Grant
Community Investment Programme 2026-2029
Building Stronger, Safer and More Inclusive Communities
Mid Ulster District Council has launched a redesigned Community Investment Programme to support and strengthen the community and voluntary sector across the district.
Who Can Apply
The programme is open to constituted community and voluntary sector organisations based within the Mid Ulster District Council area.
It provides financial support for projects and initiatives that make a real difference to local people — helping communities to be:
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Stronger and more confident
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Less disadvantaged or affected by povert
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Safer
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More shared and inclusive
Three Year Funding Cycle Grants
Closing 12 Noon, 20th February 2026. Subject to annual monitoring and budget confirmation.
Annual Grants
Rolling Grants (Open All Year Round)
Funding Categories
1. Community Development Grants (up to £5,000)
Supports community organisations delivering a programme of activity over one to three years, based on evidence of local need. Activities should link to the priorities of the area where they are delivered. Monitoring and evaluation will be required.
Click to read the guidance notes for Community Development Grants
2. Strategic Events Grants (up to £8,000)
For large-scale community festivals or events (over 2,000 attendees) with regional reach. Events should use culture, arts and leisure to promote equality, tackle poverty, and encourage social inclusion.
Click to read the guidance notes for Strategic Events Grants
3. Irish Language Activity Grants (up to £6,000)
Supports initiatives that promote the Irish language in Mid Ulster, in line with the Council’s Irish Language Strategy. Funding can support programs over one to three years.
Click to read the guidance notes for Irish Language Activity Grants
4. Community Infrastructure Capital Investment
Funding for capital projects (up to £50,000) and feasibility studies (up to £10,000 for Pitches Strategy Grants only). Projects must show clear local need, address gaps in provision, and demonstrate how facilities will contribute to community outcomes.
Click to read the guidance notes on Community Infrastructure Grants
Click to read guidance notes on Pitches Feasibility Study Grant
Click to read guidance notes on Pitches Infrastructure Grant
5. Bursaries (up to £500)
Available for individuals or teams participating in sports representation or regional and minority language courses.
Click to read the guidance notes on Regional and Minority Languages Bursaries
Click to read the guidance notes on Sports Representative Bursaries
Pre-Application Workshops
The Council hosted a series of workshops in November and December 2025 and January 2026 to help groups prepare strong, outcome-focused applications.
These sessions:
- Explained eligibility and assessment criteria
- Guided applicants through the new process
- Provided advice on aligning projects with local priorities
Please find a copy of the Grant Information Presentation here
Development Officer Support
Each DEA (District Electoral Area) has an assigned Development officer to assist with any queries about the application process, eligibility requirements, or provide guidance to strengthen their chances of submitting a successful application.
To ensure timely assistance, please reach out well in advance of the closing date.
Community and Voluntary Sector Governance
The proper governance of local Community and Voluntary Sector organisations is a necessary requirement for any group wishing to access publicly supported grant aid to ensure there is openness, transparency and accountability.
The Council have linked with Northern Ireland Council for Voluntary Action (NICVA) to provide advice, information and practical support on a wide range of matters from charity regulations to dealing with governance issues of management committees.
Previous Community Grants Awarded