We want to support projects that boost the resilience of communities in the face of uncertainty, so we’re investing in two key areas:
• Community resilience: tackling inequality and improving environments to build more connected, more resilient communities
• Financial capability and inclusion: giving people the tools to become more financially independent
We believe that the charities that make the biggest impact are those that are given the opportunity to innovate and test new ideas without fear of risk. That’s why we’re focusing on funding small charities with forward-thinking ideas. To this end, any projects submitted should be to develop a new approach, product or technology, pilot a new scheme, implement a new initiative, or expand existing services to a new area or beneficiary group.
Your project must also:
Be submitted by an applicant aged 18 or older
Be UK based and for the benefit of UK communities
Not be for the benefit of any one individual
Your organisation must also:
Be registered in the UK as a charity or community interest company
Have a bank account in its own name and have been operating for over 12 months
Have an annual income below £1 million
You can review the full eligibility criteria here.
If you’re not eligible for funding opportunities, we still want to support your cause. Find out how else you can get involved.
Applications are now open for the next round of the Aviva Community Fund until 19th January
The aim of the Community Relations Council Media Grant Scheme is to commission media projects which focus on the engagement of civil society to underpin peace building and/or support the development of a more diverse society in-line with the T:BUC strategy (see more information below).
The Media Grant Scheme is available to support a range of media projects. The media products that may be supported include digital content projects, infographics, television, radio, video and podcasts.
The scheme is primarily for the creation of new material but may include the diversification of existing resources to increase their use with appropriate audiences.
Together: Building a United Community (T:BUC)
Applicants are required to outline the outcome in the T:BUC Strategy to which the proposed project will contribute
Sport NI in partnership with the Department for Communities are delighted to announce the re-opening of the Sports Hardship Fund; to further help sports clubs and other organisations delivering sporting activities, who are still experiencing financial hardship.
Initially opened on 14 April the Sports Hardship Fund has so far provided support totalling over £1mto help over 500 sports clubs maintain facilities during the lockdown.
This next phase will prioritise new applications for £2,000 and now includes club and organisations who ‘block book’ (hire) their facilities as well as owning or leasing facilities.
Returning applicants may also apply for a £1,000 top up to their award if they have fully expended the initial £2,000.
Who we can support
Eligible organisations delivering sport and physical recreation can apply to our fund if experiencing financial hardship.
These organisations include:
Governing Bodies of Sport recognised by Sport NI (with and office base in NI)
Constituted local sports clubs affiliated to a Governing Body of Sport recognised by Sport NI
Community & Voluntary sector organisations that deliver or enable sport and/or physical recreation as their primary activity. Sports and activities must be recognised by Sport NI.
Small charitable trusts that deliver or enable sport and/or physical recreation as their primary activity; and do not qualify for financial help elsewhere. Sports and activities must be recognised by Sport NI.
What we’ll fund
The fund has been developed to help sport and physical recreation organisations meet their obligations, in particular fixed costs, which are no longer supported with revenue as a result of coronavirus. This might cover expenditure on:
Facility Hire i.e. block bookings.
Rent/lease payments
Heat
Light
Utilities
Water Rates
Essential grounds/facility maintenance (to maintain a state of readiness)
Some Insurance (essential building/contents insurance, public liability, pro-rata)
How much we’ll fund
Each successful applicant (previously not in receipt of a Sports Hardship Fund award) will receive £2,000 towards eligible costs incurred from 1st April 2020.
Applicants who have previously received funding from the Sports Hardship Fund may be eligible for an additional grant of £1,000,
Priority will be given to those applicants not previously in receipt of a Sports Hardship Fund award.
Organisations should not apply if they have:
Received grant funding through the Department for Economy Retail Hospitality, Tourism and Leisure Grant.
Where to apply
Please click here to read the programme guidance note and to begin an online application for the financial support fund.
This fund will close for completed applications at 12 noon on Thursday 5th November 2020.
Help and Advice
If you need help or if you have any questions please contact:
Please see some information below about phase two of the North West Learning Fund.
The North West Learning Fund ( Phase Two) OPENS 12th October and Closes 16th November 2020.
Grants of up to £15k are available for organisations located in the DCSDC area and County Derry~Londonderry which support economically inactive people find a route to employment.
