Groups urged to get creative as NI Centennial Grants Scheme opens

Community and voluntary groups in Ballymena and the wider Mid and East Antrim can apply for 75% funding up to a maximum of £1,000 and 50% funding up to a maximum of £2,500 for small or medium sized celebrations respectively.

All events supported by Council through the Grants Programme will be expected to adhere to Public Health Authority guidance at the time of the event.

The Northern Ireland Centennial Grant is an additional grant that groups can avail of during 2021 and is aimed at supporting events planned to celebrate Northern Ireland’s Centenary, in a variety of forms.

Mayor of Mid and East Antrim Borough, Councillor Peter Johnston, encouraged all community and voluntary groups in Mid and East Antrim to find out more about Council’s Northern Ireland Centennial funding programme.

He said: “The establishment of a new dedicated grant to mark the Centenary of Northern Ireland is a fantastic opportunity for our local community to mark this historic and significant occasion. “I look forward to seeing those who work tirelessly within the community help their organisations put forward ideas on how best to celebrate the centenary year within Mid and East Antrim Borough.”

Councillor Cheryl Johnston, who chairs Council’s Northern Ireland 100 Working Group, said: “I am delighted that the Northern Ireland Centennial Grant is now open for applications, and I would urge all our community groups to submit their ideas.

“We have such an abundance of talent and success to celebrate across Mid and East Antrim, and the opening of this additional grant funding category from Council will help our community to come up with creative and innovative ways to do so.”

Before completing an application, applicants should make sure that they are eligible to apply and to read the guidance notes which can be downloaded at www.midandeastantrim.gov.uk/NI100

All applications should be submitted online.