Community Grants Workshop

The workshop will take place in Ballymoney Town Hall on 27th August, beginning at 7.00pm.

The new ‘Building a United Community’ grant programme, replaces previous Good Relations Grants Programmes which were supported by the four Legacy Councils. The grants which provide funding of up to £1,500, is designed to support, promote and develop Good Relations projects within the Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council area.

The new ‘Social Inclusion’ grant programme is a one off programme that will provide small grants of up to £500. This will assist local groups to reach out to socially excluded members of the community by enabling them to provide social and recreational activities. Older peoples groups, youth groups, disability group are among those that could apply.

Lisa Harris, Good Relations Officer at Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council said: “These grants are available to formally constituted groups within the new council area. If you feel that your group has a project which will address good relations needs in your area, or promote social inclusion, the roadshow event is open for any questions you may have.”

Groups deciding to apply for a Grant from the ‘Building a United Community Fund’ will have to demonstrate as part of their application how their organisation contributes to the ‘Good Relations aims’ identified in the new Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council Good Relations Strategy, 2014-2017.

These aims are:

OUR CHILDREN AND YOUNG PEOPLE – To continue to improve attitudes amongst our young people and to build a community where they can play a full and active role in building Good Relations.

OUR SHARED COMMUNITY – To create a community where division does not restrict the life opportunities of individuals and where all areas are open and accessible to everyone.

OUR SAFE COMMUNITY – To create a community where everyone feels safe in moving around and where life choices are not inhibited by fears around safety.

OUR CULTURAL EXPRESSION – To create a community which promotes mutual respect and understanding, is strengthened by its diversity, and where cultural expression is celebrated and embraced.

Organisations applying for funding must demonstrate how their project contributes towards the aim most appropriate to address the Good Relations issues in their area. Support will be available to groups throughout the duration of the scheme.

Application Forms and Guidance Notes are available on the Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council website www.causewaycoastandglens.gov.uk or by telephoning one of the following Council offices: Ballycastle on 028 2076 2225, Ballymoney on 028 2766 0230, Coleraine on 028 7034 7032, Limavady on 028 7776 0311.

Both grant programmes will open for application submissions on 12th August. The deadline for submissions is 21st September at 4.00pm.