The purpose of the Fund is to encourage innovation and collaborative approaches by government and private philanthropists to improve the sustainability of organisations working within the Community and Voluntary Sector.
The Fund will also provide additional strategic, organisational support through a bespoke mentorship programme for grant recipients upon completion of a strength checker.
6NLCF Online Session for the Derry City and Strabane District council area
We are hosting an online support session for customers in the Derry City and Strabane Council area on 12th November from 14.00-15.00pm.
This session will give you the opportunity to meet our team working in your area and find out more about funding opportunities for your project idea. Our team will also give you some tips and advice on applying for funding.
If you are interested in attending register now to reserve your place and our team will send you the link to join this virtual session.
For artists and freelancers in Northern Ireland in partnership with a-n The Artists Information Company. The Freelands Foundation Emergency Fund is supported by the Freelands Foundation, as part of a landmark commitment of £3m towards emergency funds for artists and freelance creative practitioners across the UK affected by the Covid-19 crisis. Funds will be available for Northern Ireland based practitioners.
Who can apply: Freelance creative practitioners based in Northern Ireland who work in the visual arts and are experiencing severe financial hardship due to the Covid-19 pandemic. What: Grants of £1,500 – £2,500 Deadline for applications: Applications are accepted from 2:00pm on Friday 25th September 2020 and decisions will be made on a monthly basis. You can apply at any time. Applicants will be informed of decisions within approximately 5-6 weeks of submitting an application. We encourage applicants to make a submission early due to the limited funds available.
8Development Programme for Exceptional Young Northern Ireland Musicians
Financial assistance is available to exceptionally talented young solo musicians, singers or singer-songwriters from Northern Ireland who have finished their first academic graduate level qualification and are seeking time learning from a master musician.
A scheme offering financial assistance and performance opportunities to exceptionally talented young solo musicians, singers or singer-songwriters from Northern Ireland is inviting applications for its 2021/22 programme.
Six individual awards of £5,000 are available, plus two professional engagements arranged through BBC Northern Ireland (for a broadcast chamber music/solo recital) and/or a concerto performance with the Ulster Orchestra where appropriate.
Individual classical, jazz and traditional musicians who reside in or originate from Northern Ireland may apply. Applicants must have finished their first academic graduate level qualification and are seeking time learning from a master musician, teacher or composer abroad.
There is a lower age limit of 18 and up to an age limit of 26 for instrumental players, and 29 for singers. Classical, jazz and traditional musicians who have made a meaningful contribution to artistic activities in Northern Ireland are encouraged.
Applicants must have reached a high standard of public performance as indicated within the references and as demonstrated with a solo recording of two contrasting works.
9Working Together to Build a Healthy Future for All
Developing Healthy Communities (DHC) in partnership with Ulster University and North West Community Network convene a webinar for our times to discuss: “Working Together to Build a Healthy Future for All”, chaired by Erin McFeely, Chief Executive of DHC.
Where: Online
When: Start: Tuesday 27 October, 2020 at 1:00pm End: Tuesday 27 October, 2020 at 3:00pm
Speakers:
Professor Tony Bjourson, Director, Northern Ireland Centre for Stratified Medicine, Ulster University will talk about the world-class medical research taking place in the Clinical Translational Research and Innovation Centre (C-TRIC ) on the Altnagelvin Hospital site in Derry and about exciting future plans for a Community Health Company as part of the Derry City Deal.
Derry GP and former Chair of the Royal College of General Practitioners in Northern Ireland, John O’Kelly will offer his perspective on the future of the Health Service based on his insights as a GP working through a pandemic.
Roisin McLaughlin of North West Community Network will lead a break-out session about what challenges the community and voluntary sector believe we collectively need to address to build a healthy future for all in the local community.
10Sport & Physical Activity Strategy – Zoom-based Focus Group
The Department for Communities is developing a new sport and physical activity strategy for NI to cover the period to 2030 and beyond. The new strategy will build on the successful foundations of the Sport Matters strategy which was published in 2009 and which continues to guide Government policy until the new strategy is agreed and put in place.
The new strategy will cover all the Departments of the Northern Ireland Executive and will focus on linkages and shared outcomes between sport and physical activity and other policies of the Executive, such as physical and mental health and well-being, education, transport, economic, urban and rural regeneration, good relations, community safety, social inclusion and social equality.
