Mid and East Antrim community groups celebrate funding boost
The ‘Live Here Love Here Small Grants Scheme’ takes a fresh approach to improving the local environment and building a sense of pride in our local communities.
Launched by councils, Northern Ireland Housing Executive, Choice Housing, McDonald’s and Keep Northern Beautiful, it provides support to volunteer projects that:
Use innovative ways to reduce littering and dog fouling.
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Hide AdImprove the way the local environment is looked after, whether urban, rural or coastal.
Contribute to the development of civic pride within a community with a focus on environmental improvement.
Grants are available from £500 to £5,000 and are open to volunteer and community groups, all school and third-level education organisations, youth groups and sports clubs.
There was unprecedented interest in the scheme this year with more than 22 groups applying, and total funding requested of £70,000.
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Hide AdA total of13 group projects secured funding, with council contributing £10,000 in the 2018 allocation; five from the Ballymena area, five from Carrickfergus area and three from the Larne area.
The Mayor, Cllr Lindsay Millar, who recently hosted the successful applicants, said: “It is so energising and encouraging to see local community groups avail of council-supported funding opportunities to really make a difference in their local area.
“The level of commitment and drive the groups have shown and the influence they have in their local community is both impressive and heart-warming. I’m excited to see the development of the projects over the coming months and to see residents take ownership and pride in where they live.”
Ballymena groups securing funding include Grange Cross Community Association, Cullybackey Community Partnership, Ahoghill Traders’ Association, Ballymena Base and Connect Ministries.
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Hide AdCarrickfergus groups securing funding include Brighter Whitehead, Carrickfergus Central Primary School, Friends of Bashfordsland and Oakfield Glen LNR, Wesley Court Residents and Woodburn Cultural and Community Group.
Larne groups securing funding include Cairndhu Rowing Club, Islandmagee Community Development Association and Larne Renovation Generation.