‘Grand Choice’ heads to Downshire this spring
February 21, 2022
Local residents or groups in the Downshire West area of Lisburn & Castlereagh City Council can apply for up to £1,000 via the ‘Grand Choice’ participatory budgeting initiative from 21st February 2022.
The key difference between Grand Choice and other council managed funding opportunities is that the successful projects are chosen by the community. The votes of those living in Downshire West will decide which projects will be funded.
Councillor Sharon Skillen, Leisure & Community Development Chairman, said: “Once again the council is proud to be supporting this scheme. There is £15,000 available for projects across the council’s district electoral area of Downshire West. This includes the Blaris, Hillsborough, Lagan, Maze and Moira areas.
“As with previous rounds of Grand Choice, successful projects can win up to £1,000 and will be chosen by their local community. Voting will be in person at a Community Decision Event on 9th April in St John’s Parish Hall Moira from 11.00am – 3.00pm. We encourage residents in the Downshire West area to use their voting power to select the projects they feel best suit their communities.”
Projects that relate to one or more of the Take 5 themes of Connect, Be Active, Take Notice, Keep Learning and Give will be eligible for funding. All projects must be completed between April and August 2022.
Councillor Michelle Guy, Chair of the Lisburn & Castlereagh PCSP, said: “To date Grand Choice has been a great success in the Killultagh, Castlereagh East and Castlereagh South areas. It offers the perfect opportunity for residents, constituted groups and schools to bring a project or event to their local community. If you and a few friends have an idea to support your local community then I would encourage you to consider applying.
“You can apply for up to £1,000 for things such as online or in-person activities, events, tutors, workshops, performers or specialist facilitator. Should you have a specific community issue that needs addressed then you could request funding for marketing campaigns or equipment for projects. If your group is not constituted you must obtain sponsor support from a local constituted group.
“All applications will be assessed to ensure the project is legal, safe, achievable within government guidance, the budget and timescale. After the applications have been assessed we will be in touch to request your participation at the community showcase event in April. Our communities have the power to decide where the Grand Choice funding goes.
“Two online workshops have been scheduled to help you decide if your project would be eligible for ‘Grand Choice’ funds. Please join us and talk to the team who will be happy to answer your questions,” concluded Councillor Guy.
The scheduled community zoom workshops are scheduled for:
Wednesday 23rd February 2022 at 7.00pm
Thursday 24 February 2022 at 2.00pm
To register to attend one of the workshop sessions please email: pcsp@lisburncastlereagh.gov.uk
The council and its partners intend to undertake future rounds of Grand Choice in Downshire East, Lisburn North and Lisburn South with a community based voting events subject to government guidance. Should an in person event not be possible then alternative arrangements will be made. The pilot phase took place in Killultagh in February 2020 and online for Castlereagh East and Castlereagh South in June 2021.
Lisburn & Castlereagh PCSP and Sport NI have contributed to the scheme in addition to the council.
To apply online or to download an application form please go to www.lisburncastlereagh.gov.uk/grandchoicedw before Sunday 20th March 2022.