Deadline: 06-Jul-2026
The Community Development Grants Fund supports grassroots community groups in the Ards and North Down Borough Council area to strengthen local infrastructure, increase participation, and improve quality of life. It provides funding mainly for essential running costs such as rent, utilities, insurance, and venue hire for community spaces. Grants of up to £2,500 are available for eligible community organisations delivering local development outcomes.
Overview of the Fund
The Community Development Grants Fund is jointly supported by Ards and North Down Borough Council and the Department for Communities (Northern Ireland) under the Community Support Programme.
It is designed to sustain grassroots organisations that provide ongoing community services and activities that improve local wellbeing.
Key Focus Areas
Community Development and Local Strengthening
- Building stronger, more resilient communities
- Supporting long-term community-led initiatives
- Encouraging collective action and participation
Social Inclusion
- Promoting fairness and equal access to services
- Supporting inclusive community participation
- Aligning with Section 75 equality principles
Increasing Community Participation
- Encouraging residents to take part in local activities
- Supporting volunteer-led initiatives
- Strengthening engagement in community decision-making
Improving Quality of Life
- Enhancing wellbeing at a local level
- Supporting accessible community services
- Improving shared community spaces
Community Capacity and Empowerment
- Building skills and organisational capacity
- Supporting groups to influence local decision-making
- Strengthening governance and leadership in community groups
Funding Details
- Maximum grant: £2,500
- Covers running costs only
- Designed for ongoing community infrastructure support
Eligible Costs
Funding may be used for:
- Rent for community buildings or spaces
- Utilities (electricity, heating, water)
- Insurance costs
- Venue hire for community activities
- Basic operational costs for community centres
Who Is Eligible
Eligible Organisations
- Community groups based in Ards and North Down Borough Council area
- Grassroots organisations delivering community development outcomes
Governance Requirements
Applicants must:
- Have a written constitution or governing document
- Be democratically accountable (AGMs and public meetings)
- Demonstrate transparent and fair decision-making
Equality and Inclusion Requirement
- Must comply with Section 75 of the Northern Ireland Act 1998
- Must demonstrate inclusive and fair access to services
Application Requirements
- Must use the official 2026/27 application form
- Must clearly demonstrate community benefit and capacity building outcomes
Ineligible Applications (Implied Restrictions)
- Groups outside the Ards and North Down area
- Applications without proper governance structures
- Projects not focused on community development outcomes
- Non-compliant or incomplete application forms
Why This Fund Matters
This fund ensures that grassroots community organisations can continue operating essential services that strengthen local social infrastructure. It helps sustain community hubs that play a key role in participation, inclusion, and local wellbeing.
Key impacts:
- Strengthens community infrastructure
- Supports inclusive participation
- Improves local quality of life
- Sustains grassroots organisations
- Encourages community-led decision-making
How the Funding Works
Step 1: Confirm Eligibility
- Verify organisation is based in Ards and North Down
- Ensure governance and constitution are in place
Step 2: Identify Running Costs
- List essential operational expenses
- Ensure costs align with eligible categories
Step 3: Complete Application Form
- Use the 2026/27 official form
- Provide governance and community impact details
Step 4: Submit Application
- Submit within funding window
- Ensure full completion and compliance
Step 5: Assessment
- Applications reviewed based on community benefit
- Priority given to strong community development outcomes
Step 6: Funding Use and Reporting
- Use funds for approved running costs
- Demonstrate continued community benefit
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Applying outside the borough area
- Submitting incomplete governance documentation
- Requesting funding for non-running-cost activities
- Weak evidence of community development impact
- Not demonstrating inclusivity under Section 75 requirements
- Using outdated application forms
Tips for a Strong Application
- Clearly show how running costs sustain community impact
- Demonstrate active community participation
- Highlight inclusion and accessibility practices
- Provide strong governance evidence
- Link funding directly to improved community outcomes
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Community Development Grants Fund?
It is a local funding program supporting community groups in Ards and North Down with essential running costs.
How much funding is available?
Up to £2,500 per organisation.
What can the funding be used for?
Rent, utilities, insurance, and venue hire for community activities.
Who can apply?
Grassroots community groups based in Ards and North Down Borough Council area.
Is the funding for projects or running costs?
It is specifically for running costs of community infrastructure.
What governance is required?
A constitution, democratic structure, and compliance with inclusion requirements.
Which form must be used?
The official 2026/27 application form.
Conclusion
The Community Development Grants Fund plays a vital role in sustaining grassroots organisations across Ards and North Down. By covering essential running costs, it helps strengthen community infrastructure, improve participation, and ensure long-term local development and inclusion.
For more information, visit Ards and North Down Borough Council.