Small grants scheme reopens for communities in Derry and Strabane

Northern Ireland’s largest community and civic pride campaign, Live Here Love Here, has announced the return of its Small Grants Scheme following a record-breaking year in 2024, when it awarded £196,342 to 115 projects, all with the ability to increase civic pride and boost biodiversity.

Last year also saw 4,500 volunteers come together to transform forgotten or underused spaces across Northern Ireland, demonstrating the importance of community in tackling environmental challenges and promoting stewardship.

Delivered in partnership with ten local councils, the Northern Ireland Housing Executive, and Belfast Harbour, applications for the 2025 Small Grants Scheme are open until August 18. Community and volunteer groups, schools, not-for-profit organisations, and un-constituted groups are invited to apply, with successful applications awarded grants from £500 to £3,000.

In 2024, Magilligan Community Association received funding from the Northern Ireland Housing Executive to transform their half-hectare community allotment into a dynamic space that encourages environmental education and accessibility.

"With 30 volunteers contributing 60 hours, the project added raised beds for easier gardening access, planted native trees to support local biodiversity, and created a pond area equipped with exploration tools and cameras to engage residents in wildlife discovery. Accessible seating and paths were installed to ensure everyone, including those with limited mobility, can comfortably enjoy the space.

Orla McGrady, Grants Officer at Live Here Love Here highlighted the array of benefits the Scheme brings to Northern Ireland. She said: “Our Small Grants Scheme continues to prove its role in delivering tangible, long-lasting environmental benefits to urban and rural communities. With 378 applications last year, it’s clear the scheme encourages and empowers people to show the pride and passion they have for where they live. In addition to boosting the environment, we have found that the scheme also supports improved community health and wellbeing as these new shared spaces become places everyone can participate in.

“We look forward to communities submitting their ideas this year in hopes we can help more villages, towns and cities across Northern Ireland come together to leave a positive legacy.”

The Small Grants Scheme had a record-breaking year in 2024, awarding £196,342 to 115 projects across Northern Ireland. With 4,500 volunteers revitalising neglected spaces, the scheme has supported environmental improvements, civic pride, and community wellbeing across the region.

Live Here Love Here is currently hosting Connecting Communities events across Northern Ireland, including a stop at Guildhall Derry on August 20, offering opportunities to meet local volunteers and learn more about applying to the 2025 Scheme.

Lynda Surgenor, Live Here Love Here Manager, said: “The Small Grants Scheme continues to demonstrate the extraordinary impact funding can have when placed in the hands of passionate local people. Over 100 projects completed across Northern Ireland last year, and over 1.2 million in improvements have been delivered as a result of the scheme to date.

"The impact ranges from community allotments to school gardens, and biodiversity workshops to urban clean-ups - the sheer variety of noble ideas waiting to be supported, and the ongoing commitment of communities never ceases to amaze us. We look forward to delivering another successful year with the support of our partners in 2025.”

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To apply for the Small Grants Scheme, or for more information on the Connecting Communities Events, visit liveherelovehere.org/smallgrants.