Peace Grants launched by the Lisburn & Castlereagh PEACE IV Partnership

November 20, 2018

Lisburn & Castlereagh PEACE IV Partnership is pleased to announce the launch of its PEACE Grants Programme. The overall PEACE IV Programme will enhance reconciliation between communities, promote tolerance and respect, helping to reduce levels of sectarianism and racism. The project is supported by the European Union’s PEACE IV Programme and managed by the Special EU Programmes Body (SEUPB).

Applications from groups in the Lisburn Castlereagh area are welcomed under one of the following themes - Children & Young People or Building Positive Relations. PEACE Grants start from £15,000 and a total of £78,700 is available under the theme of Children & Young people and £72,500 is available under the theme of Building Positive Relations. Projects can run from January to October 2019 (with the possibility of an extension to December 2019).

The grants will support locally-based projects and initiatives that will promote positive relations between people from different backgrounds and communities. The funding will allow local community groups and organisations to engage in and promote cross community relations.

Announcing the PEACE Grants Programme, Councillor Jonathan Craig, Chair of the Lisburn & Castlereagh PEACE IV Partnership said: “I am delighted that more local groups will have the opportunity to apply for Peace funding. We already have some great projects being delivered across the Lisburn and Castlereagh area and this funding will open up opportunities for those who have not yet got involved. I would urge interested groups to make a pre-application appointment by 30th November to get independent advice and guidance on their project idea.”

Alderman Paul Porter, Chair of the Council’s Leisure & Community Development Committee added: “This grant money will give more groups and organisations a chance to deliver peace building projects that will enhance cross community relations and make a real impact locally”.

To get an application form, you must first make a pre-application appointment where you will receive advice, guidance and support about your project idea. To arrange a meeting, please contact Niamh O’Carolan by phoning 028 9244 7537 or emailing niamh.ocarolan@lisburncastlereagh.gov.uk by 30th November 2018. Completed applications must be submitted by 12 noon on Friday 11th January 2019. To see an interactive information video and get further details, please visit www.lisburncastlereagh.gov.uk/peace-iv.

Match-funding has been provided by the Executive Office in Northern Ireland and the Department of Rural and Community Development in Ireland.