Northern Ireland has announced the continuation of the successful Rural Micro Capital Grants Scheme designed to improve the lives of those living in rural communities.
The scheme is funded by the government and is one element of the Tackling Rural Poverty and Social Isolation Programme.
Grants of between £200 and £1,500 are available to rural community-led, voluntary organisations towards the cost of capital equipment, improvement of a capital asset or extending the useable life of a capital asset with £450,000 available.
The Scheme will be open for applications from Monday 5 September 2016 until noon on Friday 30 September 2016.
Rural Minister Michelle McIlveen said: "The Rural Micro Capital Grant Scheme has to date provided over 360 rural community and voluntary group with small grants.
"This allows them to take practical steps to modernise or update their premises and to buy pieces of equipment that enables them to provide and deliver enhanced services for their local communities.
"Community and voluntary groups are the heart and soul of so many rural areas; therefore I am pleased to announce my department’s continuation of the Rural Micro Capital Grant Scheme, with £450,000 available.
Social isolation and community spirit
Addressing social isolation, creating community spirit and providing people with a sense of belonging is what community and voluntary groups excel at, Miss McIlveen said.
"Their excellent work is strongly linked to the health and wellbeing of those living in rural areas and is fundamental to the fabric of rural areas.
"These small grants, that are now available, will help sustain and indeed develop this important work."
The Minister added: "The Rural Micro Capital Grant Scheme is another example of how my department is actively tackling rural poverty and social isolation.
"It also demonstrates how government and the community and voluntary sector can work together to improve the lives of those living in rural areas.
"This Scheme is a real opportunity for community groups to build on their existing roles and to empower local people to make their lives better," Miss McIlveen said.
