Apply for Volunteering Small Grant Programme 2026-2027 (United Kingdom)

Deadline: 31-Dec-2026

The Volunteering Small Grant Programme supports local sporting and community organisations in the Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council area to recruit, train, support, and recognise volunteers. Eligible voluntary, community, and sporting organisations with an annual income of up to £100,000 can receive up to £500, with the Council considering funding of up to 100% of eligible project costs. The programme aims to increase participation in volunteering, particularly among under-represented groups, while helping local organisations develop stronger and more sustainable volunteer programmes.

About the Volunteering Small Grant Programme

The Volunteering Small Grant Programme is designed to strengthen the capacity of local sporting and community organisations by helping them develop and maintain effective volunteer networks. Funding can help organisations attract new volunteers, improve opportunities for existing volunteers, provide relevant training, and recognise the contribution volunteers make to local communities. The programme particularly encourages wider participation among groups that may be under-represented in volunteering. What Are the Objectives of the Programme? Applicants must demonstrate how their proposed activities will contribute to at least one of the programme’s objectives.

The project should aim to:

- Increase volunteer participation among under-represented groups. - Support existing volunteers. - Create additional volunteering opportunities. - Provide training or mentoring for volunteers. - Increase the number of trained individuals within sporting or community organisations. - Improve the outcomes and effectiveness of local groups through a stronger volunteer base. Supporting Under-Represented Volunteers The programme encourages organisations to create more inclusive volunteering opportunities for people who may be under-represented in volunteer roles.

This can include:

- People who are not in paid employment. - People aged 65 and over. - People under 25. - People with disabilities. - People from racial or ethnic minority backgrounds. Applicants should explain how their project will make volunteering more accessible and encourage participation from these groups. What Does the Grant Support? Funding can support practical activities directly related to recruiting, supporting, training, or recognising volunteers.

Eligible costs include:

- Volunteer recognition activities, such as thank-you events. - Volunteer certificates. - Volunteer recruitment campaigns. - Posters and promotional materials for recruitment. - Sponsored advertisements for volunteer recruitment. - Travel within Northern Ireland related to volunteer roles. - Protective clothing for volunteers. - Volunteer training. - First aid training. - Safeguarding training. - Other eligible costs directly connected with volunteer support. The proposed expenditure should have a clear connection to the organisation’s volunteer programme. Grant Amount Eligible organisations can apply for up to £500. The Council will consider funding of up to 100% of total eligible costs, subject to the maximum grant amount. The programme is intended to provide small-scale support that can help organisations strengthen their volunteer capacity without requiring a large funding commitment. Who Can Apply? The programme is open to eligible voluntary, community, and sporting organisations operating within the Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council area.

To be eligible, organisations must:

- Be based within the Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council area. - Operate on a non-profit basis. - Have an annual income of no more than £100,000. - Demonstrate good governance. - Be committed to equal opportunities. - Be committed to good relations. - Meet the programme’s other relevant eligibility requirements. Who Cannot Apply? Organisations that do not meet the programme’s geographical, financial, or organisational requirements will not be eligible. Funding is not intended for general organisational expenditure or activities that are unrelated to volunteer recruitment, training, support, or recognition. Eligible Project Costs The grant can be used for a range of volunteer-related costs.

Examples include:

- Recruitment posters and promotional campaigns. - Sponsored recruitment advertisements. - Volunteer appreciation or recognition events. - Certificates recognising volunteer contributions. - Travel expenses within Northern Ireland associated with volunteer roles. - Protective clothing required by volunteers. - First aid training. - Safeguarding training. - Other appropriate training and support costs for volunteers. Applicants should clearly demonstrate why each proposed expense is necessary for the volunteer activity. What Does the Grant Not Fund?

The programme does not support:

- General running costs. - Insurance costs. - Capital costs. - Activities that are not directly related to volunteer support. - General organisational expenditure that does not contribute to the stated objectives. Applicants should ensure that the proposed budget focuses specifically on volunteer-related activities. How Can Organisations Use the Funding? Organisations can use the grant strategically to improve their volunteer programmes. For example, an organisation could use funding to launch a targeted volunteer recruitment campaign, provide first aid or safeguarding training to volunteers, purchase protective clothing required for volunteer roles, or organise a volunteer recognition event. The activity should produce a clear benefit for volunteers and the organisation. How to Prepare a Strong Application A strong application should clearly identify the organisation’s volunteer needs and explain how the proposed project will address them.

Applicants should explain:

- How many volunteers they currently have. - Whether they are seeking to recruit new volunteers. - Which groups they want to encourage to volunteer. - What training or mentoring volunt