Deadline: 31-Dec-2026
The Building a United Community Fund Grant Programme supports Good Relations projects in the Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council area. It funds initiatives that promote respect, tolerance, reconciliation, and understanding between people of different religious, political, and racial backgrounds. Eligible not-for-profit community organisations can apply for grants covering up to 100% of project costs, with funding up to £1,500 per project.
Overview
The Building a United Community Fund Grant Programme is designed to strengthen community cohesion across the Causeway Coast and Glens Borough. It supports projects that improve relationships between diverse communities and encourage peaceful, inclusive, and respectful interaction.
The programme aligns with the Council’s Good Relations Strategy, which aims to make the Borough a model for best practice in community relations.
Programme Objectives
The fund supports initiatives that:
- Promote Good Relations between diverse groups
- Build understanding between people of different:
- Religious beliefs
- Political opinions
- Racial and ethnic backgrounds
- Encourage respect, tolerance, and reconciliation
- Strengthen community cohesion and cultural diversity
- Improve long-term peacebuilding and social integration
Key Focus Areas
Projects funded under this programme should contribute to:
Community Cohesion
- Building stronger relationships across communities
- Encouraging dialogue between different cultural groups
- Reducing division and misunderstanding
Diversity and Inclusion
- Supporting minority ethnic groups
- Promoting equality and representation
- Encouraging inclusive community participation
Education and Awareness
- Workshops and awareness programmes
- Cultural exchange activities
- Interfaith and intercommunity dialogue
Youth and Community Engagement
- Activities for children and young people
- Parent, toddler, and family group initiatives
- Youth leadership and participation projects
Funding Overview
- Maximum grant per project: £1,500
- Funding coverage: Up to 100% of eligible project costs
- Programme type: Small-scale community Good Relations grants
Eligibility Criteria
Applicants must meet all requirements:
Organisation Requirements
- Must be a not-for-profit organisation
- Must be based in or operate primarily within the Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council area
- Must have a formal governing document, such as:
- Constitution
- Memorandum and Articles of Association
Organisational Characteristics
Eligible organisations must be:
- Formally constituted
- Open and accountable
- Representative of their local community
- Actively promoting Good Relations
Eligible Organisation Types
- Minority ethnic groups
- Community development organisations
- Cultural organisations
- Women’s and men’s groups
- Children and youth organisations
- Playgroups and parent–toddler groups
- Senior citizens groups
- Faith-based organisations
- Community relations and cultural diversity organisations
- Local umbrella organisations
Project Requirements
Funded projects must:
- Align with Good Relations objectives
- Be delivered within the Causeway Coast and Glens area
- Demonstrate community benefit and inclusivity
- Engage diverse community groups
- Include monitoring and evaluation activities
Monitoring and Evaluation
Funded organisations are required to:
- Work closely with Council Good Relations Officers
- Participate in monitoring and reporting processes
- Provide evidence of project outcomes and impact
- Support evaluation of community relations improvements
Why This Programme Matters
The Building a United Community Fund strengthens social cohesion by:
- Reducing community division and misunderstanding
- Promoting peaceful intercommunity relationships
- Encouraging cultural diversity and mutual respect
- Supporting grassroots peacebuilding initiatives
- Building inclusive and resilient communities
- Enhancing long-term community trust and cooperation
Application Guidance (How to Build a Strong Proposal)
Strong applications typically include:
- Clear Good Relations objectives
- Defined target community groups
- Evidence of inclusive participation strategies
- Practical activities promoting dialogue and interaction
- Strong community partnerships
- Realistic budget aligned with £1,500 limit
- Clear outcomes and evaluation methods
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Weak alignment with Good Relations objectives
- Lack of clear community engagement strategy
- Missing formal governance documentation
- Unclear target groups or beneficiaries
- Poorly defined outcomes or impact measures
- Overly broad project scope for small funding size
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the Building a United Community Fund?
It is a small grants programme supporting Good Relations projects in the Causeway Coast and Glens Borough.
How much funding is available?
Up to £1,500 per project, covering up to 100% of eligible costs.
Who can apply?
Not-for-profit, formally constituted community and voluntary organisations in the Borough area.
What types of projects are funded?
Projects that promote Good Relations, including cultural exchange, dialogue, and community cohesion activities.
Do projects need to focus on diversity?
Yes, they must promote understanding between different religious, political, and racial groups.
Is monitoring required?
Yes, funded organisations must work with Council Good Relations Officers and participate in evaluation processes.
Conclusion
The Building a United Community Fund Grant Programme supports grassroots initiatives that strengthen Good Relations across the Causeway Coast and Glens Borough. By funding small-scale, community-led projects that promote inclusion, respect, and cultural understanding, it helps build more cohesive, peaceful, and resilient communities.
For more information, visit Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council.