BELFAST HARBOUR community awards open for applications
Charities and community groups could secure individual grants of up to £5,000 from Belfast Harbour Community Awards funding
Total of £40,000 to be allocated to organisations for local projects
Belfast Harbour is inviting applications from community groups and charities for the next round of funding through its 2023 Community Awards.
The Community Awards, provide community organisations, charities and not-for-profit groups registered in Northern Ireland with an opportunity to apply for individual grants of up to £5,000 for projects that meet a specific need in the community.
Run alongside Belfast Harbour’s larger charity partnerships and responsible business initiatives, the grants are distributed twice a year.
A total of £80,000 has been allocated for 2023, with £40,000 already awarded in the first round of awards this year to a range of initiatives, including sports clubs, mental health programmes and skills initiative programmes.
Allison Dowling, Corporate Affairs and Engagement Director at Belfast Harbour, said: “Our Community Awards Fund supports grass-roots community groups and charities to deliver diverse and innovative local projects and initiatives. The cost-of-living crisis has heightened the pressures felt by all communities, and we know that supporting these organisations and helping them to make a positive local impact has never been more important.
“Now in their third year, our awards are just one example of Belfast Harbour’s commitment to work as a community focused Port, building partnerships with communities and the groups that support them”.
One of the previous recipients from the awards in the last round was Big Loop Bikes, a social enterprise run by The Turnaround Project, which provides transitional employment opportunities for people who have been through the justice system and are struggling to find employment.
Richard Good, Director of The Turnaround Project said: “We were delighted to partner with Belfast Harbour through their community awards. The grant we received provided funding for Big Loop Bikes to deliver community Dr. Bike sessions for businesses and residents around the Harbour Estate, which have proved very successful. The application process for the Community Awards was very straightforward, and I’d certainly encourage others to apply.”
Belfast Harbour is inviting applications from organisations who can show how their planned project will positively impact the local community in one of three category areas:
Supporting Employability and Skills – creating a healthy and sustainable workforce, both for now and the future
Supporting our Environment – promoting a sustainable environment for current and future generations
Supporting Communities – identifying and tackling social issues key to the sustainability of local communities
To find out more about the Community Awards please go to https://www.belfast-harbour.co.uk/community/community-awards/ .
