
Secretary of State, Rt Hon Peter Hain, MP, has announced that three of Northern Ireland’s community festivals are to receive additional funding.

A new £3.3 million arts programme aimed at tackling visible signs of sectarianism and racism has been launched by Ministers David Hanson and Maria Eagle.

The Arts Council has opened a new scheme modelled on the Awards for All scheme but not funded by the National Lottery for Protestant communities. Place, Identity and Art is a £200,000 programme.
The Nationwide Foundation is seeking expressions if interest for support under the Supporting Families programme concerned with the rehabilitation of offenders. Apply by 22 September 2006

Education Minister, Maria Eagle, is calling on groups across Northern to apply for the new round of community relations core funding.
A new dual format publication has been released to tell the story of successful social enterprise ventures in Northern Ireland’s capital. The document, entitled ‘Making Good Money in Belfast’ tells the story of ten enterprises, from social festivals to housing associations and famous entertainment venues.

To gain an understanding of the position of Arts Council funding programmes, NICVA has provided this table showing the schemes currently open, closed and under review.

The Department of Health, Social Services and Public Safety is inviting applications for Project Funding 2006-07. Time and money is short though. Closing on 25 August this scheme opened for applications on 03 July 2006.
Business in the Community’s Awards for Excellence Gala Dinner named engineering firm FG Wilson as Northern Ireland’s most socially responsible business.

The work and determination of Kate McVeigh has resulted in the establishment of the Impact Trust and the Impact Centre for Learning and Development, which is committed to helping transform the lives of children with Autism Spectrum Disorders.