£1.5 Million Fund Opens To Support Community Asset Ownership In Belfast

Community organisations across Belfast can now apply for support through a new £1.5 million fund designed to help transform local buildings, community spaces and derelict sites.

The Local Community Ownership Fund, launched by Belfast City Council, aims to help local groups acquire community assets and bring them back into sustainable use.

The fund is intended to support projects that improve neighbourhoods, protect valued spaces and deliver positive local economic outcomes.

What Is The Belfast Community Ownership Fund?

The Belfast Community Ownership Fund has been created to help community organisations invest in local places and spaces.

The funding can support the acquisition of:

• Community buildings
• Existing community assets
• Derelict sites
• Spaces that can be brought back into community use

The aim is to prevent the loss of important local assets while creating new facilities for residents, groups and neighbourhood projects.

Council Says Fund Will Support Local Communities

Councillor Natasha Brennan, Chair of Belfast City Council’s Strategic Policy and Resources Committee, said the £1.5 million fund represents a major investment in local communities.

She said the scheme will help transform places for “maximum community benefit” and support projects that safeguard valuable community assets.

Councillor Brennan added that the fund could help save valued buildings, create new community spaces and support projects that boost local pride and economic activity.

Funding Available Across Belfast

A fixed total of £1.5 million is available through the Local Community Ownership Fund.

The funding will be allocated across Belfast as follows:

• North Belfast: £370,276
• South Belfast: £297,418
• East Belfast: £337,810
• West Belfast: £494,496
  • Including £104,091 for the Shankill area

There is no set minimum level of investment for each project.

Who Can Apply?

The fund is aimed at local organisations across Belfast that want to acquire or protect community assets for viable and sustainable community use.

Groups are encouraged to develop project proposals and check the full eligibility criteria before applying.

Support is available throughout the application process, with Belfast City Council officers available to answer queries and provide guidance.

Application Deadline

The closing date for the Expression of Interest stage is:

12pm on Wednesday 17 June

Organisations interested in applying should visit the official Belfast City Council page for full details:

Apply For The Local Community Ownership Fund

Why This Fund Matters

Community ownership can help protect important local buildings and spaces from being lost.

It can also give local people more control over facilities that support:

• Community activity
• Regeneration
• Local pride
• Economic development
• Social connection
• Long-term neighbourhood improvement

The Belfast Community Ownership Fund could help turn unused or at-risk spaces into valuable community assets.

Media Contact Information

For further information, media enquiries or support, contact Belfast City Council’s Press, Campaigns and Social team:

• Telephone: 028 9027 0221
• Out of hours: 07917 458070
• Email: bccmedia@belfastcity.gov.uk

Community organisations across Belfast are encouraged to review the criteria, prepare their Expression of Interest and apply before the deadline.

Find Out More About The Fund Here