Local residents or groups in the Castlereagh South area of Lisburn & Castlereagh City Council can apply for up to £1,000 via the ‘Grand Choice’ participatory budgeting initiative from 21st August 2023.
The key difference between Grand Choice and other council managed funding opportunities is that the successful projects are chosen by the community. The votes of those living in Castlereagh South will decide which projects will be funded.
Councillor Thomas Beckett, Leisure & Community Development Chairman, said: “Once again the council is proud to be supporting this scheme. There is £15,000 available for projects across the council’s district electoral area of Castlereagh South. This includes the Beechhill, Cairnshill, Carryduff East, Carryduff West, Galwally, Knockbracken and Newtownbreda areas.
“As with previous rounds of Grand Choice, successful projects can win up to £1,000 and will be chosen by their local community. Voting will be in person at a Community Decision Event on Saturday 21st October 2023 in St Joseph’s Parish Centre, Knockbracken Drive, Carryduff, BT8 8EX from 11.00am – 3.00pm. We encourage residents in the Castlereagh South area to use their voting power to select the projects they feel best suit their communities.”
Eligible projects should relate to one or more of the following themes:
All projects must be completed no later than the 29th February 2024.
Councillor Alan Givan, Chair of the Lisburn & Castlereagh PCSP, said: “I am pleased that Grand Choice is once again returning for the community in Castlereagh South. In 2021, we could not have a community decision event due to COVID-19 restrictions and had to deliver it ‘on line’ by submission of a video presentation. It is great that on this occasion the community shall have the opportunity to attend in person at a marketplace event in St Joseph’s Parish Centre, Carryduff. Grand Choice offers the perfect opportunity for residents, constituted groups and schools to bring a project or event to their local community. If you and a few friends have an idea to support your local community then I would encourage you to consider applying.
“You can apply for up to £1,000 for things such as online or in-person activities, events, tutors, workshops, performers or specialist facilitator. Should you have a specific community issue that needs addressed then you could request funding for marketing campaigns or equipment for projects. If your group is not constituted you must obtain sponsor support from a local constituted group.
“All applications will be assessed to ensure they meet the criteria and are achievable within the specified timeframe. Your community has the power to decide where the Grand Choice funding goes.
“Two online workshops have been scheduled to help you decide if your project would be eligible for ‘Grand Choice’ funds. Please join us and talk to the team who will be happy to answer your questions,” concluded Councillor Givan.
The scheduled community zoom workshops are scheduled for:
Wednesday 23 August 2023 at 3.00pm
Wednesday 23 August 2023 at 7.00pm
Leeanne Magee, Regional Head of Tenant & Client Services said:
“We are really excited to see the launch of another round of Grand Choice and we are delighted to be partners in this great initiative. We know that funding opportunities like this can make a huge impact so we are encouraging all eligible community groups to apply.”
To register to attend one of the workshop sessions please email: pcsp@lisburncastlereagh.gov.uk
Lisburn & Castlereagh Policing & Community Safety Partnership, Sport NI, Ark Housing and Choice Housing have contributed to the scheme in addition to Lisburn Castlereagh City Council.
To apply online or to download an application form please go to www.lisburncastlereagh.gov.uk/grandchoicecs by Sunday 17th September 2023
