Foundation Announces Opening of New Fund

The Community Foundation for Northern Ireland is pleased to announce the opening of the Carn Hill Community Benefit Fund.

This local community fund has been set up by Carn Hill Wind Farm Limited Carn Hill Wind Farm Limited is committed to ensuring that their wind farm, whilst having obvious environmental benefits, will also provide significant economic benefits to the local community.

In year 1 a sum of £30,000 will be available to local community projects in the Monkstown, Grange, Woodburn, Greenisland and Ballynure areas.

Initial grants will be made in December 2012, with five small grants of £2,000 available and two large grants of £10,000 available, subject to suitable proposals being received.

The fund will aim to encourage stronger more inclusive communities by ensuring that local people have ownership and involvement in the design and delivery of the projects.

As well as, partnership working with community, voluntary and statutory agencies to ensure a coordinated approach and sustainable solutions that address local issues.

Projects dedicated to improving the quality of life and well being for local residents, enhancing the local area, promoting community involvement - especially intergenerational work, and addressing local need will be supported by the fund.

Applications are open to constituted voluntary organisations and community groups, local youth groups, and faith organisations, if the funding is not to promote religion.

Helen McKeever, Fund Development Manager at the Community Foundation for Northern Ireland, said: “We are delighted to be opening this fund which we hope will help more funds get on the ground in communities that really need it.

“We are looking forward to helping Carn Hill Wind Farm Limited support local projects that educate, raise awareness and demonstrate community involvement in work that promotes environmental issues and healthier lifestyles".

For full details on who can apply for funding, please click here.

To fill out an online application form, please click here. 

If you are a business or individual with an interest in making a difference at a grassroots level through setting up a charitable fund at the Community Foundation, please contact Helen McKeever on 02890 245 927 or hmckeever@communityfoundationni.org