Space and Place

Overview

The programme is funded by the BIG Lottery Fund, and managed by the Community Foundation for Northern Ireland in conjunction with the Northern Ireland Housing Executive, Public Health Agency, NI Environmental Link, Rural Community Network and Groundwork NI.

Space & Place will support the integration of communities, across various divides in Northern Ireland, through the development of local space and place.

By prioritising enhanced use of space and resources, it will help build community capacity within and between communities, address isolation and support change through the transformation to safer, more user-friendly and useful spaces for individuals, families and communities.

The Space & Place Programme is open to applications from organisations within the community, voluntary and statutory sectors, as well as statutory bodies working in partnership with these organisations, that provides opportunities for local communities to identify and deliver a shared vision for their area which connects local people and communities.

The application process will take place in two stages, with Stage Two being by invite only.

Three levels of project grant will be available under the Space and Place Programme:

• Medium Grants of £50,000 (minimum) up to £100,000
• Large Grants of £100,001 up to £350,000
• Flagship Grants of £350,001 up to £1 million

Criteria

They will accept applications from a number of different types of organisations including:

• Locally-based Neighbourhood and Community Associations that are constituted and either have, or are in the process of, obtaining charitable status.
• Regional Voluntary NGOs (Non-Governmental Organisations) and not-for-profit bodies that are properly constituted.
• Local Authorities in partnership with communities
• Other Statutory bodies in partnership with communities
• Partnerships/Consortia that include a range of the organisations listed above

In order for your project to be eligible for Space & Place funding you must be able to demonstrate how it meets the main programme outcome:

• More people and communities and connected by making use of underused or difficult space.

As well as this they ask that applicants meet at least one of the following sub outcomes:

• Building community capacity through the provision of accessible and inclusive local space and place.
• Achieving the transformation and better use of underused, contested and/or difficult spaces.
• Enhancing a healthier and more active lifestyle for people through the provision and use of local space and place.
• Improving partnership working between communities, groups, support organisations and statutory agencies for the purpose of connecting people and communities through the use of space.