Press Release

Council grants up for grabs!

10th November 2005

Derry City Council has announced that its main grant aid programme will be open for applications from 14th November (10.00am) to 12th December 05 (3.00pm).

Grants of up to £5000 will be available to community and voluntary groups for projects falling within the next financial year (April 2006-March 2007). The programme covers funding of projects within Arts and Culture, Sports Development, Festival and Special Events, Community Relations, Women's Programme, Waterside and Rural Community Development, and Cityside North and South Community Development.

Derry City Council’s Head of Community Services Gerald McColgan said that Council are anticipating a high level of demand for this period’s grant aid,

" We are delighted to have funded such a diverse range of community and voluntary groups in the last financial year. The range of projects funded has had a positive impact across all sections of our community.

“ Council would like to thank the Community and Voluntary sector for its continued excellent work and hopes that as many groups as possible will apply for Council Grant Aid this year."

In the current 2005 - 2006 financial year Council funded approximately £200,000 to community groups through its main and support grant aid. There were 132 applications and 53% of eligible applications were funded. Groups were funded from right across the city and district, with the Waterside and Rural, Community Relations, Arts and Culture and Women's programmes topping the numbers for successful applications.

The Grant Aid system allocates money proportionally across all the programmes based on the number of eligible applications. Independent outside monitors and cross-party panels of councillors ensure that Council's commitment to fairness, equality and good relations is upheld.

Deadline

It is vital that any applications made arrive before the strict deadline of 3pm on 12th December 05. Community groups should also bear in mind that the funding is for project costs and not core costs. The stated documentation such as a constitution, up to date financial information and committee information must also be included with applications.

To apply groups should complete an 'Expression of Interest' form which is available online at www.derrycity.gov.uk/grantaid. Full information is also available on the website or by contacting the Development Department on (028) 71365151 ext: 6678/6660.

Ends

For additional information contact:

Press Office

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