The Department for Communities (DfC) has launched this years’ Small Capital Grants Programme. The Programme, which has a total fund of £800,000, is aimed at assisting voluntary and community organisations across Northern Ireland purchase items of equipment to enhance and sustain the activities and services they provide to the community.

Launching this years’ Programme at the Flying Angel Seafarers’ Centre, Moira Doherty, DfC Deputy Secretary said: “The Department is committed to ensuring voluntary and community organisations are supported to continue providing vital services to the local community. In many cases these organisations operate with the help of volunteers and on very small budgets. The Small Capital Grants Programme provides an opportunity for groups to work together in partnership and purchase items of equipment that will help to enhance the services they provide.”


The Programme provides grants of between £1,500 and £5,000 towards the purchase of items such as IT equipment, sporting equipment, catering equipment and material to support arts and cultural activities within the voluntary and community sector. Applications are invited from constituted organisations that have an annual income of no more than £100,000.

Co-operation Ireland have been appointed to administer the Programme on behalf of the Department.  Speaking from today’s launch Terrence Brannigan of Co-Operation Ireland said: “The Small Capital Grants Programme has been designed to bring grass roots community groups together in partnership for the betterment of society and that is something that directly reflects the ethos of Co-operation Ireland. We are delighted the Programme is moving into another round of funding and look forward to continuing our relationship with the Department for Communities.”

Further details on how to apply are available on the Co-operation Ireland website at: https://www.cooperationireland.org/small-capital-grants-programme

The Small Capital Grants Programme provides an opportunity for groups to work together in partnership and purchase items of equipment that will help to enhance the services they provide.

If your club would like to apply to this fund and requires any assistance please contact Cycling Ulster Membership Development Officer – gary.lavery@cyclingireland.ie