Council Community Centre Venue Fund now open
1 March 2024
Local organisations can make submissions to Derry City and Strabane District Council’s Community Centre Venue Fund from today, with up to £12,000 available for eligible venues.
Applications must be submitted before 12noon on Friday March 15th to be considered, and the fund is open to constituted ‘not for profit’ venues. The programme aims to support the provision of good quality, accessible facilities, and services and to encourage good practice and partnership working between Council and the Community & Voluntary Sector.
There are two tiers available within the fund, with £4,001 - £12,000 available for centres based in one of the three rural DEA’s - Sperrin, Faughan or Derg in Tier One, and in Tier Two, £4,001 - £12,000 for Centres based in the five Urban DEA’s - Strabane, Waterside, Moor, Foyleside and Ballyarnett
Council’s Head of Community Development and Leisure, Barry O’Hagan, encouraged local organisations to apply for the fund. “The Community Venue Fund provides additional support to help organisations deliver essential activities, programmes and services within our local communities,” he explained.
“It recognises the vital roles these centres play as busy community hubs, which assist in the delivery of wider government policy priorities. The fund can help address gaps in services and support staff in providing a diverse programme of activity throughout the year.”
Applicants should note that this is a competitive scheme and applications will be assessed on the quality of information provided within the application form. Applications must score 60% or over to reach the threshold to be considered for funding.
The fund is open to local centres that prioritise equality and good relations, and which provide an extensive Community Development Programme open to people of all backgrounds and abilities. Organisations should also be clearly linked to addressing the community development issues identified within the Local Growth Plans.
Please note that no applications will be considered after the deadline on Friday 12noon March 15th, 2024, so applicants are encouraged to make submissions as early as possible. Applications can be made online or by post, so please take into account possible delays in delivery times.
For more information and to apply go to - https://www.dcsdcgrantaid.com/community-centre-venue-fund