A new micro capital grants programme of between £200 and £1,500 are available to rural community-led, voluntary organisations for projects tackling issues of local poverty and / or social isolation. The programme is open for applications from Monday 13 April 2015 until 12 noon on Friday 22 May 2015. Projects must focus on one of the following three themes:
– Modernisation (of premises / assets)
– Information Communication Technology
– Health and Wellbeing
The Rural Micro Capital Grant Programme can provide up to 85% of the total cost of your project, up to a maximum grant of £1,500. Match funding for your 15% must be in the form of a ‘cash’ contribution. Labour or ‘in-kind’ contributions will not be accepted. In order to ensure that as many groups as possible get the opportunity to benefit from this Programme, groups will be allowed a maximum of one award in any 12 month period.
What can be funded?
Grant aid can only be used to meet costs associated with capital equipment, the improvement of a capital asset and / or the extension of the useable life of a capital asset. Eligible items must clearly relate to the key themes of (i) Modernisation, (ii) ICT or (iii) Health & Wellbeing. As this is a capital programme, the following types of activity cannot be funded.
Examples of Ineligible Activity
General maintenance
Running costs & Consumables
Training
Staff / Volunteer expenses
Clothing, Uniforms
Hospitality, Food, Drink
Motorised vehicles
Feasibility Studies / Reports
Labour costs not directly associated with purchased Capital works / items
This list is not exhaustive and if you are in doubt about the eligibility of your project, please contact County Down Rural Community Network before applying.
Further guidance notes and application forms are available below :
Ards and North Down, and Lisburn and Castlereagh Areas
Newry Mourne and Down Areas
Rural Micro Capital Grant Programme RMCGP 2015 – Application Form Newry Mourne & Down (WORD)
Rural Micro Capital Grant Programme RMCGP 2015 – Application Form Newry Mourne & Down (PDF)
Rural Micro Capital Grants Programme RMCGP 2015 – Guidance Notes for Applicants Newry Mourne & Down (PDF)
