Council Invests More Than £1.27M in Mid Ulster Community Initiatives

Mid Ulster District Council has awarded more than £1.27 million through its 2026/27 Grant Aid Programme, supporting 885 community, voluntary, sports, cultural and wellbeing projects across the district.

Mid Ulster District Council has announced a major investment of more than £1.27 million in community initiatives through its 2026/27 Grant Aid Programme.

The funding will support 885 successful applications from across Mid Ulster. It will help local groups deliver projects that strengthen communities, improve wellbeing, enhance facilities, celebrate culture and heritage, and encourage participation in sport and community life.

£1.27M Funding Boost for Mid Ulster Communities

The Council’s Grant Aid Programme continues to support grassroots organisations that play an important role in the social, cultural and economic life of Mid Ulster.

The funding will benefit a wide range of groups, including:

• Community associations
• Sports clubs
• Youth organisations
• Senior citizens groups
• Arts and cultural groups
• Health and wellbeing projects
• Environmental initiatives
• Volunteer-led organisations

Council Praises Local Groups and Volunteers

Welcoming the investment, Chair of Mid Ulster District Council, Councillor Frances Burton, said the community and voluntary sector remains central to life across the district.

She said these organisations provide essential services, create opportunities for people of all ages, strengthen community connections, and help make Mid Ulster a vibrant and inclusive place to live.

Councillor Burton added that the investment will support important programmes, improve facilities, promote health and wellbeing, celebrate culture and heritage, and create more opportunities for participation and inclusion.

Where the Grant Aid Funding Will Go

Among the largest allocations announced are:

Community Development Grants

A total of £634,052 has been awarded through the Community Development Grants Programme.

This will support hundreds of local groups delivering work focused on:

• Community engagement
• Inclusion
• Wellbeing
• Heritage
• Youth development

Community Infrastructure Projects

A further £200,000 has been awarded through the Community Infrastructure Grant scheme.

This will support major capital projects, including community gym facilities, sports and wellbeing centres, and cultural redevelopment projects in areas such as Slaughtneil, Magherafelt, Killeeshil and Fivemiletown.

Sports Pitch Infrastructure

The Council is also investing £250,000 in sports pitch infrastructure projects across Mid Ulster.

This will support improved community sports facilities in areas including Kildress, Clonoe, Magherafelt, Ballymaguigan and Greenlough.

Strategic Events and Cultural Programmes

More than £100,000 has been allocated to strategic events that attract visitors, celebrate local identity, and support town and village economies.

In addition, over £30,000 will support Irish language initiatives and programmes promoting cultural participation and inclusion.

Supporting Stronger Communities Across Mid Ulster

The funding package reflects the wide range of community activity taking place across Mid Ulster.

It will help local organisations build resilience, encourage volunteering, improve local facilities, and create opportunities for people to connect and thrive.

The Council says the Grant Aid Programme remains an important source of support for communities across towns, villages and rural areas.

For more information on Mid Ulster District Council’s community funding programmes, visit  www.midulstercouncil.org/grants

Local groups, clubs and organisations are encouraged to keep up to date with future council funding opportunities and support programmes.