Deadline: 22-Jun-2026
The Rural Micro Capital Grant Scheme (RMCGS) 2026/27 is a Northern Ireland funding programme supporting rural community-led organisations to deliver small capital projects that reduce poverty, address social isolation, and improve local wellbeing. Funded by the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA), the scheme provides grants of £500 to £2,500 for practical community improvements.
The programme focuses on capital upgrades such as energy efficiency improvements, ICT equipment, community facility modernisation, and environmental enhancements. It requires a minimum 15% match funding contribution and is designed exclusively for rural, not-for-profit community organisations.
What is the Rural Micro Capital Grant Scheme (RMCGS) 2026/27?
The Rural Micro Capital Grant Scheme (RMCGS) 2026/27 is a targeted funding initiative supporting small-scale capital projects in rural Northern Ireland. It is designed to strengthen community infrastructure and improve quality of life in rural areas through practical investments.
The scheme is delivered under the DAERA Tackling Rural Poverty and Social Isolation Programme, which aims to build stronger, more connected, and more resilient rural communities.
Purpose of the Scheme
The scheme aims to:
- Reduce rural poverty and social exclusion.
- Address social isolation in rural communities.
- Improve community wellbeing and participation.
- Enhance access to local services and facilities.
- Support energy efficiency improvements in community buildings.
- Strengthen ICT access and digital inclusion.
- Modernise rural community infrastructure.
- Promote environmental sustainability.
- Improve health and wellbeing outcomes.
Key Focus Areas
The RMCGS supports capital projects across several priority areas:
Tackling Rural Poverty and Social Isolation
- Improving community engagement.
- Supporting inclusive access to facilities.
- Reducing barriers to participation.
Community Infrastructure Development
- Upgrading community halls and buildings.
- Purchasing essential fixtures and fittings.
- Improving accessibility and usability of facilities.
Energy Efficiency Improvements
- Installation of insulation.
- Upgrading lighting systems.
- Improving doors and windows for energy savings.
- Reducing long-term energy costs for community buildings.
Environmental Enhancements
- Community gardening equipment.
- Green space improvements.
- Local environmental sustainability projects.
ICT and Digital Inclusion
- Computers and laptops for community use.
- Public address (PA) systems.
- Digital communication equipment.
- Improving access to online services.
Health and Wellbeing Initiatives
- Facilities that support physical and mental wellbeing.
- Community engagement spaces.
- Equipment that encourages social participation.
Funding Amount
The scheme provides:
- Grants ranging from £500 to £2,500 per project.
Funding is intended for small, practical capital improvements that deliver direct community benefit.
Funding Model and Match Requirement
The funding structure includes:
- 50% to 85% of eligible project costs covered by the grant.
- Minimum 15% cash match funding required from the applicant organisation.
Applicants must demonstrate financial contribution and ensure full project feasibility before approval.
Who is Eligible?
Eligible applicants must be:
- Rural-based organisations in Northern Ireland.
- Not-for-profit community-led organisations.
- Properly governed and legally constituted bodies.
Governance Requirements
Applicants must have:
- A formal constitution.
- A management committee.
- A dedicated organisational bank account.
- Clear financial accountability systems.
- Evidence of community benefit and engagement.
Eligible Projects
Projects must be capital in nature and may include:
- Purchase of ICT equipment (computers, PA systems).
- Energy efficiency upgrades (insulation, lighting, windows, doors).
- Community facility improvements and modernisation.
- Environmental and gardening equipment.
- Infrastructure upgrades that improve usability and access.
- Health and wellbeing-related capital investments.
All projects must directly benefit rural communities and contribute to reducing poverty or isolation.
Ineligible Organisations
The scheme does not support:
- Urban-based organisations.
- Profit-making or commercial entities.
- Organisations without proper governance structures.
Ineligible Costs
The following costs are not covered:
- Staffing or salary costs.
- Training programmes.
- Consumables and consumable supplies.
- Routine maintenance or repairs.
- Non-capital expenditure.
- Projects already completed or started before approval.
Project Delivery Requirements
To qualify for funding, projects must:
- Be approved before commencement.
