A NEW three-year fund for groups working with minority ethnic communities has been launched to support the executive's Racial Equality Strategy.
First Minister Paul Givan and Deputy First Minister Michelle O'Neill yesterday urged eligible groups to apply for the grants for projects of various sizes ranging from £100 - £75,000 a year.
It follows a recent review of the scheme which created a three-year funding stream to provide groups with stability and allow longer term planning and support.
Mr Givan said the Minority Ethnic Development Fund (MEDF) aims to assist minority ethnic and local community organisations to promote good relations between people of different backgrounds.
Ms O'Neill said they "are proud to have a diverse, multi-cultural society and we want everyone here to feel welcome and supported".
"The MEDF has been a key mechanism to support delivery of our Racial Equality Strategy, which is helping to promote good race relations and social cohesion across our community.
"It has helped hundreds of projects to provide vital support which is making a positive difference in the lives of many minority ethnic people.
"This improved three-year funding scheme will allow for enhanced security for those working with minority ethnic people and I would encourage applications to the fund."
Potential applicants are being invited to learn more about the MEDF process with an online funding seminar on December 20 via the Executive Office website.
The deadline for receipt of completed applications is 2pm on January 27 2022.
