RDC - Maximising community space

The programme is managed by the Northern Ireland Rural Development Council (RDC) and funded by the International Fund for Ireland and the EU Peace II Programme.

The ‘Maximising Community Space’ programme aims to: -

• Increase the capacity and confidence of groups managing rural halls;
• Support the wider usage of existing space;
• Foster and develop relationships within and between communities.

The programme has 2 strands:

Strand one
This is funded by the International Fund for Ireland involves a focused programme of development support targeting up to 30 communities from across rural Northern Ireland. Based on a facilitated needs analysis, a programme of support will be tailored to the needs of the individual group. It will include a compulsory ‘promoting good relations’ module specific to group capacity and stage of development and will also offer technical support from the following menu: -

• Programme Planning
• Financial Management
• Fundraising
• Accessing Funding
• Managing your Building
• Project planning, design and legal
• Publicity & Communications
• Striving for Sustainability

The support will be delivered on both an individual group and clustered basis in a range of ways including mentoring, training, networking and best practice visits. Participation on the development support programme is and only those completing this programme will be eligible to apply for project grant assistance.

Strand Two: Grant Assistance – What is on offer?
This is funded by the EU Peace II Programme provides project grant and implementation support for minor works to support the wider usage of existing facilities. Grants of between £10,000 and £40,000 or 95% of the total cost of the project, whichever is lesser, maybe available subject to satisfactory completion of the development support programme and a detailed assessment of a completed project grant application. At least 5% of the match funding must be raised locally. In normal circumstances the total project cost should not exceed £100,000.

Projects might include: -

• Small scale extensions or renovation works to accommodate multiple activities
• Sub-divisions of premises to allow for multiple usages
• Alternations to the mechanical & electrical services to allow for efficient use of the premises
• General works to meet health and safety standards

Please Note: The maximum number of places on strand 1 is 30 groups. The opportunity to apply for strand 2 will only be open to those organisations successfully completing the development support programme.

For application forms and information on how to apply please contact

Northern Ireland Rural Development Council (RDC)
17 Loy Street
COOKSTOWN
BT80 8PZ

Telephone: 028 8676 6980
Fax: 028 8676 6922
Email: info@rdc.org.uk
Website: www.rdc.org.uk
Specific webpage: http://www.rdc.org.uk/rdc/community_space.asp

Closing date for receipt of applications is Wednesday 27th September 2006 at 4 p.m.