Applications invited for Mid and East Antrim Borough Council's Good Relations Grants Scheme

The scheme is available to constituted groups and will support good relations projects and initiatives taking place between 1 April 2016 and 31 March 2017.

Applications to the Scheme will remain open for six weeks with the closing date for applications being 12pm Friday 29 April 2016.

The Grant Scheme has received financial support from OFMDFM through Mid and East Antrim Borough Council’s Good Relations Programme

Speaking at the launch of the scheme, the Mayor of Mid and East Antrim Borough, Councillor Billy Ashe said: “This is a great opportunity for groups in Mid and East Antrim to get involved in delivering Good Relations work and projects within our borough.

“Up to £2,500 will be available per group this financial year and council feels this will be a valuable contribution towards empowering local communities to promote Good Relations work within their areas.

“Good Relations is a legal requirement that places an onus on Council to promote positive relationships between persons of different religious belief, political opinion and racial group.

“This is a further opportunity for Mid and East Antrim Borough Council to develop its Good Relations work around promoting positive relationships, in partnership with communities, who understand their Good Relations issues, and how to address them,” Councillor Ashe said.

The purpose of Good Relations Grants Scheme reflects the ‘Together: Building a United Community’ Strategy which outlines a vision of “a united community, based on equality of opportunity, the desirability of good relations and reconciliation – one which is strengthened by its diversity, where cultural expression is celebrated and embraced and where everyone can live, learn, work and socialise together, free from prejudice, hate and intolerance”.

Applications will be scored and as part of the process groups will be asked to clearly link how their application meets one of the four key themes from the strategy which are:

* Children and Young People: To continue to improve attitudes amongst young people and to build a community where they can play a full and active role in building good relations.

* Our Shared Community: To create a community where division does not restrict the life opportunities of individuals and where all areas are open and accessible to everyone.

* Our Safe Community: To create a community where everyone feels safe in moving around and where life choices are not inhibited by fears around safety

* Cultural Expression: To create a community, which promotes mutual respect and understanding, is strengthened by its diversity and where cultural expression is celebrated and embraced.

The Good Relations grant is 100% funded up to a maximum of £2,500. This can be applied for through one large application or through a series of smaller applications. A maximum budget of £40,000 is available for the Scheme through the one call opening on 14 March 2016. A further call may open later in the year if budget is available. Should the scheme go over-subscribed, Council may reduce the amount offered on a pro-rata basis.

Applications can be made online at www.midandeastantrim.gov.uk/community/grants. Although council’s preferred method of application is by online, hard copy applications are available upon request.

The closing date for applications is 12pm Friday 29 April 2016. Late applications will not be accepted after this date.

For further information on the application process, please contact the Grants Office on 028 2563 3148 or 028 9335 8240. Alternatively, enquiries can be emailed to grants@midandeastantrim.gov.uk.