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Small Grants Scheme

Live Here Love Here Small Grants Scheme 2023


CLOSED FOR APPLICATIONS.

Funded by 10 Local Councils, Northern Ireland Housing Executive and supported by Keep Northern Ireland Beautiful, the Small Grants Scheme empowers volunteers to transform shared greenspaces for the benefit of the community and the environment. 

The opportunity exists to help:
  • Increase civic pride and improve the quality of local environment through the creation of quality, shared spaces
  • Transform underused spaces into vibrant and valued community places by adding habitats and increasing access to visitors
  • Deliver actions and projects that enable nature recovery and climate action
  • Improve the health and wellbeing of communities whilst helping to improve and/or maintain public space
  • Enhance the quality of the local environment by reducing littering and dog fouling through community action

The Small Grants Scheme is open for applications 11th May - 31st May for grants in the range of £500 to £3,000. Please note: the average value of a Small Grants Scheme award is £1,200.


Eligibility

The Small Grants Scheme is suitable for applications from a variety of organisations, including:

  • Community and voluntary groups (including non-constituted groups)
  • Youth groups, sports clubs, churches
  • All schools and third level education organisations

Applications are particularly welcome from groups who have not previously received support through the Live Here Love Here Small Grants Scheme. Groups that have received funding from a previous Live Here Love Here grant scheme are welcome to apply to further develop their project. Previous track record of project delivery and uploading expenditure evidence will be part of the judging criteria.

The Scheme is open to projects based across 10 partner council areas in NI. Projects in Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council area will be considered if they are located within an area managed by Northern Ireland Housing Executive.

Please note the following:

  • Non-constituted groups can apply for a maximum of £500
  • Litter picking equipment is not eligible for funding through this grant - please check out the Adopt A Spot project
  • Permission from landowner (if required) must be secured at application stage
  • Projects must be completed by 31st October
  • Funding is for volunteer-led practical action to improve shared spaces in local communities


Live Here Love Here Small Grants Scheme 2023


To support your application, we are hosting in-person and online sessions, giving you the opportunity to chat with us about your project idea.

Join us at a roadshow event or online to hear more about the Small Grants Scheme. There will be a short presentation followed by a Q&A and the opportunity for you to chat with a member of the team about your project. Some sessions are drop-in, please register your interest so we know you are joining an event.


Register


Ready to start?

If you have an idea to improve health and wellbeing of your area, please follow these steps:

  1. Hit the 'Apply Now' button below. Existing users should log in and new users should register a profile.
  2. Go to 'My profile' 
  3. Click the grey tab 'Live Here Love Here Small Grants applications'
  4. Click the green link 'Click here to make a new application'
  5. Begin your application

Before completing your application, we strongly recommend that you read our guidance notes. The online Guidance webinar & presentation are available to view below.


Download Guidance Notes



Guidance presentation

Apply Now 


Get inspired

Our most successful projects in the past have included community food growing projects, development of community gardens, planting for pollinators, and materials to tackle dog fouling.

We have also provided a range of documents that are stocked with hints and tips to assist your application.

Nature Recovery Project Advice

Pollution Solutions Project Advice

Tackling Textiles Project Advice


Head over to our Nature Recovery page for more biodiversity information to help with your project.


Nature Recovery


Contact

Need more information? Please get in touch with Orla McGrady, Senior Grants Officer via email or at 07469681646.