Deadline: 31-Jul-2026
The Horticultural Grant Programme provides funding to community groups in Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough to develop gardening projects that improve public spaces and encourage local participation. The programme supports plants, gardening materials, equipment, small infrastructure, and training activities.
Eligible community, voluntary, and charitable groups can receive grants of up to £1,500 for horticultural projects carried out on publicly accessible land.
What Is the Horticultural Grant Programme?
The Horticultural Grant Programme is a community funding initiative that supports local gardening and environmental improvement projects.
The programme helps groups create and maintain attractive public spaces through:
- Community planting schemes
- Gardening activities
- Green space improvements
- Local environmental projects
It encourages residents to participate in horticulture while improving the appearance and quality of local areas.
Purpose of the Programme
The main purpose of the grant is to support community-led horticultural projects that benefit residents.
The programme aims to:
- Improve public spaces
- Encourage community involvement
- Increase access to green areas
- Promote gardening skills
- Support local environmental improvements
Projects may also contribute to recognition through initiatives such as:
- Best Kept competitions
- Ulster in Bloom
Funding Available
Eligible groups can receive financial support.
Maximum grant amount:
- Up to £1,500 per project
Funding is intended for projects that:
- Demonstrate clear community benefit
- Meet programme requirements
- Support local environmental improvement
- Align with Council priorities
Supported Activities
The programme supports a range of horticultural activities.
Community Horticultural Projects
Funding may support projects involving:
- Community gardens
- Public planting areas
- Shared green spaces
- Neighbourhood gardening initiatives
Projects should encourage residents to take part in improving their surroundings.
Plants and Gardening Materials
Eligible funding can be used for:
- Flowers
- Plants
- Trees
- Shrubs
- Seeds
- Other horticultural materials
At least 50% of total project spending must be allocated towards plants.
Site Preparation
Funding can support preparing areas for planting.
Examples include:
- Ground preparation
- Soil improvement
- Basic site works
- Preparation of planting areas
Tools and Equipment
Groups may use funding for essential gardening items.
Eligible equipment includes:
- Hand tools
- Small horticultural equipment
- Gardening supplies
The funding does not cover major capital equipment.
Small Infrastructure Items
Projects may include small features that improve community spaces.
Examples include:
- Plant containers
- Seating
- Small garden features
These items should support the overall horticultural project.
Training Costs
Relevant training activities may be supported.
Examples include:
- Gardening skills training
- Horticultural knowledge development
- Community learning activities
Who Can Apply?
The programme is open to properly constituted community groups, voluntary organisations, and charities.
Applicants must operate within:
- Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough
Eligible groups should have:
- A clear management structure
- Regular public meetings
- An Annual General Meeting (AGM)
- Proper financial records
- Appropriate accounts
Project Location Requirements
Projects must take place:
- Within the Borough
- On land accessible to the general public
Applicants must have:
- Permission from the landowner
- Approval to carry out the proposed work
Private or restricted-access locations are not eligible.
Eligible Costs
The grant can support costs directly linked to horticultural activities.
Eligible expenses include:
- Site preparation
- Equipment hire
- Contractor costs
- Hand tools
- Horticultural equipment
- Plants, trees, and shrubs
- Small infrastructure items
- Containers and seating
- Relevant training costs
Ineligible Costs
The programme does not fund:
- Salaries
- Volunteer expenses
- Promotional materials
- Transport costs
- Insurance
- Major capital equipment
- Large infrastructure items such as fences
Applicants should ensure their budgets focus on eligible horticultural activities.
How the Grant Works
The application process involves several steps.
Step 1: Develop a Project Plan
Groups should identify:
- The area to be improved
- The horticultural activities planned
- Community benefits
- Expected outcomes
Step 2: Confirm Permissions
Applicants must ensure:
- Landowner approval is obtained
- The site is accessible to the public
Step 3: Prepare a Budget
The budget should clearly show:
- Project costs
- Plant expenditure
- Other eligible expenses
At least half of the budget must support plant purchases.
Step 4: Submit the Application
Applications are assessed based on:
- Community need
- Project quality
- Public benefit
- Alignment with priorities
Step 5: Deliver the Project
Successful groups use funding to complete their horticultural activities and improve local spaces.
Benefits of the Programme
The grant helps communities:
- Create attractive green spaces
- Increase environmental awareness
- Encourage volunteering
- Develop gardening skills
- Improve neighbourhood pride
It supports stronger connections between residents and their local environment.
Why Community Horticulture Matters
Community gardening creates benefits beyond appearance.
It can support:
- Better wellbeing
- Social connections
- Biodiversity
- Environmental awareness
- Community participation
Green spaces help create healthier and more welcoming places to live.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Applicants should avoid:
- Proposing projects on private land without permission
- Spending too little on plants
- Including ineligible costs
- Submitting unclear project plans
- Failing to demonstrate community benefit
Strong applications should explain:
- Why the project is needed
- Who will benefit
- How the space will improve
- How funding will be used
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Who can apply for the Horticultural Grant Programme?
Community groups, voluntary organisations, and charities operating in Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough can apply.
2. How much funding is available?
Eligible projects can receive grants of up to £1,500.
3. Where must projects take place?
Projects must be located within the Borough on land accessible to the public.
4. Can funding be used for plants?
Yes. Plants, trees, and shrubs are eligible, and at least 50% of project costs must be spent on plants.
5. Are gardening tools eligible?
Yes. Hand tools and relevant horticultural equipment may be funded.
6. Can groups apply without landowner permission?
No. Applicants must have permission from the landowner before starting the project.
7. Are salaries or volunteer expenses covered?
No. The grant does not support salaries, volunteer expenses, or general operating costs.
Conclusion
The Horticultural Grant Programme helps community groups transform public spaces through gardening, planting, and environmental improvement projects.
By supporting local horticultural activities, the programme encourages community participation, improves green spaces, and creates lasting benefits for residents across Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough.
For more information, visit Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Council.