Limavady Community Initiative welcomes £270k programme for smaller groups

The province-wide scheme is being run by the Limavady Community Development Initiative (LCDI), which has been appointed as the Intermediary Funding Body for the Small Grants Programme.

Aimed at organisations which may have difficulty accessing more mainstream funding programmes, it is expected that applications will be received from a range of interested parties across the youth, sporting, charitable and religious sectors.

Announcing his department’s support, Communities Minister Paul Givan said: “This pilot programme aims to assist those community organisations who are in need of small items of equipment to enable them to deliver much needed services across the community.”

“I welcome this opportunity to be able to announce this funding and I would encourage small community organisations who fit the criteria to apply for funding. It is intended that this fund will help small organisations increase their levels of participation, enhance their activities and encourage new levels of volunteering in this important sector.”

Awards of between £1,500 and £5,000 will be made to community organisations and may be used to purchase a range of equipment to enhance activities and to increase participation, numbers of volunteers and diversity of participants. Johnny McShane, LCDI grants manager, said: “We are very pleased that community and voluntary organisations will have access to small capital grants. LCDI is currently operating a small grants scheme on behalf of the Department for Communities for programme funding and many organisations have highlighted the need for capital to purchase equipment. This funding will enhance organisations’ vital offering for local communities.”

Closing date for applications is November 23. For details visit www.communities-ni.gov.uk/scg