Live Here Love Here grants are still available

Communities in Banbridge and the wider ABC Borough can benefit from up to £5,000 of funding to support actions that help care for those in need as a result of the current COVID-19 crisis.
Communities here can benefit from up to £5,000 of funding to support actions that help care for those in need as a result of COVID-19.Communities here can benefit from up to £5,000 of funding to support actions that help care for those in need as a result of COVID-19.
Communities here can benefit from up to £5,000 of funding to support actions that help care for those in need as a result of COVID-19.

Charity Keep Northern Ireland Beautiful, in partnership with ten local councils, Northern Ireland Housing Executive and McDonald’s UK has extended its application criteria for this year’s Live Here Love Here’s Small Grants Scheme to include support for communities struggling during the pandemic.

Communities across Northern Ireland can benefit from up to £5,000 of funds to support actions that help care for people in need as a result of COVID-19 with a focus on practical environmental action as well as supporting those who are trying to make steps to improve their local areas.

The Small Grants Scheme, which is now in its seventh year, is part of the successful Live Here Love Here programme that has been supported from the start by the Department for Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs, helping make it Northern Ireland’s largest community and civic pride campaign - inspiring and motivating community volunteers to create real change for a cleaner, greener, healthier and more sustainable Northern Ireland.

Due to Covid-19 additional criteria have been added, encouraging groups to send in their ideas on how they feel the money could support their local community – by reaching out to those affected most by the crisis.

Nicola Fitzsimons, Community Development Officer, said: “The Small Grants Scheme provides crucial funding directly to local communities that are striving to make change for the better amongst their neighbourhoods.

“This year is obviously different as we find ourselves in the middle of a global pandemic, so we’re opening up the application process to include support for groups who are striving to relieve some of the pressures on vulnerable people who are suffering from reduced contact with society.

“We know groups are currently active in their local communities supporting those who are isolating and we want to show them our support.”

Over £180k of funding is available with grants from £500 to £5,000 open to volunteer and community groups, all school and third level education organisations, youth groups and sports clubs undertaking community based environmental projects.

Examples of previous successful applicants included funding for community gardens including orchard planting, river canoes for on-water litter picks, biodiversity and environmental projects including the planting of native wildflowers to encourage the return of insects, creative litter campaigns and grow your own vegetable patches.

For ideas on how to help your community and to apply online, visit www.liveherelovehere.org.

Applications are now open until the closing date of Monday, May 18.

Anyone with any questions or seeking more information on how to apply, can email [email protected] or telephone 07912178384.

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