Community and voluntary groups across Belfast can now apply for large grants of up to £60,000 per year as part of Belfast City Council's new Community Support Plan.

The funding is available to support organisations delivering programmes and services for local residents between April 2026 and March 2029. This three-year funding opportunity is designed to help groups plan ahead with greater confidence, sustainability and impact.

Councillor Ruth Brooks, Chair of the council's People and Communities Committee, said: "When we asked the public for their views on our new Community Support Plan earlier this year, continued financial support for local organisations was key.

"Groups also told us that the ability to plan ahead for the future, stay flexible and give their staff a feeling of confidence and job security, was also essential.

"Council has taken that on board in designing this new grant scheme, so this is a really positive step forward for the third sector, as well as our residents who will benefit from the projects it will support, including many within our own facilities – everything from after-schools groups and arts and crafts activities to lunch clubs for our seniors and men's sheds." To help organisations understand the funding criteria and application process, a series of information events will be held in the coming weeks. Groups are strongly encouraged to attend to explore how the new Community Support Plan can support their work. These information sessions will be held on: 

• Monday 11 August, 1.30pm-3pm - Dee Street Community Centre;

• Wednesday 13 August, 10am-11.30am - City Hall;

• Thursday 14 August, 1.30pm-3pm - Ligoniel Community Centre;

• Monday 8 September, 1.30pm-3pm - Divis Community Centre;

• Tuesday 9 September, 6.30pm-7.30pm – Online session;

• Friday 12 September, 10am-11.30am - Donegall Pass Community Centre.

To register, email cgugrants@belfastcity.gov.uk with the preferred session you want to attend.

"I would encourage groups to join one of our info sessions and chat to our team about the programme, and how they can apply," added Councillor Brooks. "This includes groups who have previously benefited from funding from us for community activities, as there are changes to our application process.

"All the info is on our website and groups have until Monday, 6 October at 12pm to submit an application."