Council plans £500,000 local investment with extension of the Community Investment Fund

April 11, 2022

Lisburn & Castlereagh City Council has extended the pilot phase of the Community Investment Fund with a further £500,000 to be invested in our local communities. 

Applications are welcomed from community, sporting or local interest groups and organisations who have aspirations and ideas or a desire to improve or develop facilities for the benefit of everyone in their community.

Up to three community projects can be funded through this phase. Interested groups are invited to attend online information sessions on Wednesday 13th April 4.30pm – 5.30pm or Wednesday 27th April 7.00pm – 8.00pm.  Register your place now at https://www.smartsurvey.co.uk/s/CIFInfosession/

Mayor of Lisburn & Castlereagh City Council, Alderman Stephen Martin said: “Last year, Ballymacash Sports Academy was successful in their application to this fund. They had ambitious plans to develop a much needed facility to support sporting and community activities with new changing rooms, a community hub, a multi-use community and training room, a cyro-spa facility, a gym and a social enterprise café.

“As a council we have watched their plans unfold and want to continue developing partnerships like this with local community organisations to help respond to local needs in the most meaningful way.  The Community Investment Fund offers local groups and organisations significant funding to develop projects at the heart of their communities.”

Councillor John Laverty BEM, Corporate Services Committee Chairman added: “Extending this pilot brings the council’s investment in community projects up to £750,000. This is part of our longer term ‘Connect Invest Transform’ plan and supports community planning with local people at the heart of decision making.  If you are part of a local group or organisation and have ambitions to improve your community facilities, I encourage you to apply for this fund. We are committed to working together to develop local community spaces that are sustainable and support inclusive community engagement.”

A minimum of 50% match funding is required from the applicant organisation which agrees to partner with the council on the project if successful.  The minimum amount that should be applied for under this fund is £150,000.

Log on to www.lisburncastlereagh.gov.uk/CIF22 to find out more and apply online before 13th May 2022.