North West Community Network are hosting a zoom focus group as we feel it is important to hear some voices from the north west area and from those who are not participating in sport and physical activity or for one reason or another used to but no longer take part in such activities. And to highlight the barriers to participation. e.g. low income, mobility. If you would be interested being part of these discussions please email us info@nwcn.org.
The focus group will take place via Zoom on Thursday 22nd October at 13:30.
11Mental Health & Wellbeing Leadership in our Communities during Covid-19
Mental Health and Wellbeing Leadership in our Communities during COVID-19 with Prof. Siobhán O'Neill
Leaders in community and voluntary sector organisations, as well as the statutory sector, have been at the forefront of the response to the COVID-19 pandemic in Northern Ireland.
This online seminar, organised by the Derry and Strabane Healthy City and District initiative, brings together people from both the public and community and voluntary sectors to explore what leadership means in these challenging times.
Where: Online When: Monday 2nd November 2020 Time: 12 noon - 1.30pm Book Now
12Local Development Plan (LDP) 2032 - Re-Consultation
The public re-consultation period for the Local Development Plan (LDP) for Derry City and Strabane District is coming to a close, with final responses due in by Friday 6th November 2020.
This event is co-hosted by the South Eastern and Western Connections Services, funded by the Public Health Agency in Northern Ireland.
With very special guest speaker and expert in his field Professor David Nutt, Edmond J. Safra Professor of Neuropsychopharmacology and director of the Neuropsychopharmacology Unit at Imperial College London.
Professor Nutt will talk to us about:
Is cannabis simply the latest flavour of the month or does it have a long term future as a medicine?
Is cannabis just another sticking plaster or can it contribute to a holistic view of managing chronic health conditions?
The issues surrounding drug policy and NICE guidance in relation to the medical use of Cannabis.
Where he sees things moving over the coming years and the challenges around using cannabis as a medicine.
How his new cannabis prescribing programme Project Twenty21 will contribute to the body of evidence in relation to the medical use of Cannabis.
This event will take place online via the Blue Jeans webinar platform – joining details will be provided upon registration.
14'Lessons from the Troubles and the Unsettled Peace - Ideas from the Forward Together podcasts'
An online book launch and seminar on the 'Lessons from the Troubles and the Unsettled Peace - Ideas from the Forward Together podcasts' book, edited by Paul Gosling, will take place at 2.00pm on Tuesday 27th October.
There will be feedback from a range of organisations that we have shared the ideas with and a chance for participants to have a conversation on the ideas presented.
15Northern Ireland Assembly - plans for a Youth Assembly
Did you know that the Speaker of the Northern Ireland Assembly has announced plans for a Youth Assembly?
What is a Youth Assembly?
The Youth Assembly is exactly that… an Assembly for Youth - a platform designed to be used by young people to have their voices heard. The core age range of the members will be 13 to 17, but there will be an upper age limit of 21 to ensure diverse representation. The Youth Assembly will provide young people with direct access to the decision-makers at the heart of our democracy.
Just as with the Northern Ireland Assembly, the Youth Assembly will have 90 members. It will hold committee meetings to deal with specific issues, sessions will be presided over by the Speaker, and debates will most likely take place in the Assembly Chamber in Parliament Buildings.
What’s happening now?
The Youth Assembly is still at a very early stage – a lot of details still need to be ironed out, but that’s on purpose! We want young people to help shape and develop how the Youth Assembly will work, what issues it will deal with, and how.
Young people in Northern Ireland will be the driving force behind how the Youth Assembly is established and developed. The idea for a Youth Assembly here has been in development for some time. We’ve looked at other youth forums and spoken to people involved in the youth sector and voluntary and community groups about how it will work. But, in order to help shape the Youth Assembly’s work, we really need young people to get involved.
Get involved!
The first step is to get yourself on our mailing list and we’ll keep you updated on everything you need to know. Check out the web page and sign up here. You can also follow us on social media:
16Belfast Interface Project Programme of Activities for Tullyally/Currynierin
Due to changes in local restrictions, all of our activities will now move on-line during the month of October. There will be no cost and will be available to all residents in the Currynierin and Tullyally areas. Times and age groups will remain the same.
Jo-Jingles classes will commence w/b 12th October and will run Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday mornings between 9.30 and 10.30.
