Grand Choice’ heads to Lisburn South this summer
August 1, 2022
Local residents or groups in the Lisburn South area of Lisburn & Castlereagh City Council can apply for up to £1,000 via the ‘Grand Choice’ participatory budgeting initiative from 1st August 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 Lisburn South will decide which projects will be funded.
Councillor Aaron McIntyre, 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 Lisburn South. This includes the Ballymacash, Ballymacoss, Knockmore, Lagan Valley, Lisnagarvey and Old Warren areas. This scheme is part of the council’s Local Investment Plan 22/23.
“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 in October (date TBC) in Trinity Church Hall, Lisburn from 11.00am – 3.00pm. We encourage residents in the Lisburn South 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 October and December 2022.
Councillor John Gallen, Chair of the Lisburn & Castlereagh PCSP, said: “To date Grand Choice has been a great success in the Killultagh, Castlereagh East and Castlereagh South, and Downshire West 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, and 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 September. Our communities have the power to decide where the Grand Choice funding goes.
“Four 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 Gallen.
The scheduled community zoom workshops are scheduled for:
Tuesday 2 August 2022 at 3.00pm
Tuesday 2 August 2022 at 7.00pm
Thursday 4 August 2022 at 3.00pm
Thursday 4 August 2022 at 7.00pm
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 and Lisburn North with a community based voting events subject to government guidance.
Applications will open for Downshire East on 26th September and the Community Decision event will take place on the 19th November.
Applications will open for Lisburn North on 28th November and the Community Decision event will take place on the 28th January 2023.
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 and Downshire West in April 2022.
Lisburn & Castlereagh PCSP, Sport NI, South Eastern Trust and Northern Ireland Housing Executive 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/grandchoicels before Friday 16th September 2022.