Small grants scheme extended for community groups

by Gráinne Connolly

Local community and voluntary groups are elligible for the Live Here Love Here Small Grants Scheme. 

The scheme takes a fresh approach to improving the local environment and building a sense of pride within communities. 

It was launched by local councils, the Department of Agriculture, the Environment and Rural Affairs, Northern Ireland Housing Executuve, Choice Housing, McDonald's and Keep Northern Ireland Beautiful. 

The small grants scheme provides support to volunteer projects that help the environment in many ways. 

That includes those who: 

• Use innovative ways to reduce littering and dog fouling where you live
   
• Improve the way your local environment is looked after, whether urban, rural or coastal
   
• Contribute to the development of civic pride within a community with a focus on environmental improvement.
   
• To enhance or attract tourism to your community through environmental improvements.

Grants are available from £500 to £5,000. 

They're open to volunteer and community groups, all school and third level education organisations, youth groups and sports clubs. 

The scheme applies to those in the following council areas: 

* Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Council
* Ards and North Down Borough Council – Recycling Community Investment Fund
* Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon Borough Council
* Belfast City Council
* Derry City and Strabane District Council
* Fermanagh and Omagh District Council
* Mid and East Antrim Borough Council
* Mid Ulster District Council
* Newry, Mourne and Down District Council

The Small Grants Scheme is also open to all Housing Association and Housing Executive residents with support from Northern Ireland Housing Executive, Choice Housing and McDonald's throughout all council areas. 

The closing date for applications is 12 noon 28th June 2017