Social Connections Grant

The Social Inclusion Grant Programme has been renamed Social Connections Grant and is currently open for activities from 1st April 2023 - 31st March 2024. 

This is a rolling grant programme and will remain open throughout the year until the budget has been exhausted. Applications will be considered on a fortnightly basis with cut off points of 12 noon on the 1st and 15th of each month.

PLEASE NOTE THE BUDGET FOR THIS FUND HAS BEEN EXHAUSTED AND IS NOW CLOSED

The purpose of the Social Connections Grant Programme is to provide small grants to community and voluntary organisations to address loneliness and isolation and build social connections. Example projects might be delivering programmes with a warm and friendly welcome, such as an arts and craft programme or nutrition and cooking programme. Your group might wish to extend your activities and open up for more people.

Council is collaborating with the Northern Health & Social Care Trust through the Causeway Coast and Glens Loneliness Network as well as the Causeway GP Federation Multidisciplinary Team and Limavady GP Multi-Disciplinary Team to recognise the important role that community groups and voluntary organisations play in creating connecting opportunities reaching out to people who are experiencing loneliness in our communities.

The Objectives of the Social Connections Grant Programme are to:

          • create more opportunities to bring people together to make connections doing something they enjoy

          • help to reduce the social isolation that can be a result of living in poverty

          • reach people who may be less likely to attend community activities

          • enable local activities to become more accessible

          • involve the people who will benefit from the project in shaping your project

You may find it helpful to discuss your project with the following officer within the Community Development Team before submitting your application:

Limavady, Benbradagh & Ballymoney -                                                                                                                                                   Catherine Farrimond - 07846 099916 - catherine.farrimond@causewaycoastandglens.gov.uk

Coleraine, Bann, Causeway & The Glens -                                                                                                                                              Gabrielle Quinn - 07871 732616 - gabrielle.quinn@causewaycoastandglens.gov.uk

Neighbourhood Renewal areas in Coleraine & Limavady -                                                                                                                    Jenni Archer - 07892 764937 - jenni.archer@causewaycoastandglens.gov.uk

All organisations funded through the Social Connections Grant Scheme must demonstrate how their project contributes towards addressing the issues in their area. Social Connections is about involving everyone within a community and making sure that everyone has the opportunity to participate in society. People can feel excluded or isolated for a number of reasons e.g. older people, people on low incomes, people living in isolated rural areas, people with a  disability. Applicants can apply for grant-aid towards running costs  e.g. insurance costs. 

You should consider how you will target those people who are socially isolated within your community and how best to promote your activities in order to ensure that those who will most benefit are aware of the activities.Organisations will be asked to report back on how effective their project has been in meeting these needs.

How to Apply

To apply for any of the Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Councils grants please apply online here http://causeway.eformz.info/