Deadline: 20-Mar-2026
The Good Relations Grant – Micro – Call 2 (2026/27) provides up to £1,000 in small-scale funding to eligible local community organisations.
To qualify, organisations must be formally constituted, democratically governed, financially transparent, and inclusive of their entire identified community.
This micro-grant strengthens grassroots governance, accountability, and fair community participation.
The Good Relations Grant – Micro – Call 2 (2026/27) is a local community funding programme offering small grants of up to £1,000.
It supports formally structured, not-for-profit community organisations that operate at a local level and follow strong governance and accountability standards.
This funding stream promotes inclusive membership, democratic leadership, and transparent financial reporting.
Grant Overview
Funding Amount: Up to £1,000
Funding Type: Micro-grant / Small-scale community funding
Target Applicants: Local, community-based, not-for-profit organisations
Core Focus Areas:
-
Democratic governance
-
Inclusive community participation
-
Transparent financial management
-
Accountability through annual reporting
-
Equal member representation
The programme ensures that public or community funds are distributed to organisations operating fairly and responsibly.
Who Is Eligible?
Organisations must meet strict structural, governance, and transparency criteria.
1. Organisational Requirements
The organisation must:
-
Be formally constituted with a written governing document
-
Be community-managed and autonomous
-
Operate on a not-for-personal-profit basis
-
Work at a clearly defined local community level
Examples of governing documents include:
-
Constitution
-
Articles of association
-
Rules of governance
These documents must clearly define how the organisation operates.
2. Membership and Inclusivity Requirements
The governing document must confirm:
-
Open and inclusive membership
-
Access for the full range of opinion within the identified community
-
No exclusion of any section of the community
-
Equal status and rights for all members
Inclusive membership ensures fair representation and equal participation.
3. Democratic Governance Requirements
Each organisation must demonstrate democratic management by:
-
Holding an Annual General Meeting (AGM) every year
-
Ensuring equal voting rights for all members
-
Electing a management committee or board of directors through a clear democratic process
During the AGM:
-
Members vote equally
-
Leadership positions are filled through election
-
The organisation reviews its annual activities
This ensures accountability and shared decision-making.
4. Financial Transparency Requirements
Financial accountability is mandatory.
At the AGM, organisations must present:
-
An annual report outlining activities carried out during the year
-
An annual statement of accounts detailing income and expenditure
This ensures transparent use of funds and responsible financial management.
What Does “Formally Constituted” Mean?
A formally constituted organisation has a legally recognized structure defined by written rules.
It clearly outlines:
-
Purpose and objectives
-
Membership criteria
-
Governance and decision-making processes
-
Election procedures
-
Financial controls and reporting obligations
Without a formal constitution, organisations are not eligible.
Why This Grant Matters
The Good Relations Micro Grant strengthens local civil society and community leadership.
It matters because it:
-
Encourages democratic engagement
-
Promotes equal representation
-
Strengthens transparency and accountability
-
Supports sustainable grassroots development
-
Builds community trust
By setting governance standards, the programme ensures funding benefits the wider community rather than private interests.
How to Apply
Although specific submission procedures may vary, organisations should follow this preparation framework.
Step 1: Verify Governance Compliance
Confirm that:
-
A current constitution exists
-
An AGM has been held within the last 12 months
-
Members have equal voting rights
-
A committee or board was elected democratically
-
Financial records are up to date
Step 2: Prepare Required Documentation
Gather:
-
Governing document
-
AGM minutes
-
Annual activity report
-
Annual statement of accounts
-
Evidence of committee election
Ensure all documents are accurate and internally consistent.
Step 3: Develop a Clear Funding Proposal
Prepare a short proposal that includes:
-
Description of proposed activities
-
Explanation of community benefit
-
Budget breakdown (not exceeding £1,000)
Ensure alignment with your organisation’s objectives.
Step 4: Submit the Application
Complete the official application form and attach all supporting documents.
Double-check consistency between your application and governance records.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Applications may fail due to:
-
Missing or outdated constitution
-
Failure to hold an AGM
-
Incomplete financial records
-
Exclusive membership policies
-
Informal or undocumented elections
-
Inconsistent reporting
Tip: Conduct a governance review before applying to ensure full compliance.
Governance Compliance Checklist
Before submitting your application, confirm:
-
Constitution is current and clearly written
-
Membership is open and equal
-
AGM held within the past year
-
Committee elected through a documented democratic process
-
Annual report prepared
-
Statement of accounts approved and recorded
-
All documentation is available upon request
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. What is the maximum grant amount?
The maximum available funding is £1,000 per eligible organisation.
2. Can individuals apply?
No. Only formally constituted, not-for-profit community organisations can apply.
3. Is an AGM mandatory?
Yes. An Annual General Meeting must be held every year with equal voting rights for all members.
4. What financial documents are required?
An annual statement of accounts must be presented at the AGM to demonstrate transparency.
5. Can an organisation restrict membership?
No. Membership must be inclusive and open to the entire identified community.
6. Does the organisation need a management committee?
Yes. A committee or board must be democratically elected at the AGM.
7. Why are governance standards required?
Governance standards ensure fairness, accountability, equal representation, and responsible use of funds.
Conclusion
The Good Relations Grant – Micro – Call 2 (2026/27) provides up to £1,000 to support local, not-for-profit community organisations that demonstrate strong governance and inclusivity.
Eligibility depends on having a formal constitution, inclusive membership policies, democratic leadership elections, annual AGMs, and transparent financial reporting.
Organisations that operate fairly, transparently, and in the best interests of their communities are well positioned to benefit from this micro-grant and strengthen local engagement and accountability.
For more information, visit Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon Borough Council.