Funds to help communities in East Antrim engage with their heritage

Through the Community Heritage Fund, which The National Lottery Heritage Fund is distributing on behalf of the Department for Communities, grants of between £3,000 - £10,000 will be available to projects to encourage people to engage with their local heritage.

However, applications need to be submitted by the deadline of midday on Friday, December 18.

The National Lottery Heritage Fund is encouraging groups to apply to the Fund, which is open to a wide and diverse range of heritage projects, including: Projects led by local authorities and third sector organisations including those already involved in the promotion of heritage at a community level; Organisations that care for heritage attractions in Northern Ireland e.g. historic building and sites, places of worship; Private owners of heritage, which are open to the local community; and, Community groups who are non-heritage based but interested in taking a closer look at the heritage on their doorstep.

Paul Mullan, National Lottery Heritage Fund NI Director, said: “The experience of lockdown in response to coronavirus (COVID-19) was a powerful reminder of the value and importance of the local environment to communities. Connecting

with nature and heritage can be critical for maintaining personal mental and physical wellbeing.  

“We would like to build on this by helping people to strengthen their connections with their local area, tell their stories and find out about their past and the places where they live.  

“I would encourage groups to check their eligibility and apply as soon as possible for this fund before it closes.”

Communities Minister Carál Ní Chuilín said: “Through these new funding pots, I want to encourage grassroots community organisations to bring forward ideas for projects that will give further opportunities for participation across our communities. The creative sectors can be a vehicle for social and economic change, including as a tool to tackle poverty and social exclusion – this funding will help to support that important agenda.”

Full guidance is available now on The National Lottery Heritage Fund’s website:

https://www.heritagefund.org.uk/funding/community-heritage-fund-northern-ireland

After applications close, decisions on awards will be made in January 2021, with grants awarded in early February.