Carrickfergus Community Groups Could Receive £1,000 Through ‘Grab a Grand’ Scheme

Community groups in Carrickfergus can apply for up to £1,000 through the new Grab a Grand funding initiative. Applications close at 12 noon on Friday 30 October 2026, with local residents voting for their favourite projects at a Community Voting Day on 19 November.

Grab a Grand Carrickfergus funding scheme now open

Community groups across Carrickfergus are being encouraged to apply for grants of up to £1,000 through the newly launched Grab a Grand Carrickfergus initiative.

The scheme will support local projects designed to make a positive difference in the community, from improving facilities to organising events and helping people in need.

The initiative is being delivered by Mid and East Antrim Borough Council in partnership with Clanmil Housing, the Northern Ireland Housing Executive, Carrickfergus and Greenisland Community Cluster, Carrickfergus Community Forum and Wilton Funeral Directors.

What can the £1,000 community funding be used for?

The Grab a Grand scheme aims to help local organisations bring their ideas to life.

Projects could include:

• Improvements to community facilities and shared spaces.

• Local events and activities that bring residents together.

• Initiatives supporting vulnerable people or those in need.

• Other projects that provide a positive benefit to the Carrickfergus community.

Groups can apply for up to £1,000 towards delivering their proposed activities.

Carrickfergus residents will vote for successful projects

Unlike traditional grant programmes, Grab a Grand uses a process known as participatory budgeting.

This means local residents will help decide which projects receive funding.

Once applications have been reviewed, shortlisted groups will be invited to present their ideas at a special Community Voting Day.

The event will take place on Thursday 19 November 2026 at Carrickfergus Civic Centre Mall.

Residents from across Carrickfergus can attend, hear about the proposals and vote for the projects they believe will make the biggest difference.

The approach is designed to give local people a direct say in how funding is allocated within their community.

Mayor welcomes community funding opportunity

Mayor of Mid and East Antrim, Alderman Thomas Gordon, welcomed the initiative and encouraged local groups to take part.

He said:

“This is a fantastic opportunity for local groups to bring their ideas to life and for residents to directly shape the future of their community.

“We look forward to seeing innovative projects that will benefit people across Carrickfergus.”

How to apply for Grab a Grand Carrickfergus

Applications are now open, with a deadline of 12 noon on Friday 30 October 2026.

Community groups interested in applying can request further information and an application form by contacting either of the scheme representatives below.

• Janet Shearer, Mid and East Antrim Borough Council: janet.shearer@midandeastantrim.gov.uk

• Austin Kelly, Clanmil Housing: austin.kelly@clanmil.org.uk

These are the application contacts provided in the council’s announcement. No direct online application form was supplied.

Key dates for Carrickfergus community groups

Supporting Carrickfergus communities

The funding initiative provides another opportunity for local groups to develop projects that strengthen community life in Carrickfergus.

Residents can also discover local organisations, businesses, events and community news through the Northern Ireland Online Carrickfergus town page.

For upcoming activities across the area, visit the Northern Ireland Online events directory.

Know a Carrickfergus community group that could benefit from £1,000? Share this article with them and encourage them to apply before Friday 30 October.