Belfast City Airport: Community Fund

Overview

They launched the Community Fund in February 2009, and since then, they've donated over £656,000 to local projects.

They believe in being a good neighbour, engaging directly with the local community to identify projects and initiatives that can benefit from their support. The Community Fund helps schools, sports teams, community centre, choirs, educational campaigns, and exciting event programmes thrive.

The Fund can provide support for projects which are focused on the following themes:

• Environmental, Sustainability or Biodiversity 
• Development of STEM-related knowledge skills and understanding 
• Education 
• Social inclusion & wider community development 
• Health & Wellbeing 
• Sports 

Grants will be awarded for projects with a minimum request for funding of £1,000 up to a maximum of £5,000. 

Applicants may be required to complete a second stage process which could include a visit to your project, meeting with the Community Fund committee or the supply of additional information.

Eligibility

• Preference will be given to schools or organisations with charitable status. 
• Organisations applying for community funding must have been established for a minimum of 24 months and able to demonstrate financial records for a minimum of 12months. 
• Preference will be given to applications and projects that benefit all members of the community, regardless of age, race, gender, disability, sexual orientation or religion. 
•  Organisations requesting community funding must provide details of programme feasibility such as level of interest, expected number of participants and intended outcomes/monitoring.
• Churches or places of worship may not be eligible for funding if they are exclusive to other users on grounds of religion. Benefit to the wider community and non- worshippers should be clearly demonstrated. 
• BCA is more likely to support projects where some funds from other sources have been received and where you have also demonstrated your own fundraising. 
• Detailed costs including copies of estimates and details of funding from other sources must be provided with every community fund application. 
• Community Fund money must be spent within 6 months of receipt or failure to do this may result in BCA seeking reimbursement for the money awarded. 
• Community Fund money will not normally be awarded for general repair and maintenance of buildings although a specific item of community benefit may be allowed, such as security or adaptations for disabled use
• A maintenance plan may be required for projects which involve the creation of a physical asset e.g. a garden requiring ongoing maintenance. 
• All successful organisations who obtain money from the Community Fund are required to complete an evaluation report which will be forwarded to you following the completion of your project. Failure to do this may result in BCA seeking reimbursement for the money awarded