The NI Department for Communities have released funding which sports clubs can find more information on to assist them during the COVID-19 pandemic via the links below. There are also a number of other funding opportunities available for clubs which can also be accessed through links below. If any club want assistance with applications please contact the CI Membership Development Officer for Ulster, Gary Lavery, gary.lavery@cyclingireland.ie
OPEN EMERGENCY FUNDS
Coronavirus Community Fund
Description:
The Community Foundation of Northern Ireland is offering grants to constituted community organisations throughout Northern Ireland. Partnership approach encouraged.
The current focus is to support groups and organisations working with the following communities and issues and that are affected by coronavirus
Application deadline: none specified
CAF Coronavirus Emergency Fund
Description:
This Fund is to help smaller charitable organisations in the UK affected by the impact of Covid-19. Grants of up to £10,000 are available.
Application deadline: none specified
Invest NI COVID Small Business Grant
Description:
A grant of £10,000 will be paid to small businesses that already pay reduced business rates because of Small Business Rate Relief (SBRR). SBRR is automatically applied to business properties with a rateable value below £15,000, though some exclusions apply.
- Find out more about Small Business Rate Relief
- Search the Valuation List to find the rateable value of a business property, also known as the Net Annual Value (NAV)
Application deadline: none specified
Coronavirus Business Interruption Loan
Description:
The temporary Coronavirus Business Interruption Loan Scheme supports SMEs with access to loans, overdrafts, invoice finance and asset finance of up to £5 million and for up to 6 years.
The government will also make a Business Interruption Payment to cover the first 12 months of interest payments and any lender-levied fees, so smaller businesses will benefit from
no upfront costs and lower initial repayments.
Application deadline: none specified
Facebook Small Business Grants Program
Description:
Facebook is offering $100m in cash grants and advertising credits for up to 30,000 small businesses that are facing disruptions due ot the virus.
Application deadline: none specified
COVID-19 Community Support Grant Scheme – Mid & East Antrim Borough Council
Description:
Council has identified a budget to support projects which aid those most vulnerable in society and are at risk or have been directly affected by the COVID-19 Coronavirus pandemic and the self isolation measures introduced to combat the spread of the infection.
Groups are permitted to apply for 100% funding up to a maximum of £1,000 per application towards eligible items.
Application deadline: 31/03/2021
Halifax Foundation for Northern Ireland – Small and Medium Grants Programmes
Description:
Halifax Foundation has explicitly recommended groups to apply for small and medium grants during this time. Any Covid related applications designed to support the community at this time of crisis will be prioritised and turned around as quickly as possible.
Includes funding for core costs.
- Small Community Grants (Up to £2,500/12 month grant/rolling programme)
- Medium Community Grants (£2,500 – £10,000/12 month grant/rolling programme)
Application deadline: rolling
Neighbourly
Covid-19 Community Fund
Description:
Micro grants are available for charities and community groups that are existing members of the “Neighbourly” CSR platform, to support good causes that are helping communities affected by the Coronavirus outbreak. The funding is for activities that support
members of the community who are suffering economically, socially or from ill health as a result of the Coronavirus outbreak. (max. £400)
Application deadline: none specified
IRFU – Covid-19 Funding
Description:
The Irish Rugby Football Union will make €500,000 available to clubs in light of the Covid-19 crisis. Following a review of its financial position, the Union has agreed to the funding and Domestic Game Director, Colin McEntee, will be advising clubs how the
fund is to be applied as soon as is practicable.
Application deadline: none specified
National Lottery Awards for All Northern Ireland (New COVID-19 restriction)
Description:
A quick way to apply for smaller amounts of funding between £300 and £10,000. Suitable for voluntary or community organisations. In
a statement, CEO Dawn Austwick stated all the funding decisions they make for the next six months (up to £300m of National Lottery funding) will be devoted to addressing the current crisis. This is restricted to:
- Activities specifically geared to supporting communities through this crisis
- Helping organisations overcome any liquidity issues caused by COVID-19.
Application deadline: rolling
ADDITIONAL FUNDS
The Les Mills Fund for Children
Description:
We award the funds we raise to registered charities and accountable non-profit organisations who we believe will do their most to improve the education and physical and emotional wellbeing of children aged 0-16. Your work may focus on one or more of these areas:
living in poverty, physical and mental health problems, health and wellbeing and living with disability.
Application deadline: 28/04/2020
Crowdfunder UK – Pay it Forward Scheme
Description:
Crowdfunder UK is offering 100% free fundraising for your business during the coronavirus crisis. Their partners Enterprsie Nation will also be providing access to free training and support for business with online sale, marketing and finance.
Application deadline: rolling
Causeway Coast & Glens Council – Building a United Community Fund
Description:
Grants are available to support Good Relations community projects in the Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council area (max. £1,500). Guidance included.
Application deadline: 30/11/2020 @ 12noon
Antrim & Newtownabbey Borough Council Grants
Description:
Grants are available for qualifying residents and groups throughout the Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Council area and can be accessed and applied for through our Online Funding Hub. Open grants include:
- Community Small Grants 20-21
- Leisure Grants Programme
Application deadline: rolling
Mid & East Antrim Borough Council Grants
Grants are available for qualifying groups throughout the Mid and East Antrim Council area.
- Equipment grant – 75% funding Max £2K (Items excluded PCs, laptops, tablets, mobile phones and items of personal or team kit, clothing and uniforms)
- Seeding/New Group Grants – funding up to a maximum of £300
- Public Liability Grants (to obtain Public Liability Insurance) – funding up to a maximum of £300
- Coaching course and First Aid Training – funding up to £250 per person
- Development Projects and Training – 75% funding Max £2K
- Good Relations
- Everybody Active 2020
- COVID Community Support Grant (details above)
Application deadline: rolling
Lisburn & Castlereagh Council – Seeding Grant
Description:
For new and emerging Groups for set-up costs – to apply contact Community Services, Bridge Community Centre, community.services@lisburncastlereagh.gov.uk .
Application deadline: none specified
Belfast City Council – Policing Committee Funding Grants
Description:
Applications are now open for Policing Committee Grants of up to £2,000 are available for groups who meet the criteria outlined within our guidance notes. Up to two grants can be provided per group, per year, however the projects must be different from each
other.
Application deadline: rolling
Mid Ulster Borough Council Grants
Description:
Grants are available for qualifying groups throughout the Mid Ulster Borough Council area.
- Sports Representative (Individuals)
- Sports Representative (Teams)
- Good Relations
Application deadline: rolling
Causeway Coast & Glens Borough Council – Enterprise Fund
Description:
The Enterprise Fund is about developing those recent start-up businesses that need assistance in taking the next step in their growth plan. This may be funding towards a new piece of equipment, developing I.T. infrastructure, implementing a significant marketing
campaign, product and design development and so forth. This fund is aimed at supporting businesses, with a track record of two years or less, to address barriers to growth using innovative approaches.
Application deadline: opens 6 April 2020 @ 9am
