Murlough Foundation
Overview
Priority is to be given to small, locally based groups, or organisations in areas of disadvantage, that have a clear understanding of the needs of their community and the potential beneficiaries who are undertaking action as a means of addressing these needs. The foundation will prioritise organisations and areas where there has been limited access to funding in the past.
Grant Criteria
There are still communities in Northern Ireland that suffer from economic and social deprivation, and people who face significant disadvantage and who do not have the same opportunities as others. This foundation aims to empower local groups to address the particular issues they may face, to help them to help themselves and to support those people who are most marginalised.
The foundation will help communities to address the issues they are facing and work with the people directly affected.
Priority will be given to smaller organisations with income levels of below £50,000, who have identified a clear need, in line with the foundation priorities, and who require a small amount of money to help address the particular issues.
Projects should be run by people directly affected by, or have significant knowledge of, the issues they are dealing with.
Projects must target at least one of the following foundation priorities:
- Providing people with opportunities to access local services, achieve greater social justice, and to reduce inequality, exclusion and disadvantage, including educational disadvantage
- Building skills of local people who are disadvantaged, marginalised and/or isolated
- Increasing opportunities to strengthen community cohesion and reduce isolation
- Responding to local disadvantage for those on low incomes
- Advancing people's physical and mental health, wellbeing and safety
Work can cover a small geographical area such as a housing estate or village, or a larger area, if the project is clearly identified as needed and there is evidence of involvement of the main beneficiaries.
Who can apply?
- Constituted Community Organisations, including Residents Associations, who have a local Management Committee, current bank account (in credit), and governing document in the name of the application organisation.
Examples of the type of activities they will fund
- Projects reducing loneliness and isolation, eg: Men’s Sheds, or youth activities, where those participating are clearly facing disadvantage, and identified as in need.
- Community educational activities, such as breakfast clubs, providing there is clear evidence of need and disadvantage for those attending the breakfast club.
- Committee and volunteer training to support identification of future needs in a disadvantaged community, or community of interest.
- Projects aimed at improving the health and wellbeing of people who are facing a particular disadvantage.
- After school activities for young people with low educational attainment.
- Support for those excluded from vocational training due to lack of access to equipment.