Skills School NI activities will commence w/b 12th October and will run Monday and Thursday afternoons between 3.30 and 4.30 (5-7 years) & 4.45 and 5.45 (8-11 years)
Residents should still register for the programme in order to access links for activities and you can do this by calling Fergal on 075 8523 2560 or mailing him at fergal@belfastinterfaceproject.org
All programme activities have been made possible with funding from The Executive Office as part of Belfast Interface Project’s Promoting Good Relations Programme and will run up to the end of March 2021.
Our British Sign Language (BSL) and Irish Sign Language (ISL) customers can now contact the Northern Ireland Housing Executive through a new communication method called Video Relay Service (VRS).
This Relay Service is being provided by SignLive . Using this service customers will be able to communicate directly with our staff via a Sign Language interpreter who will sign the staff member's words verbatim to the customer and vice versa. All calls coming through to the Housing Executive will be managed by SignLive and details of how BSL & ISL customers can access the Video Relay Service are available on the Housing Executive's website.
Please note that this is a pilot scheme that is currently in place for 12 months. It is also hoped that VRS will improve communication options during the Covid-19 pandemic.
The Playhouse in Derry~Londonderry is seeking applications for the position of Chief Executive Officer.
The Playhouse is based in Artillery Street, Derry~Londonderry, the second largest city in Northern Ireland. One of Ireland’s leading award-winning, multi-disciplinary community art resource centres, The Playhouse was established in 1992 by Pauline Ross with a grant of just £300. The Playhouse is a recognised charity and registered company. Today, the Playhouse’s programme of activities includes hosting theatre, music and performance art to more than 15,000 people annually; commissioning and producing contemporary theatre; delivering educational courses and outreach projects to people of all ages, religion and abilities; using arts activities to promote understanding and reconciliation, and to support the peace process; and hiring studio, theatre and accommodation to creative businesses.
Despite the uncertainty created by the COVID-19 pandemic The Playhouse has unveiled exciting plans to enable it to thrive in a new artistic and theatrical landscape. The Playhouse’s inspiring and innovative team have brought live performances back to the theatre with an imaginative digitally led programme through our social media channels to great critical acclaim.
Please note this is a re-advertisement and previous applicants need not apply.
Accountable to: Chair and non-executive board. Responsible for: Playhouse senior management team. Hours: 40 hours per week. Package: £45,591- £48,529
Recruitment pack, including full job description and criteria, available to download at www.derryplayhouse.co.uk.
To apply please send CV and covering letter outlining how both essential and desirable criteria are met to aine@derryplayhouse.combefore Wednesday 28 October 2020 at 5pm.
21Public Appointment Opportunities with Armagh Observatory and Planetarium
The Department for Communities has launched a competition for a Trustee to the Board of Governors and three Members to the Management Committee of Armagh Observatory and Planetarium. AOP is a special, historic and unique organisation, which over many decades has captured the public’s interest, enthusiasm and imagination in astronomy and science. It has played host to a range of high profile programmes and exhibitions, as well as providing a significant and extensive education programme which ranges from pre-school to adulthood, and to both a local and international audience.
Applications are welcome from across the community, voluntary, business or public sectors particularly from women, people with a disability, people from minority ethnic groups and young people. A Guaranteed Interview Scheme is in place for those applicants with a disability. Further details on the positions including responsibilities and selection criteria are available on the NI Direct & Department for Communities websites: www.communities-ni.gov.uk/dfc-public-appointments or www.nidirect.gov.uk/public-appointment-vacancies.
The closing date for applications is Friday 6 November at 12 noon.
Ulster Historical Foundation wish to appoint a contactor to develop a completely new website combining all existing aspects of the Foundation’s online presence, which include:
Plus bringing together microsites promoting conferences, courses, projects and other content, all under one URL, which is well-laid out, with clear, easy navigation.
All these various resources will be brought together under one dedicated, seamless website It is desired that this website will:
Offer a fully-integrated e-commerce platform that applies to all Foundation products and services. NB: The commerce solution must be at the heart of the website
Modernise and improve UHF’s online profile Improve website visibility to Google and other search engines
Make aspects of the site attractive for social-media reposting and sharing Improve sales, registrations, subscriptions
This website will be:
An important genealogical resource for DIY genealogists through its genealogical database and search functionality
Reputable and trusted genealogical and historical bookstore
Important heritage tourism resource making UHF seen as a trusted small tour operator
A portal for the Irish and Scots-Irish community to connect with each other through our membership association (the ‘Guild’) and members’ area
An informative and trusted local history website, valuable also to ‘free-for-view’ visitor.
