Derry City & Strabane District Council: Community Centre Venue Fund

Overview

BACKGROUND INFORMATION

COMMUNITY CENTRE VENUE FUND

There was one round of funding for a three-year period starting in 2024/25 and will be rolled over dependent on funding each year of 2025/26 and 2026/27.

The Community Centre Venue Fund Online Application Form is used to apply for financial support from £4,001 up to a maximum of £12,000 for both Tiers from Derry City and Strabane District Council.

• You must make a choice to apply for either Tier One or Tier Two funding depending on the location of your centre i.e. Rural or Urban.
• Applications must score over 60% to reach the threshold to be considered for funding.
• Groups can only submit one

The fund was established in recognition of the potential contribution Community Centres can make to communities, to the local economy and wider government policy priorities.

The primary purpose of the Community Centre Venue Fund is to support the provision of good quality, accessible facilities, and services and to encourage good practice and partnership working between Council and the Community & Voluntary Sector. This fund aims to address gaps in services where there are no or limited services through existing council owned and community managed centres.

The fund is open to constituted 'not for profit' venues that are, accountable, and representative of the geographical area which they service. It is a competitive scheme and applications will be assessed on the quality of information provided within the application form. Applications must score 60% or over to reach the threshold to be considered for funding.

Who can apply for funding?

The fund is open to constituted ‘not for profit’ organisations that are open, accountable and representative of the geographical area which they service. It is a competitive scheme and applications will be assessed on the quality of information provided within the application form.

Organisations whose centre delivers varied programmes or activities aligned with the Local Growth Plan priorities (see Guidance Notes page 4) and whose Centre will directly benefit residents in the Derry City and Strabane District Council areas.

Community Centre Venue funding will assist Centres that:

• Are located within the Derry City and Strabane District Council area.
• Provide both a broad based Community Development Programme and encourage general community participation.
• Promote equality of opportunity and good relations including Section 75 of the Northern Ireland Act 1998.
• Have reasonable accessibility for people with disabilities.
• Are clearly linked to addressing the issues identified within the Local Growth Plans.
• Have a hall or open space adaptable for various community needs.
• Have one or more meeting rooms.
• Have kitchen facilities.
• Have public toilet provision.
• Have storage space.
• Have a hall or other space adaptable for various community needs

Note: Remember to answer all questions. You cannot attach additional information with your application.

Fund Available

• Tier One: £4,001 - £12,000 for centres based in one of the 3 rural DEA’s only - Sperrin, Faughan or Derg
• Tier Two: £4,001 - £12,000 for Centres based in the 5 Urban DEA’s - Strabane, Waterside, Moor, Foyleside and Ballyarnett

When applying for funding:

• You may contact relevant Council Officers before completion of your Application. See below.
• Supporting Documentation is required for successful applications only. Any additional information provided at this stage will not be considered in the Assessment Process.