Ards and North Down Borough Council has opened its annual funding schemes for local constituted voluntary and community groups.
Groups can apply to the Council’s Community Development Fund 2016-2017 for help with an organisation’s running costs or project costs and to the Council’s Community Festivals Fund 2016-2017 for financial support to organise local, neighbourhood or large scale festivals.
Last year (2015/16) more than 85 groups received funding to assist with their running costs, to deliver local projects or for organising and delivering local festivals.
Mayor of Ards and North Down, Alderman Alan Graham, is encouraging Ards and North Down based community groups to avail of the funding. He said: “Our local community groups make a significant contribution to our area, delivering a range of initiatives and events that help to benefit the local community, improve the area and build on the skills and knowledge of community groups.
“Important aspects of community life such as poverty, social inclusion, community relations, wellbeing and the environment are addressed by local groups. The Council is delighted to be able to offer support for this vital work through its grants funding. I would encourage all local groups to apply to avail of these monies.”
The Community Development funding programme is jointly provided by Ards and North Down Borough Council and the Department of Social Development. The Community Festivals funding is provided by the Council and Department of Culture, Arts and Leisure.
To apply, download an application form at:
or email: emma.hunter@ardsandnorthdown.gov.uk
The closing date for Community Development Fund applications is 2.00pm on Thursday 31 March. The closing date for Community Festivals Fund is 2.00pm on Friday 18 March 2016.
