£1m grant scheme to boost voluntary and community groups

A £1 million grant scheme for voluntary sector and community organisations has been announced by the Government.

The Northern Ireland Office (NIO) said the Community Partnership Fund will “harness voluntary sector expertise to support local community organisations”, including those operating informally or in rural areas.

The grant will be awarded to a forum of organisations that will then work with other local community groups to help develop ideas and skills to access funding opportunities.

NIO parliamentary under-secretary of state Matthew Patrick said: “Community and voluntary organisations improve the quality of life for people across Northern Ireland.

“I’m proud that the Northern Ireland Office’s Community Partnership Fund will ensure more organisations undertaking vital work have the skills, knowledge and networks to succeed.

“This initiative builds on the success of the NIO’s Connect Fund, which has so far awarded 21 organisations almost £500,000, and is supporting a diverse range of projects across Northern Ireland.

“I’ve witnessed firsthand how this is supporting local groups to thrive, and I encourage Northern Ireland organisations to come together and apply to administer the new Community Partnership Fund, to empower other deserving community groups.”