Council Launches Online Grants System to Support COVID-19 Response and Recovery

Newry, Mourne and Down District Council is delighted to launch a new online grant application process for Financial Assistance Grants and Funding. The launch of the new application process also coincides with the Council’s new financial call, aimed at providing funding to allow groups to deliver projects which support COVID-19 response and recovery.

The COVID Response and Recovery Fund is supported by the Department for Communities, The Executive Office (TEO) and Newry, Mourne & Down Policing and Community Safety Partnership.  Funding is also available from TEO to support good relations projects across the Council district.

Any groups wishing to apply can now do so through a new safe and streamlined online application process under the following themes: ‘COVID-19 Community Response and Recovery’, ‘PCSP Community Safety and Support’, ‘Suicide Prevention’ and ‘Good Relations’.

The new grant system, which can be accessed through the Council’s website under ‘Grants and Funding’, will provide a remote way of working, allowing applicants and Council officers a means to work more effectively and efficiently in a safe space.

Newry, Mourne and Down District Council Chairperson, Councillor Laura Devlin said, ‘We are proud of the ongoing commitment to provide funding and support to our many community and local groups, which deliver important projects throughout the district.

“This new online grant system will benefit all community groups applying for funding to the Council. The application process will be a user friendly way of applying while allowing applicants and Council offers to adhere to social distancing guidelines.”

“In 2019/2020, the Council received 698 applications for funding. Of these, 497 received awards totalling £1.25million to deliver a variety of initiatives such as summer schemes, good relations projects, community and tourism events and more. In 2020, the funding will be an important resource for the growth and recovery of our communities and it is important that applicants find it straightforward to use. Therefore, we will continue to review this new system on an ongoing basis and we welcome feedback from the community to ensure its continuing development. “

Cllr Laura Devlin continued, “I would like to thank the community volunteers, my fellow councillors and Council officers for their continued efforts, working tirelessly during this COVID-19 period of response and recovery, to provide a safe, inclusive and vibrant district to live and work in.”

The fund will operate on a rolling basis from Friday 12 June 2020. For more details please go to www.newrymournedown.org/residents-grants-and-funding