Deadline: 06-Feb-2026
The Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council’s Community Festival Fund supports local communities in hosting culture-based festivals that strengthen social cohesion, diversity, and community identity. Funding ranges from £1,000 to £3,250 depending on the festival’s scale and duration. Applications are open to non-profit community and voluntary organizations based in the council area.
Overview
The Community Festival Fund aims to:
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Support, promote, and develop the capacity of local communities to organize cultural festival events.
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Celebrate unique community identities and promote diversity.
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Strengthen good community relations and social cohesion.
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Recognize the positive contributions of festivals to local communities and the economy.
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Enhance community quality of life through arts, culture, and leisure participation.
The fund prioritizes festivals that are community-led and culturally meaningful, reflecting either a geographical community (town, village, neighbourhood, rural area) or a community of interest (shared concern, interest, or characteristic). At least 50% of participants must be from the local community hosting the festival.
Eligible Festival Criteria
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Festivals must be culture-based, defined as the ideas, customs, and social behavior of a community.
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Demonstrate a commitment to social cohesion, inclusion, equality of opportunity, and good community relations.
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Events developed from within the community and positively promoting its identity.
Funding Levels
Funding is based on festival duration, scale, and participant engagement:
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One-day community events
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Minimum 4 consecutive hours
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At least 3 distinct activities open to the whole community
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Funding: up to £1,000
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Two-day festivals
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Each day at least 4 hours, offering different activities
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Funding: up to £1,750
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Three-day or longer festivals
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Each day at least 4 hours, varied activities
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Minimum 500 participants and visitors
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Funding: up to £3,250
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Who is Eligible?
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Non-profit community and voluntary organizations based in, or with main activities in, the Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council area.
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Must be a bona fide, well-run, non-profit organization with a governing document (constitution, memorandum, articles of association).
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Ineligible:
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Public bodies or government agencies
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Private sector companies
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How to Apply
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Confirm eligibility: Ensure the organization is non-profit, community-based, and legally constituted.
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Develop festival proposal: Include festival objectives, community impact, cultural significance, and programming details.
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Outline activities: Clearly describe the range of activities, duration of each day, and expected participant numbers.
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Submit application: Complete the official application form with supporting documents such as governing documents and festival plan.
Why This Fund Matters
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Encourages community ownership and leadership in cultural initiatives.
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Promotes diversity, inclusion, and social cohesion through arts and culture.
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Supports economic and social benefits for local communities.
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Provides resources to enhance local quality of life and celebrate cultural identity.
Tips and Common Mistakes
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Ensure at least 50% of participants are from the local community.
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Clearly show programming for multiple days or activities if applying for higher funding tiers.
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Do not submit applications for public body or private company festivals.
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Provide complete governing documents with the application.
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Align festival objectives with community development, cultural identity, and inclusion.
FAQ
What types of festivals are eligible?
Culture-based festivals reflecting the social customs, traditions, or interests of the community.
Who can apply?
Non-profit community and voluntary organizations based in or operating within the Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council area.
How much funding can my festival receive?
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One-day event: up to £1,000
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Two-day event: up to £1,750
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Three-day or more: up to £3,250
Can public or private organizations apply?
No, only bona fide non-profit community or voluntary organizations are eligible.
Is there a participant requirement?
Yes, at least 50% of participants must be from the local community hosting the festival.
What supporting documents are required?
A governing document (constitution, memorandum, articles of association), festival plan, and community engagement details.
Conclusion
The Community Festival Fund empowers local communities across Causeway Coast and Glens to celebrate culture, enhance social cohesion, and foster local engagement. By providing targeted financial support, the fund enables community-led festivals to thrive and positively impact participants, the broader community, and the local economy.
For more information, visit Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council.
