Newtownabbey Borough Council - Community Development Grant

Overview

There are two funding categories available in the community services grant aid.

Running costs

• Seeding grant: Groups making new applications for running costs can, in the first year, apply for a seeding grant up to a maximum of £300. This grant can cover initial outlay costs and administration.
• Community Services Premises Grant: Grants are available towards running costs of community centres or resource centres, which provide a wide programme of activities for all age groups, or which support special interest groups. We may pay grants at 75% of itemised items, up to a maximum of £2,000.

Programme costs

Any programme which fulfils our community development objectives can apply for financial support in the following sections:

• Seasonal social programmes: Applications we consider in this section are fun days, festivals and summer schemes. In general, they are social events and activities which have been identified as the most effective ways to involve the majority of the local community.
• Training and development: We will support applications which clearly develop the capacity of the community. Specific interest groupings Ð such as women, men and disabled interest groups may apply for grant aid towards developmental programmes specific to their needs.
• Environmental and community planning: We welcome suitable applications from groups for environmental studies, community research, funding of initial sketch drawings, cost estimates and projects. We will also consider applications which illustrate community consultative planning.

In order to deliver the programme's aim and general principles, applicants will need to demonstrate how their project meets the criteria shown below.

The Community Services Section will:

1. Support projects and groups who fulfil the community development objectives in our Community Services strategy (contained in our Corporate strategy) and reflect our equal opportunities policy.
2. Ask how the funding application you have submitted reflects a strategic approach to the area or the issue being addressed.
3. Support individual research studies where we can gain a direct benefit.
4. Support projects and ideas which show that integrated development is taking place with statutory agencies and voluntary groups, especially inter-working groups within the same geographical area or related field of interest.
5. Review recurring running-cost applications every three years, to monitor value for money and level of community development.
6. Encourage groups - where practical - to set up in existing community facilities within their area.
7. Only fund projects from individuals and groups who live in the Borough.

We will encourage funded groups and individuals to take part in training or development courses, or conferences, that we have organised. In certain circumstances, applications may identify that music and entertainment will be provided.