- Be completed within the scheme timeline.
- Be capital-focused and clearly defined.
- Be supported by supplier quotations.
- Deliver measurable community benefit.
Evidence and Compliance Requirements
Applicants must maintain:
- Photographic evidence of project delivery.
- Financial records and receipts.
- Proof of expenditure.
- Documentation of outcomes and community impact.
- Compliance with reporting requirements.
Why the Scheme Matters
The RMCGS plays a vital role in supporting rural communities by:
- Improving access to essential services and facilities.
- Reducing social isolation in remote areas.
- Strengthening community cohesion.
- Enhancing environmental sustainability.
- Supporting digital inclusion and connectivity.
- Improving overall wellbeing and quality of life.
By funding small but impactful capital projects, the scheme helps rural communities become more resilient and self-sustaining.
How the Application Process Works
Step 1: Identify Community Need
Organisations identify a specific issue related to poverty, isolation, or wellbeing.
Step 2: Develop Capital Project Proposal
Applicants design a small-scale capital project aligned with scheme objectives.
Step 3: Obtain Quotations
Applicants must secure supplier quotations for all project costs.
Step 4: Confirm Match Funding
At least 15% cash match funding must be secured.
Step 5: Submit Application
Applications are submitted with full documentation and governance details.
Step 6: Assessment and Approval
Projects are assessed based on:
- Relevance to rural poverty and isolation.
- Community benefit.
- Feasibility and cost-effectiveness.
- Governance and compliance.
Step 7: Project Delivery
Approved projects are implemented within the agreed timeframe.
Step 8: Claim Submission
Funding claims are submitted after completion with full evidence.
Selection Criteria
Applications are evaluated based on:
- Impact on rural poverty and social isolation.
- Strength of community benefit.
- Capital nature of the project.
- Value for money.
- Organisational capacity and governance.
- Sustainability and long-term benefit.
Characteristics of Strong Applications
Successful applications typically demonstrate:
- Clear rural community need.
- Strong alignment with scheme priorities.
- Well-defined capital investment plan.
- Evidence of community consultation.
- Realistic budgeting and quotations.
- Strong governance and financial control.
- Measurable social impact.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Applicants often weaken proposals by:
- Including non-capital costs.
- Failing to provide quotations.
- Not securing match funding.
- Submitting incomplete governance documentation.
- Starting projects before approval.
- Weak explanation of community benefit.
Tips for a Successful Application
To improve chances of success:
- Clearly link the project to poverty or isolation reduction.
- Focus strictly on capital improvements.
- Provide strong evidence of rural community need.
- Ensure accurate budgeting and quotations.
- Demonstrate governance and financial readiness.
- Show long-term community impact.
- Secure match funding early.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the Rural Micro Capital Grant Scheme (RMCGS) 2026/27?
It is a Northern Ireland funding programme that supports small capital projects in rural communities to reduce poverty, social isolation, and improve wellbeing.
How much funding is available?
Grants range from £500 to £2,500 per project.
What is the funding contribution requirement?
Applicants must provide at least 15% cash match funding, with grants covering 50% to 85% of eligible costs.
Who can apply?
Rural, not-for-profit, community-led organisations in Northern Ireland with proper governance structures can apply.
What types of projects are supported?
Projects include ICT upgrades, energy efficiency improvements, community facility upgrades, environmental enhancements, and wellbeing-focused capital investments.
Can staffing or training costs be funded?
No. The scheme only supports capital costs, not staffing, training, or consumables.
When must projects be completed?
Projects must only begin after approval and must be completed within the scheme timeline before submitting claims.
Conclusion
The Rural Micro Capital Grant Scheme (RMCGS) 2026/27 is a focused funding initiative that strengthens rural communities in Northern Ireland through small but impactful capital investments. By supporting improvements in infrastructure, energy efficiency, digital access, and community wellbeing, the programme helps reduce poverty and social isolation while building more resilient rural communities. Its emphasis on practical, community-led solutions ensures that even modest funding delivers meaningful and lasting local impact.
For more information, visit DAERA.
