Small grants scheme is boost for Newry, Mourne and Down

30 July 2025

NORTHERN Ireland’s largest community and civic pride campaign, Live Here Love Here, has announced the return of its Small Grants Scheme for 2025, following a successful year in Newry, Mourne and Down Council, where 15 local projects were awarded a total of £28,646 in funding.

Throughout 2024, volunteers contributed an impressive 235 hours, demonstrating the vital role of community effort in tackling environmental challenges and promoting local stewardship.

Delivered in partnership with 10 local councils, the Northern Ireland Housing Executive, and Belfast Harbour, applications for the 2025 Small Grants Scheme are open until August 18.

Community and volunteer groups, schools, not-for-profit organisations and un-constituted groups are invited to apply, with successful applications awarded grants from £500 to £3,000.

Projects funded last year in Newry, Mourne and Down Council included initiatives by Down Community Arts, working towards transforming shared spaces, enhancing biodiversity and strengthening local engagement.

The small grants scheme had a record-breaking year in 2024, awarding £196,342 to 115 projects across Northern Ireland.

With 4,500 volunteers revitalising neglected spaces, the scheme showcased the importance of community in tackling environmental challenges and promoting stewardship.

Orla McGrady, Grants Officer at Live Here Love Here, highlighted the array of benefits the scheme brings to Northern Ireland.

“Our small grants scheme continues to prove its role in delivering tangible, long-lasting environmental benefits to urban and rural communities,” she said.

“With 378 applications last year, it’s clear the scheme encourages and empowers people to show the pride and passion they have for where they live.

Orla continued: “In addition to boosting the environment, we have found that the scheme also supports improved community health and wellbeing as these new shared spaces become places everyone can participate in.

“We look forward to communities submitting their ideas this year in hopes we can help more villages, towns and cities across Northern Ireland come together to leave a positive legacy.”

Live Here Love Here is currently hosting Connecting Communities events across Northern Ireland, offering opportunities to meet local volunteers and learn more about applying to the 2025 Scheme.

Lynda Surgenor, Live Here Love Here Manager, said the small grants scheme continues to demonstrate the extraordinary impact funding can have when placed in the hands of passionate local people.

“Over 100 projects were completed across Northern Ireland last year, and over 1.2 million in improvements have been delivered as a result of the scheme to date,” she said.

“The impact ranges from community allotments to school gardens, and biodiversity workshops to urban clean-ups – the sheer variety of

noble ideas waiting to be supported, and the ongoing commitment of communities never ceases to amaze us.

“We look forward to delivering another successful year with the support of our partners in 2025,” she added.

To apply for the Small Grants Scheme, or for more information on the Connecting Communities Events, visit liveherelovehere.org/smallgrants.

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