Expression of Interest.

• Applications for Expressions of Interest are open until 12th April.

• Shortlisted organisations will then be invited to submit a full application by 10th May.

• Decisions will be made on 27th June.

To be eligible to apply you must be an organisation working with children and young people in Northern Ireland and have a turnover of under £1m in your last financial year.

Successful organisations must also commit to a one-day training in the Sustainable Youth model provided by Ulster Wildlife.

Funding is for two years and organisations can apply for up to a maximum of £20k a year (£40k in total). Applications at all funding levels are encouraged.

If you have any questions about these grants, please contact Lindsay Marsden (Head of EST Foundation) at lindsay.marsden@est.org.uk

Community Services Project Development Grants

Grants are available to voluntary and community organisations in Fermanagh and Omagh to help identify local need and/or further develop community project ideas.

Background

The Community Services Project Development grants programme is provided and administered by Fermanagh and Omagh District Council.

Objectives of Fund

The funding is intended to build community capacity and create positive change, promoting social inclusion and fostering collaboration with other local, county or regional groups or agencies.

Value Notes

Grants of up to £2,000 are available, to fund up to 75% of total project costs.

Match Funding Restrictions

Applicants are required to provide at least 25% of their total project costs from other sources.

Who Can Apply

Applications are accepted from voluntary and community organisations located in the Fermanagh and Omagh district.

Where an application relates to a capital project, the group must own or have a long-term lease on the property.

Eligible Expenditure

The funding can support costs including the creation of:

• Action plans.

• Feasibility studies.

• Economic appraisals.

• Technical drawings.

Projects must align with the Fermanagh Omagh 2030 Community Plan and other relevant policies or strategies.

For more information please visit FODC (submit.com)

7Stars Foundation Accepting Applications for Second 2024 Funding Round

7Stars Foundation is offering grants of up to £2,500 for registered charities with an annual turnover of less than £1.5 million across the UK to deliver projects and activities that support young people aged 16 years and under across the priority themes of abuse, addiction, child carers, and homelessness.

Funding is offered across the following streams:

• Project grants of up to £2,500 to cover the costs of projects that:

• Enable young people to have the best start in life and aim high.

• Have a direct impact and respond to a need in an immediate manner.

• Are hosted in geographical areas of deprivation and socioeconomic disadvantage.

• Respond to one or more of the funding priorities of the 7stars Foundation.

• Address a lack of provision (due to a lack of funding from alternative sources).

• Provide immediate support, not just in the short-term but with long-term benefits too.

• Shine Bright grants of up to £1,500 for registered charities to purchase educational, well-being, or recreational items for young people, aged 16 years old or under.

• Social Impact funding for three charities across the year for projects that align with various awareness days (such as Race Equality Week, PRIDE month, World Homeless Day or Black History Month).

The trustees typically meet four times a year to review grant applications.

The next deadline for applications is 30 April 2024. 

For more information, please visit Apply for Funding - the7stars foundation

Woodroffe Benton Foundation

Small Grants

The Woodroffe Benton Foundation’s Small Grants programme offers applicants one-off grants in the range £500 to £2,500.

Their next Small Grants Programme funding round will be open from 1 to 31 March 2024 and will focus on “Improving the quality of life and social engagement for older people in England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland”.

Trustees prefer to support smaller charities with incomes under £750,000. https://www.woodroffebenton.org.uk

Large Capital Grant- 2024/25

The purpose of the Large Capital Project Fund is to enable high quality capital projects that could bring significant benefit to the Borough to be delivered where a relatively small percentage of the overall funding is required. It is inevitable that a guidance manual cannot cover every single aspect of funding therefore potential applicants are encouraged to discuss individual applications with a relevant Council officer if they are uncertain about their eligibility.  

It is inevitable that a guidance manual cannot cover every single aspect of funding therefore potential applicants are encouraged to discuss individual applications with a relevant Council officer if they are uncertain about their eligibility.  

The guidance document sets out details of the funding programme and describes the process for making applications and details of how they will be assessed. Groups who read this manual are likely to be in a better position to make a good application than those who do not.

Please note the change within the Large Capital Grant that you MUST NOT SUBMIT your application until you have uploaded ALL your Essential documentation within the Guidance Manual.

