Live Here Love Here small grants return after awarding over £15k awarded to Derry and Strabane
12 June 2026
Environmental charity, Live Here Love Here, have announced the return of its Small Grants Scheme for 2026, following another successful year in Derry and Strabane where 9 local projects were awarded a total of £15,896 in funding.
Throughout 2025, volunteers contributed 1,024 hours, demonstrating the vital role of community action in improving local environments and promoting civic pride.
Live Here Love Here Small Grants supports projects that increase civic pride, enhance green spaces, revitalise underused areas, improve community health and wellbeing, and boost local biodiversity. Grants ranging from £500 to £3,000 are available for successful applicants, with applications now open until 30 June 2026. The initiative is delivered in partnership with ten local councils , including Derry City & Strabane District Council, and the Northern Ireland Housing Executive.
Projects funded last year in Derry and Strabane included initiatives by Ardbarron Men's Shed, Hive Cancer Support, Culmore Community Partnership Ltd, and Glenelly Development Trust Ltd, all working to transform shared spaces, improve biodiversity, reduce litter and create greener, healthier places for local communities to enjoy.
A standout local initiative was delivered by Newbuildings Methodist Church, where funding was awarded for plants, seeds, equipment, and a guided workshop to create the Epworth Environmental Garden. Through the efforts of 50 volunteers, who contributed 175 hours of work, the group developed a pollinator-friendly garden featuring bird and bat boxes to support local biodiversity, alongside community seating designed to encourage nature observation and outdoor learning. The project has had a lasting impact, not only transforming the space into an attractive environmental asset but also fostering greater awareness and conversation about local wildlife.
The Small Grants continue to deliver significant impact across Northern Ireland, supporting community-led environmental improvements, boosting local wellbeing and helping communities take pride in where they live. In 2025, the Scheme awarded £158,348 to 102 projects across the region, with volunteers dedicating their time to initiatives including community gardens, biodiversity projects, litter reduction campaigns and outdoor wellbeing spaces.
Mayor of Derry City and Strabane District Council, Councillor Grace Uí Niallais encouraged project coordinators to apply for the latest tranche of funding.
“The success of the projects supported through the Live Here Love Here Small Grants Scheme in our City and District shows the difference that local volunteers and community organisations can make when they are given the support to bring their ideas to life.
“From creating greener spaces and enhancing biodiversity to improving community wellbeing, these projects are helping to make Derry and Strabane an even better place to live, work and visit.
“I would encourage project coordinators from organisations across the Council area to consider applying for funding this year and I look forward to seeing the innovative and inspiring projects that emerge.”
Highlighting the impact, Orla McGrady, Grants Officer at Live Here Love Here, said: “Through our Small Grants, communities have the opportunity to take meaningful environmental action and make a lasting difference in their local areas. Every year, we are inspired by projects that not only enhance shared spaces, but also bring people together through volunteering, collaboration and a shared sense of purpose.
“The funding continues to empower community-led change, supporting initiatives ranging from biodiversity-focused community gardens to projects that help protect and clean our coastlines and waterways. Last year alone, we saw 353 groups apply, and we are excited to see the ideas communities put forward this year. We look forward to supporting even more projects that will deliver real benefits for both local people and wildlife.”
Live Here Love Here is also currently hosting Connecting Communities events across Northern Ireland, offering opportunities for local groups and volunteers to learn more about the Small Grants Scheme and how to apply.
Lynda Surgenor, Community Engagement Manager at Live Here Love Here, added: “Our Small Grants are about giving communities the confidence and support to turn local ideas into meaningful action. From revitalising neglected spaces to creating projects that encourage people to connect with nature and with each other, the Scheme continues to demonstrate the value of grassroots funding.
“We know that even modest levels of support can create a lasting impact when driven by passionate volunteers and community organisations. By making funding accessible to groups of all sizes, we are helping to strengthen community connections, encourage local pride and deliver environmental improvements that can be enjoyed for generations to come.”
The Small Grants Scheme offers awards of between £500 and £3,000 for eligible groups, including community and volunteer organisations, schools, youth groups, sports clubs, churches and not-for-profit organisations.
For more information on Small Grants or how to apply, visit livehereloveherecommunity.org/smallgrants.