CR/CD Small Grants Scheme is now closed.
Please note, if you are applying in this financial year and receive an award, then you must have the award spent and your project completed by 31 March 2024. For project delivery taking place in the next financial year, please apply to the CR/CD grant scheme when the scheme is due to re-open from April 2024 – November 2024 for applications (the exact opening and closing dates will be confirmed here when available).
Key Principles of the Community Relations/Cultural Diversity (CR/CD) Funding Scheme
The work MUST be intentional.
Your programme must have a clear good relations purpose from the outset with deliberate and planned activities which directly address sectarianism and/or racism (the two main aims of the CRCD grant scheme). This can be achieved in a variety of ways including facilitated workshops, discussions, Q&A, Speeches at events, showcase of cultural diversity through music, art, dance, food from different cultures, storytelling etc. If your project does not include this learning element then it will not be considered a priority and will most likely be rejected.
- It must address an identified good relations need.
All applications must be able to clearly demonstrate the good relations need they want to address and how they have identified this need.
The scheme supports a wide range of work and offers support and assistance whether you are a first-time applicant or have been supported in the past.
If you are planning events for the forthcoming year, please feel free to contact a member of our team to discuss your proposals prior to submitting your application. We can give you advice on how to plan your work and to source additional funding, if required.
Application Process
The Council tries to process applications as quickly as possible; this will depend upon current resources and demand. Applications usually take between 8 to 12 weeks to process. Applications that have been registered before the project takes place but have not been processed by CRC until after the event are still eligible. However, it is at the group's own risk to undertake an event before it has been assessed or awarded funding.
Applicants should understand that careful consideration is given to each application. Due to the large volume of applications received, it may not be possible to extend grant aid to each applicant or assist applicants to the extent requested, even if applications meet the criteria set out.
There is no restriction on the number of applications any one group can make to the scheme. However, if a group has received funding in the past, it may need to demonstrate that the new proposals will build upon earlier achievements. Please note any grants held in the previous financial year with outstanding claims must be completed and closed off before new applications can be considered.
It is always best to apply during the early development stages of the project as this allows time for CRC staff and the group to adequately discuss the project.
Current Good Practice
CRC has been gathering current good practice in relation to delivering programmes online and in different formats.
Please check out the examples of work currently taking place:
CR/CD Funding Details
- All projects in receipt of CR/CD funding must be completed within this financial year.
- Grants are up to £10K maximum and for project costs only.
- Average grant is £2K – £5K.
Aims of the CR/CD Scheme
The Community Relations Council, with the support of Government, has established a fund to spend each year on community relations projects. This funding is intended to help community/voluntary groups throughout Northern Ireland develop their capacity to engage in community relations work and to enhance the community relations potential of projects they undertake.
If you have any questions or would like to discuss a proposal prior to submitting an application please contact a member of the Funding and Development Programme or phone 028 9022 7500.
T:BUC Requirement
Applicants are required to outline the outcome in Together: Building a United Community (T:BUC) to which the proposed project will contribute.
Read more about the T:BUC strategy.
Eligibility Requirements
There are certain specific criteria you must adhere to when applying for funding:
Read about the CD/CR scheme criteria.
Apply for the Scheme
The Scheme is currently closed.