Make a difference in your community - applications now open for grants to support arts and community support programmes

November 15, 2024

We’ve launched a number of grants aimed at community groups, local organisations and professional artists to bring creative and community-focused projects to life.

Our Community Support and Arts Grants Schemes for 2025/26 will fund projects running from April 2025 through to March 2026, with applications open until 12 noon on 13 December 2024.

Councillor Jonathan Craig, Chair of Communities and Wellbeing, shared the council’s focus on supporting local projects:

“These grants are all about helping people and groups in our community bring their ideas to life. We want to give local organisations and individuals the chance to create something that will make life better for everyone in Lisburn & Castlereagh. If you’ve got a project that will help your community, I encourage you to apply and take advantage of this opportunity.”

Available Funding Programmes for 2025/26 Projects:

Community Support Grant Scheme:

• Supporting local organisations with grants between £2,500 - £5,500.
• Aimed at building capacity and developing skills to meet the needs of local communities.
• Can be used for running costs, programme/activity costs, and volunteer development.

LCCC Arts Grants Scheme:

• Individual Artists – Empowering local artists to develop and showcase their work.
• Arts Organisations – Helping arts groups expand programming that inspires and connects.
• Making Art in Communities (MAC) – Enabling projects that bring communities together through creative expression.

LCCC Arts Awards and Bursaries:

• John Hewitt International Summer School Residency Award – Offering local writers and artists a unique residency experience.
• Young Artist of the Year Award – Recognising emerging talent with opportunities to grow and share their art.
• Tyrone Guthrie Regional Bursary Scheme – Providing dedicated time and resources for artists to focus on new work.

• Community Festivals Fund – Supporting community-led festivals that celebrate local culture.

Grant Information Sessions – Reserve Your Place!

To help prospective applicants, three information sessions have been organised. These sessions will provide insight into the criteria for each grant, tips on crafting strong applications, and a chance to connect with others with a shared vision of improving local communities

• Wednesday, 27 November 2024, 7pm – Maghaberry Community Centre
• Thursday, 5 December 2024. 7pm – Moneyreagh Community Centre
• Tuesday, 10 December, 11am – Online via Teams

To register for an information session, please contact community.services@lisburncastlereagh.gov.uk or phone 028 9244 7713.

For more information on how to apply visit https://www.lisburncastlereagh.gov.uk/w/community-grants