One local standout 2025 project by Greenlough GAC saw 25 volunteers contribute 100 hours of work
Environmental charity, Live Here Love Here, has announced the return of its Small Grants Scheme for 2026, following another successful year in Mid Ulster where 6 local projects were awarded a total of £11,865 in funding.
Throughout 2025, volunteers contributed 1,600 hours, demonstrating the vital role of community action in improving local environments and promoting civic pride.
Live Here Love Here Small Grants supports projects that increase civic pride, enhance green spaces, revitalise underused areas, improve community health and wellbeing, and boost local biodiversity. Grants ranging from £500 to £3,000 are available for successful applicants, with applications now open until 30 June 2026. The initiative is delivered in partnership with ten local councils , including Mid Ulster District Council, and the Northern Ireland Housing Executive.
Projects funded last year in Mid Ulster district included initiatives by Upperlands Community Development Ltd, Aughnacloy Development Association, and Clogher Community Village Forum, all working to transform shared spaces, improve biodiversity, reduce litter and create greener, healthier places for local communities to enjoy.
One standout local initiative came from Greenlough GAC, which was awarded funding to begin plans to enhance the club’s biodiversity and environmental sustainability through tree planting, hedging, and wildflower creation, alongside the installation of recycled benches and rainwater harvesting butts.
With 25 volunteers contributing 100 hours of work, the project has introduced a new strand of club activity, encouraging wider community involvement in helping to improve the club’s grounds and advancing its wider environmental and sustainability goals.
The Small Grants continue to deliver significant impact across Northern Ireland, supporting community-led environmental improvements, boosting local wellbeing and helping communities take pride in where they live. In 2025, the Scheme awarded £158,348 to 102 projects across the region, with volunteers dedicating their time to initiatives including community gardens, biodiversity projects, litter reduction campaigns and outdoor wellbeing spaces.
Highlighting the impact, Orla McGrady, Grants Officer at Live Here Love Here, said: “Through our Small Grants , communities have the opportunity to take meaningful environmental action and make a lasting difference in their local areas. Every year, we are inspired by projects that not only enhance shared spaces, but also bring people together through volunteering, collaboration and a shared sense of purpose.
“The funding continues to empower community-led change, supporting initiatives ranging from biodiversity-focused community gardens to projects that help protect and clean our coastlines and waterways. Last year alone, we saw 353 groups apply, and we are excited to see the ideas communities put forward this year.”
She said they looked forward to supporting even more projects that will deliver real benefits for both local people and wildlife.
Chair/Cathaoirleach of Mid Ulster District Council, Deirdre Varsani said she would encourage groups across the whole Mid Ulster area to consider applying to support their local projects.
The Small Grants Scheme offers awards of between £500 and £3,000 for eligible groups, including community and volunteer organisations, schools, youth groups, sports clubs, churches and not-for-profit organisations.
For more information on Small Grants or how to apply, visit livehereloveherecommunity.org/smallgrants.