This year, £15,000 of Grand Choice funding is available for local community projects across Lisburn South, including Knockmore, Lagan Valley, Lisnagarvey, Old Warren, Ballymacash and Ballymacross.
Residents are being invited to take part in Grand Choice 2025–26, a participatory budgeting programme that gives local people a direct say in how funding is spent in their community.
Successful projects will be shortlisted and local residents will vote for the ideas they want to see happen in their area at a Community Decision Event later this year.
Councillor Tim Mitchell, Chair of Lisburn & Castlereagh City Council’s Community & Wellbeing Committee, welcomed the return of the programme to Lisburn South.
“We’re delighted to bring Grand Choice back to Lisburn South. This scheme puts local people in control and gives communities a real say in how funding is spent. We encourage everyone to come along, vote and support the projects that matter to them the most.”
What can funding be used for?
Funding can support a wide range of initiatives, including:
· Community activities and events (online or in person)
· Workshops, tutors or performers
· Specialist facilitators
· Equipment or promotional campaigns to tackle local issues
Projects must run between April and September 2026 and support one or more of the ‘Take 5’ wellbeing themes:
· Connect
· Be Active
· Take Notice
· Keep Learning
· Give
Policing and community safety-related projects will also be eligible for funding.
Councillor Alan Martin, Chair of the Lisburn and Castlereagh Policing and Community Safety Partnership (PCSP), highlighted the impact of the programme.
“Grand Choice has already been a huge success across the council area. It’s a great opportunity for residents and groups to turn simple ideas into real community projects. If you have an idea and a few friends willing to help, we’d love to hear from you.”
He also encouraged applications from informal groups.
“Groups that are not formally set up can still apply, as long as they have support from a local constituted group. If you need help with your idea, our team will be available during the application period to talk you through it, in person or via online workshops. All applications will be checked to make sure they are safe, legal and achievable within the budget and timescale.”
How to apply
Applications can be submitted online or by downloading an application form at: https://www.lisburncastlereagh.gov.uk/w/grand-choice-2025-26-lisburn-south
The closing date for applications is Sunday 8 February 2026.
Shortlisted projects will be put forward for a public vote at a Community Decision Event on Saturday 21 March, from 11am to 3pm, at Elmwood Presbyterian Church Hall, Lisburn.
For advice or further information, email pcsp@lisburncastlereagh.gov.uk.
Grand Choice is supported by Lisburn & Castlereagh City Council, alongside partners including PSNI, Sport NI, Ark Housing, South Eastern Trust, Choice Housing, Apex Housing and the Northern Ireland Housing Executive.
