Craigavon Good Relations Small Grants

Overview

Council’s Good Relations Action Plan 2014/15 has five key aims:

1. Mainstreaming the Good Relations Agenda with Council Members and staff
2. Reduction in Community tensions, visible manifestations of sectarianism and reclaiming shared space
3. Promotion of Good Relations through Community Development and tackling disadvantage
4. To support Good Relations and Race Relations through cultural diversity
5. Raising awareness of the Good Relations programme and grant aid for supporting Good Relations work

Good Relations focuses on 3 grounds: Race, Religion and Politics as noted in Section 75 NI Act 1998. In light of this Council have developed the Good Relations Small Grants Policy which will aim to support groups operating in the Craigavon Borough to develop projects and activities promoting Good Relations. In a broader context, the Good Relations Action Plan 2014-15 is reflective of the themes of the Together: Building a United Community Strategy issued by the Office of First and Deputy First Minister in May 2013. Projects funded by the Good Relations Small Grant Scheme must clearly link to at least one of the themes of the Together: Building a United Community Strategy. The themes are:

1. Children and Young People: To continue to improve attitudes amongst our young people and to build a community where they can play a full and active role in building Good Relations.
2. Our Shared Community: To create a community where division does not restrict the life opportunities of individuals and where all areas are open and accessible to everyone.
3. Safe Community: To create a community where everyone feels safe in moving around and where life choices are not inhibited by fears around safety.
4. Cultural Expression: To create a community, which promotes mutual respect and understanding and is strengthened by its diversity and where cultural expression is celebrated and embraced.

ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA A wide range of groups may be eligible for funding and include:

• Community Development groups
• Women’s groups
• Tenants / Residents Associations
• Housing / Environmental Groups
• Regeneration organisations
• Network / Umbrella groups
• Arts and Cultural groups