RDC Cross-Border Halls Programme

Overview

‘Maximising Community Space Crossing Borders' is a programme of support designed to foster good relationships within and between communities and facilitate the development and wider usage of existing community halls/centres.

• The ‘Maximising Community Space Crossing Borders’ programme aims to:
• Increase the capacity and confidence of groups managing community halls/centres;
• Support the wider usage of existing space;
• Foster and develop relationships within and between communities.

The programme is two-tiered in approach and there are a maximum of 50 grants to be awarded.

Strand one
This initial stage involves a focused programme of development support. A compulsory part of this element will be a focus on community relations engaging communities in a practical programme of support looking at hall usage, programme design and activities that encourage wider community involvement and engagement. It will also focus on project planning, fundraising, financial management and publicity. Groups which successfully complete this stage are eligible to apply for a second strand.

Strand Two
The second strand of the programme involves the potential for project grant assistance for minor works to their buildings up to the sum of £50,000/€60,000.

Grants of up to £50,000/€60,000 or 95% of the total cost of the project, whichever is lesser, may be available subject to satisfactory completion of the development support programme and a detailed assessment of a
completed project grant application. At least 5% of the match funding must be raised locally. The total project cost should not exceed £100,000/€120,000. Projects might include: -

• Small scale extensions or renovation works to accommodate multiple activities
• Sub-divisions of premises to allow for multiple usages
• Alterations to the mechanical & electrical services to allow for efficient use of the premises
• General works to meet health and safety standards

How to apply

For more information please visit the website. Groups from NI and the six border counties are eligible. Halls owned or managed by community/voluntary organisations that are or could be used for multiple community based activities are eligible for support. The applicant is required to be formally constituted (or willing to become constituted) and responsible for the management of a community hall.

Applications will be assessed on: -

• Need – the programme wants to reach those groups and communities most in need
• Proposed usage – the programme wants to support theincreased usage of halls for wider community benefit
• Hall facilities – the programme wants to make a difference. New or recently renovated halls are not eligible. For the purposes of this programme you should take ‘new or renovated’ to mean an extensive programme of capital works within the past 10 years

Priority will be given to applications that demonstrate that the halls: -

• Have had limited previous investment
• Are currently under utilised or restricted in usage but can demonstrate and provide evidence of potential for improved community usage
• Are located in disadvantaged and/or marginalised areas
• Are located in areas where there are significant deficiencies in access to services

Latest Update

This scheme closed for application on 9 January 2009. It is not scheduled to reopen