FINANCIAL assistance to help voluntary and community organisations get up and running following the coronavirus pandemic has been unveiled by both the Department for Communities and Belfast City Council.
The Small Capital Grants Programme, which has a total fund of £800,000, was yesterday announced by communities minister Carál Ní Chuilín.
It aims to assist organisations purchase items of equipment to enhance and sustain the activities and services they provide to the community.
Grants of between £1,500 and £5,000 will help towards the purchase of items such as IT, sporting or catering equipment and material to support arts and cultural activities within the voluntary and community sector.
Ms Ní Chuilín said her department is "committed to ensuring voluntary and community organisations have the necessary support to allow them to provide the vital services required by the local community".
"This is particularly important as we emerge from the period of lockdown and will help to minimise any disruption to the services that people rely so heavily upon," she said.
Peter Sheridan from Co-operation Ireland, which administers the programme, said he was pleased to see the programme moving into another round of funding.
Meanwhile, Belfast City Council is offering financial assistance to help organisations deal with the challenges presented by Covid-19.
Eligible Belfast-based social enterprises and co-operatives can apply for up to £1,000 to help with the purchase of equipment including laptops, phones and PPE, as well as set-up and technology costs to enable remote working, skills development and specialist mentoring.
Up to £2,500 can be offered to help with costs including rent, rates and staffing.
