£20,500 invested in Armagh, Banbridge, and Craigavon projects through Live Here Love Here scheme
Environmental charity Live Here Love Here has announced the return of its Small Grants sheme for 2026, following another successful year in the Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon (ABC) area where 13 local projects were awarded a total of £20,588 in funding.
Throughout 2025, volunteers in the area contributed 812 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 June 30, 2026. The initiative is delivered in partnership with 10 local councils, including ABC Borough Council, and the Northern Ireland Housing Executive.
Projects funded last year in the ABC area included initiatives by Cranagh Gardening Club, Scarva Primary School, Glenanne Community Association, and the South Lough Neagh Regeneration Association, all working to transform shared spaces, improve biodiversity, reduce litter and create greener, healthier places for local communities to enjoy.
One standout local initiative was delivered by Blackwatertown Community Development Association, which received funding to enhance the village green spaces and quay area.
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Through the efforts of 44 volunteers, who contributed 108 hours of work, the group improved the appearance and vibrancy of the local environment by tidying public spaces, planting seasonal flowers, and enhancing existing planting zones.
The success of the project has had a lasting impact, enabling the association to maintain a regular presence throughout the village and earning widespread appreciation from residents for its ongoing commitment to improving the community.
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 Small Grants scheme offers awards to 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, go to livehereloveherecommunity.org/smallgrants