COMMUNITY GROUPS SET TO SPRING FORWARD WITH NEW POWER NI SUPPORT FUNDING

Community groups large and small from across Northern Ireland are urged to apply for a special Springtime funding pot as part of leading energy company Power NI’S Brighter Communities initiative.

The grassroots focused funding support programme was first launched back in April 2018, with the initial winner’s accolade and £1000 going to Shankill Road based cross community dance group, Olympus Girls’ Club.

Gemma-louise Bond who manages Brighter Communities at Power NI says, “Brighter Communities is a real feel-good initiative which aims to get to the heart of local communities and help them build for the future and regenerate their local town, village or area.

“This current phase of the programme is now open for applications and we’re seeking submissions from groups from every corner of Northern Ireland ahead of the closing date on Wednesday 31st March. We’d love to see increased entries from areas including the North West, Mid-ulster and the North Coast as the fund is open to everyone. This year marks the company’s 90th anniversary and we want to celebrate the occasion by spotlighting the many ways people are striving forward.”

“We’re looking for enterprising, sparky and impactful ideas that draw people together but require an extra injection of cash to help bring the projects to life.”

Three groups are each set to win £1000 to help roll out their specific community project.

“Since Brighter Communities was launched it’s been amazing the range of schemes we’ve supported. From dance, ice-skating and gymnastics groups to special schools, beekeepers, wheelchair basketball players and also dragon boatracers; also older cyclists, survivors of human-trafficking, St John Ambulance and lunch clubs for older people. The funding really has touched every facet of our society.”

Dance group, Olympus Girls celebrate their Brighter Communities £1000 win back in April 2018 when they were announced as the first recipients of a Power NI Brighter Communities grant. The initiative has helped 37 schools, sporting, youth, charity and community groups across all rural and urban areas of Northern Ireland. The closing date for the current wave of applications is Wednesday 31st March 2021. Three groups will each win £1000 to help roll out their specific community project.