All applications with all accompanying paperwork must be submitted by 12 noon on Friday 8 November 2024

The initial point of contact for financial assistance is as follows:

Tel:   Valerie Armstrong on 07515607480

Email: fap@armaghbanbridgecraigavon.gov.uk

Funding size: £2,501 - £20,000

Suitable for: Eligible organisations as detailed within the Guidance Manual

Deadline: 08/11/24 at noon GMT

For more information, please visit Large Capital Grant- 2024/25 | Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon Borough Council (armaghbanbridgecraigavon.gov.uk)

Small Capital Grant-Call 1 2024/25

The purpose of the Small Scale Capital Project Fund is to enable small high quality capital projects that could bring significant benefit to the Borough to be delivered where only a proportion of the overall funding is required.

It is inevitable that a guidance manual cannot cover every single aspect of funding therefore potential applicants are encouraged to discuss individual applications with a relevant Council officer if they are uncertain about their eligibility.

The guidance document sets out details of the funding programme and describes the process for making applications and details of how they will be assessed. Groups who read this manual are likely to be in a better position to make a good application than those who do not.

The first point of contact for queries is Valerie Armstrong on 07515 607480 or by email fap@armaghbanbridgecraigavon.gov.uk

Click here for the guidance manual for Small Capital Grants.

Funding size: Up to £2,500
Suitable for: Eligible organisations as detailed in the guidance manual.

Deadline: 12/04/24 at noon GMT

For more informaion, please visit Small Capital Grant-Call 1 2024/25 | Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon Borough Council (armaghbanbridgecraigavon.gov.uk)

Women’s Health Community Fund

The Fund can be used to start or improve conversations around the menopause in your community.

Well-being of women and Holland & Barrett will be providing small grants to groups and individuals working at community level to raise awareness and improve the education about the menopause.  They will give successful applicants the support and resources needed to turn their ideas into positive action.

They will be releasing full details on the eligibility criteria, timeline and application process in the coming weeks.  More information can be found on www.wellbeingofwomen.org.uk and you can register your interest.

LCCC D-Day small grants programme

D-Day 80 marks the 80th anniversary of the Normandy Landings, a pivotal moment in history. The bravery and sacrifice of those who participated in this operation impacted the course of the Second World War.

This grant programme is being implemented as part of a wider programme of events being led by us to mark this significant milestone. It is to provide local groups with an opportunity to bring communities together to remember and commemorate an important part of our shared history.

Applications for funding, up to a maximum of £500, must demonstrate how the proposal responds to the priorities as outlined below in the programme criteria.

The closing date for receipt of applications is 12 noon Monday 25th March 2024.

Further information and to apply can be accessed here - https://www.lisburncastlereagh.gov.uk/w/lccc-dday-small-grants-programme

Ulster-Scots Agency Opens Community Festivals

The 2024/2025 programme aims to support community festivals throughout Ulster from 1 June 2024 to 31 March 2025.

These events provide important opportunities for people to learn about Ulster-Scots culture, heritage, and language; as well as raising awareness of Ulster-Scots within the wider community.  

The inclusion of Ulster-Scots content in other community festivals is also supported through the programme.  

The maximum grant available for a major festival is £20,000 and £8,000 for a minor festival.

Groups interested in applying for funding should follow the link to register here.  

Following a successful registration, an application form and guidelines will be emailed to the group. A separate festival plan document will be emailed to groups who register. The festival plan is part of the application process, and groups are required to use the festival plan template provided.  

Groups are required to provide match funding of at least 25%.  

The Community Festivals programme is a traditionally a competitive programme, therefore groups are encouraged to read the detailed guidelines carefully, particularly:  

• the definition of a Community Festival; 

• the difference between a minor and major festival; and 

• details regarding the eligible costs before completing the application form. 

Support is available from the Ulster-Scots Community Network if groups require assistance with their submission.  

The Community Festival Grant programme will close to applications at 3pm on Monday 8th April 2024.  

Late or incomplete applications will be rejected.  

For further information, contact Derek Reaney on reaneyd@ulsterscotsagency.org.uk or 07843 279 912.