Rural Micro Capital Grants Scheme NOW OPEN
Capital grants between £500 and £2,000 will be available to rural voluntary and community organisations and Social Economy Enterprises to fund projects tackling locally identified issues of poverty and/or social isolation.
The Scheme is funded from DAERA’s Tackling Rural Poverty and Social Isolation (TRPSI) Programme.
Projects must focus on one of the following themes:
• Modernisation (of building(s) or assets)
• Information Communication Technology (ICT)
• Health and Wellbeing
• Energy Efficiency or Environmental Improvements.
The scheme is being delivered by Rural Support Networks on behalf of DAERA. Applicants to the Scheme will be required to provide a minimum of 15% match-funding.
The Scheme closes for applications 12.00pm midday on Monday 20 October 2025.
See The Link below for applicants to apply:
Please remember, this is an online application only.
- All applicants/ groups MUST use the new DAERA log-on link: HERE – Do not try to go through NIDA any other way.
- Groups all need one person (preferably an office bearer but any committee member or authorised person) to get level 2 security on NI Direct (NIDA). That means you will all be sent a code to your phone or email to log-on. That means you will have to upload a driving licence photo and a selfie.
- New applicants should have no bother and after they are verified on NIDA, they will be allowed straight into DAERA Micro Grant system.
- Previous applicants who get verified by adding their ID details MAY receive an “ERROR” message which prevents them moving on from NIDA to DAERA micro grant system.
- All groups should try to log-on ASAP and not leave this to the last minute.
- Groups should contact us immediately when they get the “ERROR” message.
CDRCN will be holding another online information workshop (not compulsory) for applicants from Ards & North Down, Lisburn & Castlereagh and Newry Mourne & Down Councils on Tuesday 30th September 2025 at 7pm. See zoom link HERE:
Changes have been made to previous log-in system. Applicants are strongly encouraged to apply early to minimise the risk of technical issues