The contactor will be responsible for the design of the website and the construction of the structural elements of the website.
The contractor will be expected to work closely with dedicated staff members of the Ulster Historical Foundation to manage the development and content population to the website as it is developed.
Art competition sponsored by Bishop’s Gate Hotel for Derry Halloween
Void Gallery, North West Carnival Initiative and Derry City and Strabane District Council are delighted to announce Awakening the Windows. While we might not be able to get out on the streets, we can animate the city using our front windows to create unique and imaginative displays that celebrate Halloween in Derry, creating an art parade for people to enjoy.
Void, in collaboration with North West Carnival Initiative and Derry City and Strabane District Council, have programmed a series of art making workshops that will run every day from Monday 19th until Friday 23rd of October that will enable you to weave your own visual story of the Awakening in the comfort of your own home!
We are delighted that Bishop’s Gate Hotel have generously sponsored a prize for the winning window – an overnight stay in their hotel for two guests with dinner included! Nestled within the City Walls, Bishop’s Gate Hotel blends stunning Edwardian architecture, stylish appointments and luxurious facilities which have been sensitively restored to pay homage to the rich heritage of the building.
In order to be entered in the competition, all you need to do is upload an image of your window to the www.derryhalloween.com/awakening-the-windows. The winner will be announced on the 11th of November.
All videos will be released on the Derry Halloween website at 2pm daily throughout next week - the 19th - 23rd October - and stay tuned to Void’s social media for updates.
Book Week NI will take place during 19 to 25 October and there will be many opportunities to get involved; either on air, online or through social media.
What is Book Week NI
Book Week NI is a joint initiative arising from the partnership between BBC Northern Ireland and Libraries NI and the event is now going into its fifth year.
Book Week NI 2019 attracted large levels of audience engagement including BBC Radio Ulster/Foyle coverage, BBC Sounds recordings, BBC Newsline reports along with significant interaction with members of the public on social media.
This year’s focus
This year’s theme is Stories and Storytelling; focusing on stories that matter to each one of us and encouraging everyone to participate and share stories from books that matter to them.
The aim is to inspire people of all ages to discover or rediscover the joy of reading by pledging to take 15 minutes to read during and preferably throughout the week.
To encourage this there will be a different theme each day with suggestions of books, eBooks and eMagazines to read. Also, themed displays will take place in libraries across Northern Ireland and the BBC’s programming will link to Book Week NI across its air waves.
You can take a look at the different themes here.
You can get involved by:
Showing the world you’re taking part
Pledge to take 15 minutes to read each day by uploading our pledge button to your website or social media channels. Different formats of the button are available here.
Joining in each day on social media
To join in, take a selfie with a book that relates to the theme, or if you prefer take a short video clip, then upload the photo/video to social media.
For example:
During #BookWeekNI my #Take15 is ……
#BookweekNI – I have recently read and recommend ………….
#BookweekNI – My favourite children’s book is……
#BookweekNI – The books that make things brighter for me is ……
#BookweekNI – My favourite book from another time/place/culture …….
#BookweekNI – My favourite inspirational tale ….…
#BookweekNI - The best books adapted from screen, stage and radio ….
Remember to tag Libraries NI and BBC Northern Ireland using
@LibrariesNI and @BBCnireland on Twitter
@LibrariesNorthernIreland and @BBCNI on Facebook
@librariesni and @bbcni on Instagram
Don’t forget to tag in the authors, you might get a retweet and/or a like!
Do you know how to record sound & make beats using an iPad? Do you want to learn how to take better photos with your phone? Can you create an animation or FILM every day?
Harness your creative energy this mid-term & turn your spooky ideas into fun-filled masterpieces with our free online video tutorials!
We are thrilled to once again share our Make, Do, Create festival workshops with you!
This Halloween you and your family can explore and expand your creative side.
Let NI's most creative minds guide you through step by step videos on how to perfect your mobile photography, improve your drawing & illustration, enter the world of abstract art, create music & beats, bring to life an animation or become a film-maker!
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