Minister announced £300,000 for community equipment
Date published:
Minister Givan has announced over £300,000 funding for organisations who applied to the Community Equipment Small Grants Programme.
Following a robust assessment by the Department for Communities intermediary body, the Limavady Community Development Initiative (LCDI), 107 applications were successful. Some 562 applications had been received when the programme closed to application on 25 November 2016.
Minister Givan said:“107 applications to my Department’s Community Equipment Small Capital Grants Programme are being issued with letters of offer today. This funding of just over £300,000 will enable the purchase of new and replacement equipment such as computers, sports equipment, catering and furniture for voluntary and community sector organisations across Northern Ireland.
“Investments such as this are central to the activity being taken forward by my Department and will provide necessary and valuable equipment to these organisations for use by many thousands of our citizens for years to come.
“There are over 4,000 voluntary and community organisations in Northern Ireland which are integral to community development and make a valuable contribution to sustaining and building civil society. Much of their existing equipment is in poor repair and in need of replacement or enhancement. It is expected that this equipment small grant programme will assist in delivering very valuable impacts for communities such as increasing participation and improving health and self efficacy.
“A key innovative element to this programme has been the need for applicants to demonstrate their commitment to partnership and collaboration. The successful 107 applicants were able to demonstrate that 398 different organisations would benefit from the assistance provided under the programme. This will result in improved collaboration and build better relationships between these organisations,” added Minister Givan.
The Community Equipment Capital Programme was developed as a response to requests from voluntary and community sector stakeholders for capital support that would enable them to deliver their services.
Notes to editors:
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