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10 August 2009

What’s the aim of the One Small Step Grant Fund? The One Small Step grant fund encourages initiatives that stimulate people into action to build a peaceful future. It is about spreading the message that we are all responsible for developing a peaceful society in Northern Ireland. The Fund will support small local projects organised by individuals – these projects should encourage people into action. The context is one of peace being an issue for each of us as individuals, for all of our organizations and for our communities. For more information on the One Small Step campaign please see website: www.onesmallstepcampaign.org.

One Small Step Grant Fund

G u i d e l i n e s

What’s the aim of the One Small Step Grant Fund?

The One Small Step grant fund encourages initiatives that stimulate people into action to build a peaceful future.  It is about spreading the message that we are all responsible for developing a peaceful society in Northern Ireland.  The Fund will support small local projects organised by individuals – these projects should encourage people into action.  The context is one of peace being an issue for each of us as individuals, for all of our organizations and for our communities.  For more information on the One Small Step campaign please see website: www.onesmallstepcampaign.org.  

Who Can Apply?

Individuals who wish to do something specific to further the concept and principles of One Small Step.  Applicants should have the support and backing of a community-based organisation or group through which they can develop their work and manage any grant monies.  The project should however be the applicant’s personal idea; the work must be carried out voluntarily and should be distinct from and additional to the organisation’s planned annual schedule of activities.  Applicants must also be able to nominate two independent referees (see application form) who are familiar with their previous work and confident of their ability to see through the proposed project.

What Sort of Initiative will be Eligible?

• Activities that advocate the One Small Step principles aimed at making a positive difference to the applicant’s own life and that of his/her community (geographic or community of interest) in working towards a ‘shared future’.
• Projects designed to get more people involved in building a peaceful society and simultaneously acting as a catalyst for further action.
• Projects should have demonstrable community impact, spreading the One Small Step message.
• Proposals need to involve people locally and be clear and specific.
• Proposals should be well planned, deliverable and costed realistically. 

Examples of eligible activities may include events, training, seminars or publications that promote cross-community activities and understanding.  All projects should give something back to the individual’s community.  Grants may, for example, cover eligible costs for transport, training, speakers and, occasionally, small equipment purchases where the link to the One Small Step concept, and the need, are clearly evident.

What Size of Grant will be Available?

Grants will range from £500 to £1,500. 

Partnership funding is encouraged.

What will not be funded?

• Proposals in which One Small Step funding would be a small part of a large project
• Proposals that do not show how they will have an impact in the community
• Projects that have already started
• Established annual events
• Projects that exist as part of an organisation’s scheduled annual activities
• Core running costs
• Capital purchases and vehicles
• Holidays and day trips
• Promotion of religion
• Statutory organisations or replacement of statutory funding

When to Apply?

Applications will be accepted on an ongoing basis by the Community Foundation.

Application Process

• Applicants should complete the Application Form available from the Community Foundation (or from website below).
• An original signed copy of the Application is required. 
• Two non-related referees will be required.  These should be people who are familiar with the applicant’s work.
• All applications should be received at least 12 weeks before the start date of the project.

Background:  The One Small Step Campaign

One Small Step has been a campaign for social change focused on small, practical actions for building an inclusive and shared society.  The campaign emphasised how the each action planned by an individual person or group can make an important impact in building a shared society.  It invited and challenged everyone to make a contribution to this goal.  The campaign advocated three key principles which were:

• "I commit to working for the common good and towards a peaceful future that is based on equality and mutual respect.
• I will take an active role in my daily life to ensure the society I live in is inclusive, peaceful, just and fair.
• I will personally work towards reconciliation, tolerance, mutual trust and the upholding of human rights for all."

The main campaign closed with the publication of ‘100 Small Steps’ in October 2008.  Its principles continue to be promoted by the Community Relations Council for NI and the grant fund that ran parallel to the original campaign continues to be managed by the Community Foundation for Northern Ireland. 

For more information on the One Small Step campaign please see website: www.onesmallstepcampaign.org

For further information on the One Small Step Grant Fund please contact:

The Community Foundation for Northern Ireland

Community House

CitylinkBusiness Park, Albert Street

BELFAST   BT12 4HQ

Tel.  028 9024 5927

www.communityfoundationni.org