Community development grants available now

Belfast’s new Lord Mayor, Councillor Nichola Mallon has announced that close to £3 million of community development grants are now available from Belfast City Council.

The money is to promote a resilient, effective and independent community development sector by engaging more local people.

Councillor Mallon told representatives from almost 200 community groups at the launch in City Hall that the council wants to support active communities; reduce inequalities and tackle disadvantage within communities while investing in local neighbourhoods.

Having met some of the groups and heard about the work they are currently doing the Lord Mayor said: “Community development provides life blood to a community. It involves those who live and work there – who can bring a unique viewpoint to the challenges facing the community, and ideas as to how these might best be tackled to benefit society as a whole.

“Belfast City Council is committed to helping groups meet these challenges to provide a better life for everyone who lives, works and visits our city. Community Development Grants are one of the ways in which we hope to achieve that,” she added.

“The grants provide a lifeline and allow groups to build on work to encourage residents to become more involved; to improve wellbeing; to create a welcoming and inclusive space for the whole community; and to provide access to information for all. We urge as many groups as possible to apply,” the Lord Mayor said.

Community groups from the former council areas of Lisburn and Castlereagh which are to become part of Belfast are particularly urged to apply. Support on completing application forms will be provided to all groups with a number of specially arranged information sessions organised to provide guidance.

The Generalist Advice grant, Capacity Building grant, Revenue grant for community buildings, are open for immediate application with information and forms available on www.belfastcity.gov.uk/funding

Information sessions to help groups better understand how the new grants will work and how to apply begin today (Wednesday 4 June).