Community groups large and small from across Northern Ireland are urged to apply for a special Springtime funding pot as part of leading energy company Power NI’s Brighter Communities initiative.
The grassroots focused funding support programme was first launched back in April 2018, with the initial winner’s accolade and £1000 going to Shankill Road based cross community dance group, Olympus Girls’ Club.
Gemma-Louise Bond who manages Brighter Communities at Power NI says, “Brighter Communities is a real feel-good initiative which aims to get to the heart of local communities and help them build for the future and regenerate their local town, village or area.
“This current phase of the programme is now open for applications and we’re seeking submissions from groups from every corner of Northern Ireland ahead of the closing date on Wednesday 31st March. We’d love to see increased entries from areas including the North West, Mid-Ulster and the North Coast as the fund is open to everyone. This year marks the company’s 90th anniversary and we want to celebrate the occasion by spotlighting the many ways people are striving forward.”
“We’re looking for enterprising, sparky and impactful ideas that draw people together but require an extra injection of cash to help bring the projects to life.”
Three groups are each set to win £1000 to help roll out their specific community project.
“Since Brighter Communities was launched it’s been amazing the range of schemes we’ve supported. From dance, ice-skating and gymnastics groups to special schools, bee-keepers, wheelchair basketball players and also dragon boat-racers; also older cyclists, survivors of human-trafficking, St John Ambulance and lunch clubs for older people. The funding really has touched every facet of our society.”
Applications for the Brighter Communities £3K Spring fund can be made here.
Groups should showcase how they can implement an innovative and creative project which will change and improve their local community for the better. The closing date is Wednesday 31st March 2021 at 12pm.
Full details of all criteria can be accessed online, but in summary applicants making a submission on behalf of an organisation or charity, must be over 18 and all groups should be based in Northern Ireland and have no political links. Funding will be awarded only to tangible projects and cannot be used for overall running costs or overheads.
