Improving Community Buildings

Summary of the programme

This programme is closed for applications.

Improving Community Buildings closed for applications on 24th May 2007. It was a one-off capital refurbishment and modernisation programme to increase the use of community venues across Northern Ireland.

Programme aim

We want to fund projects that aim to achieve both of the following programme outcomes:

• people can actively participate in their communities to bring about positive change
• community ownership of better and safer rural and urban environments.

Projects must also meet either one, or both, of our underlying principles:

• addressing disadvantage and promoting tolerance and social inclusion
• contributing to the reduction of poverty.

In addition, all projects must meet all of the following four priorities in the Big Lottery Fund Northern Ireland Framework:

• build community capacity
• increase opportunity for volunteering and engagement within and between communities
• improve community facilities, access and services
• increase community involvement in protecting, restoring and sustaining the urban and rural environment.

Who will the programme benefit?

Projects wishing to refurbish or modernise their community venues in order to increase the level of community use and enhance the quality of services provided.

Who can apply?

Under this programme we will only make grants to voluntary or community organisations, charitable not-for-profit companies, organisations recognised by HM Revenue and Customs (formerly Inland Revenue) as exempt for tax purposes and social enterprises.

How much money is available?

We have £5 million available for the Improving Community Buildings programme and we anticipate funding approximately 100 projects. Under the programme, we can make grants of between £25,000 and £50,000 (including VAT and contingency) for projects whose total costs must not exceed £75,000 (including VAT and contingency).

Technical guidance

We have appointed Community Places as the support organisation to provide information and technical guidance to potential applicants.  They can be contacted on 028 9023 9444 or info@communityplaces.info

The application process

You can download Guidance notes and an application form by clicking on the links opposite.

Where possible, groups are strongly encouraged to send applications as soon as they are ready.

However, your application must be received at our Belfast Office by 5pm on Thursday 24 May 2007.

Key dates

• 26 September 2006 – programme launch
• 24 May 2007 – closing date applications
• Late 2007 – first awards will be made.

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