NI Centenary Grants Programme now open to all community organisations

Community groups across Mid and East Antrim Borough Council (MEABC) area have been encouraged to apply to the Shared History Fund –set up to facilitate engagement and celebration of the Centenary of Northern Ireland – which is now open.

The funding will be distributed by the National Lottery Heritage Fund and is available to organisations across the UK.

It will support the work of arts, heritage, voluntary, community and other non-profit organisations, many of whom have faced significant funding challenges as a result of the COVID pandemic.

Council agreed to set up an Elected Member Working Group to look at ways the Centenary could be marked in Mid and East Antrim.

Council agreed that correspondence would be made with the First Minister and deputy First Minister to explore how MEABC can link in to national and regional initiatives.

Councillor Cheryl Johnston, Chair of Council’s NI 100 Working Group, welcomed the opening of the funding programme.

“There will be numerous opportunities in 2021 to celebrate and treasure the rich sporting, cultural, entrepreneurial and academic talent from within Mid and East Antrim Borough that has placed Northern Ireland on the world stage.

“As well as celebrating our people, this significant occasion will provide an opportunity to promote our Borough as an attractive place to live, visit, work and importantly highlight the advantageous investment opportunities available.

“I would encourage our local community and voluntary organisations to get creative with their ideas on celebrating this historic moment. More information on how to apply to the Shared History Fund can be found at www.heritagefund.org.uk/funding/shared-history-fund which is now open.”

The Mayor of Mid and East Antrim, Councillor Peter Johnston, added: “I am delighted to see the progress which has already been made by Council and by our Northern Ireland Centenary Working Group, to celebrate the 100th birthday of Northern Ireland.

“We have so much to be proud of here in Mid and East Antrim, from our industrial heritage to sporting success, to our world-leading business community. This is the ideal opportunity for us to showcase our borough on this historic occasion.”

The Shared History Fund grants will be awarded between £3,000 and £100,000 in two categories: £3,000-£10,000 and £10,000-£100,000. Funding must be spent by 31 March 2022.