Menu
09/07/2024
Dept Of Health Core Grant Funding To Be Maintained – Nesbitt
Department of Health core grant funding for voluntary and community sector organisations will be maintained at the same level as last year, Health Minister Mike Nesbitt has said.
Health Minister Mike Nesbitt has announced that DoH core grant funding for voluntary and community sector organisations will be maintained at the same level as last year.
That means £1.8m will again be distributed among core grant recipients.
The Minister said: "The removal of all core grant funding was one of the options set out by my Department in response to the 2024/25 budget.
"The financial pressures across health and social care are certainly severe, but I wanted to retain some level of core grant support this year.
"I fully recognise the important role played by the voluntary and community sector with the delivery of many of our strategic aims - for example, supporting the elderly, providing much needed help to vulnerable children and families and addressing health inequalities.
"I fully understand that the sector wanted to see a greater level of core grant this year but that is just not possible."
The Minister emphasised that this funding allocation will be a transitional arrangement. "I want to address the fundamental unfairness in the current scheme, which has funded the same organisations for more than 20 years. Changing the scheme has proven to be a challenging process previously but change is definitely needed to reflect the evolving nature of community and voluntary groups and the services they offer.
"I am committed to working in partnership with the voluntary and community sector, which time and time again has demonstrated how agile, flexible and innovative it can be.
"I recently met with Celine McStravick, CEO of NICVA (Northern Ireland Council for Voluntary Action). Celine has helpfully agreed to work with my Department to develop proposals for a new core grant funding scheme. Through NICVA, the plan is to work with the sector on a co-design basis over the summer with the aim of having a new re-designed scheme fully up and running in April 2025.
"While the funding pot available for a new scheme will be dependent upon the Department’s future budget allocations, I want to make it clear that I am committed to supporting the sector, and to seeking its support and involvement in co-designing the scheme."
Health Minister Mike Nesbitt has announced that DoH core grant funding for voluntary and community sector organisations will be maintained at the same level as last year.
That means £1.8m will again be distributed among core grant recipients.
The Minister said: "The removal of all core grant funding was one of the options set out by my Department in response to the 2024/25 budget.
"The financial pressures across health and social care are certainly severe, but I wanted to retain some level of core grant support this year.
"I fully recognise the important role played by the voluntary and community sector with the delivery of many of our strategic aims - for example, supporting the elderly, providing much needed help to vulnerable children and families and addressing health inequalities.
"I fully understand that the sector wanted to see a greater level of core grant this year but that is just not possible."
The Minister emphasised that this funding allocation will be a transitional arrangement. "I want to address the fundamental unfairness in the current scheme, which has funded the same organisations for more than 20 years. Changing the scheme has proven to be a challenging process previously but change is definitely needed to reflect the evolving nature of community and voluntary groups and the services they offer.
"I am committed to working in partnership with the voluntary and community sector, which time and time again has demonstrated how agile, flexible and innovative it can be.
"I recently met with Celine McStravick, CEO of NICVA (Northern Ireland Council for Voluntary Action). Celine has helpfully agreed to work with my Department to develop proposals for a new core grant funding scheme. Through NICVA, the plan is to work with the sector on a co-design basis over the summer with the aim of having a new re-designed scheme fully up and running in April 2025.
"While the funding pot available for a new scheme will be dependent upon the Department’s future budget allocations, I want to make it clear that I am committed to supporting the sector, and to seeking its support and involvement in co-designing the scheme."
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
20 February 2002
Arts Council grant £5.7 million in core funding
The Arts Council has awarded grants totalling more £5.7 million to 113 arts organisations throughout Northern Ireland. This year, projects received £80,000 more than in 2001 in spite of the total annual budget for the Arts Council falling from an initial figure of £7.4 million.
Arts Council grant £5.7 million in core funding
The Arts Council has awarded grants totalling more £5.7 million to 113 arts organisations throughout Northern Ireland. This year, projects received £80,000 more than in 2001 in spite of the total annual budget for the Arts Council falling from an initial figure of £7.4 million.
01 October 2024
SDLP Prioritises Mental Health And Suicide Prevention
The Social Democratic and Labour Party (SDLP) is utilising its first Opposition Day since the Assembly's return to address the critical issues of suicide and mental health provision. The SDLP has presented three motions to the Assembly.
SDLP Prioritises Mental Health And Suicide Prevention
The Social Democratic and Labour Party (SDLP) is utilising its first Opposition Day since the Assembly's return to address the critical issues of suicide and mental health provision. The SDLP has presented three motions to the Assembly.
27 August 2021
14 Cancer Charities Receive Grant Funding Totalling £7.95m
Fourteen cancer charities have received grant funding totalling £7.95 million, Health Minister Robin Swann has announced. The payments have been made through the Cancer Charities Support Fund, part of a £24m package of funding made available in response to the COVID-19 pandemic to support carers, cancer charities and mental health organisations.
14 Cancer Charities Receive Grant Funding Totalling £7.95m
Fourteen cancer charities have received grant funding totalling £7.95 million, Health Minister Robin Swann has announced. The payments have been made through the Cancer Charities Support Fund, part of a £24m package of funding made available in response to the COVID-19 pandemic to support carers, cancer charities and mental health organisations.
26 April 2005
Kids initiative to tackle violence
A new programme which aims to wipe out sectarianism, racism and physical prejudice by tackling the problem early among small children has been launched today. The Media Initiative for Children (MIFC), launched in Belfast on Tuesday, will be offered to thousands of pre-school children on both sides of the border. Initially, the MIFC-N.I.
Kids initiative to tackle violence
A new programme which aims to wipe out sectarianism, racism and physical prejudice by tackling the problem early among small children has been launched today. The Media Initiative for Children (MIFC), launched in Belfast on Tuesday, will be offered to thousands of pre-school children on both sides of the border. Initially, the MIFC-N.I.
27 May 2005
NI food industry gets £2.79m aid package
Agriculture Minister Jeff Rooker has announced details of a £2.79 million EU award package for the Northern Ireland food-processing sector. The awards, totalling £2.44 million from EU funds and £0.
NI food industry gets £2.79m aid package
Agriculture Minister Jeff Rooker has announced details of a £2.79 million EU award package for the Northern Ireland food-processing sector. The awards, totalling £2.44 million from EU funds and £0.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A showery start with outbreaks most frequent north of Lough Neagh and through the morning, before dwindling during the afternoon as the northwest breezes ease and brighter spells of weak sunshine prosper. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A dry night, save for a few light showers around the coasts, with prolonged clear spells and light winds bringing a frosty dawn for many in central and southern parts. Minimum temperature -3 °C.
