COVID-19 Community Grant Schemes Open for Applications
February 8, 2021
In recognition of the continued importance of our communities during the pandemic we are offering a new two stream ‘COVID-19 Connecting Communities and Volunteering Support Grant Programme’. Applications are open from today (8th February) until 12 noon on Wednesday 24th February 2021.
Local voluntary/community and faith-based organisations can apply for grants of up to a combined maximum of £7,000 to improve the health and mental wellbeing in their communities and/or support for their volunteers. Successful applicants will be informed week commencing Monday 8th March.
This grants scheme is a partnership between Lisburn & Castlereagh City Council and the Department for Communities’ (DfC). Stream One will fund projects to improve the Arts, Mental Health & Wellbeing in our communities. Stream Two will fund initiatives that recognise the vital role of volunteers across our communities throughout the COVID-19 pandemic.
Alderman Michael Henderson MBE, Leisure & Community Development Chairman, speaking about this new opportunity to offer financial help to local groups said: “It is fitting that during this lockdown we are able to offer further financial support to local groups and organisations working in our communities. Many groups have been working hard since last April to look after the vulnerable in our communities. This grant programme is a welcome addition to the valuable support we have been providing to our communities.
“The community spirit within the Lisburn Castlereagh area has been outstanding to date and I am confident our communities will continue to address any challenges they meet. I would encourage our local groups to apply for support for £1,000 - £5,000, under stream one, to assist with adapting their community spaces to be COVID-19 safe to continue to run programmes of activity. Applications can also be made to provide arts resource activity packs or create virtual programmes to promote mental health and wellbeing, reduce isolation and promote connectivity within their communities.”
Councillor David Honeyford, Vice-Chair of the Leisure & Community Development Committee added: “Local groups can also apply for grant aid, under stream two, to recognise the role their volunteers have been playing for over 10 months. Eligible local groups and organisations can apply for £500 to £2,000 to buy equipment and packs to help benefit, build on and retain their pool of volunteers. It is our volunteers, our community spirit and partnership working that will help us all through this pandemic.”
Information on eligibility criteria for this grant programme and the application form are online at https://www.lisburncastlereagh.gov.uk/communityhelp/covid-19-grant-aid
The closing date for applications is Wednesday 24th February at 12 noon.
For further information contact: Lynda.mccord@lisburncastlereagh.gov.uk
Telephone number 028 9244 7713