Are you a community and voluntary organisation working in County Derry/Londonderry?
The Community Foundation for Northern Ireland’s Acorn Fund has re-opened with grants of up to £3,000 available for innovative arts and culture projects.
Community and voluntary groups in the County Derry/Londonderry area are eligible to apply for projects that use arts and culture within their communities to create social networks, encourage talent, develop skills and strengthen inclusive activity.
The grants are part of the Acorn Fund’s City of Culture Legacy programme, which received funding from Big Lottery Fund.
Stage Beyond received a legacy grant in 2015 for a touring production of Rashomon, a Japanese influenced play performed by adults with learning difficulties.
Describing their experiences one of the participants said: “Acting with Stage Beyond changed my life. The people who called me names growing up now speak to me and understand that I was different because of a learning disability.”
The Acorn Inspire Bursaries programme will also open on October 18 for applications. Funded by the Paul Hamlyn Foundation, grants are offered to young people with disabilities to help them pursue training in their chosen arts. Successful applicants will receive mentored support during and following their award period from the Acorn Fund, and will in turn act as mentors for future bursary recipients.
Shauna Kelpie, Acorn Fund Development Officer said: “I’m really encouraging groups, organisations and individuals from across County Derry to apply for these grants. We’ve already seen how a small amount of funding can make a real difference to local communities and we’d like to support more projects that are focused on encouraging creativity and giving people the opportunity to celebrate, explore and showcase their talents.”
Frank Hewitt, the Big Lottery Fund’s NI Chair, said: “We are delighted to see the impact that the Acorn Fund’s Legacy Grants programme is having by supporting a range of diverse and exciting projects that are making a real difference to people’s lives. This funding is helping groups to continue to build on the legacy of the UK City of Culture.”
More information on all Acorn Fund grants can be found on http://www.communityfoundationni.org/acorn-fund-legacy-grants
The Acorn Legacy Grant fund will close on 15th November 2016.
The National Lottery Community Fund Northern Ireland 