The Architectural Heritage Fund (AHF) is keen to hear from charities or social enterprises based in villages who are interested in finding long-term uses for empty historic buildings (listed or in conservation areas) which target rural poverty and social isolation.
The AHF currently has the following programmes open in NI, thanks to support from the Department for Communities, the Garfield Weston Foundation and the Pilgrim Trust:
Heritage Transformed
- Project Viability Grants - up to £10,000
- Project Development Grants - up to £20,000
These are available across NI to charities and social enterprises seeking to find uses for historic buildings. There is a restricted budget.
Village Catalyst
- Village Catalyst Project Viability Grants - up to £10,000
- Village Catalyst Project Development Grants - up to £20,000
Available to charities and social enterprises seeking to find uses for historic buildings which are either listed, or in conservation areas, in villages with a population of under 5,000.
The proposed uses need to address DAERA's Targeting Rural Poverty and Social Isolation (TRPSI) Framework objectives.
Applications of up to £7,500 for projects in Northern Ireland, can be submitted at any time and you will normally get a decision in 6 to 8 weeks.
The quarterly Grants Panel considers applications for all applications of more than £7,500 in Northern Ireland.
In Northern Ireland, the Project Viability Grant for up to £10,000 and Project Development Grants for up to £20,000 can currently be made, with a focus on villages, and will be assessed on a monthly basis.
Further information about these grants can be accessed here.
Please note that funding is limited, so enquiries are welcome now via: www.ahfund.org.uk/enquiry and through Rita Harkin, NI Support Officer, 07789 758080
