Funding

Funding Opportunities & Eligibility

SOAR has CLOSED its third call for applications under Measures 3.1 and 3.2 on Friday 11th June 2010  

SOAR is OPEN for its third call for applications under Measures 3.1 Diversification into non-agricultural activities  and Measure 3.2 Support for business creation and development.

These measures will remain open until Friday 11th June, 2010 at 4.00 pm.

SOAR has closed its second call for applications under Measures 3.4, 3.5 and 3.6 on 1st February 2010.

SOAR has received 115 applications under its second call and is now processing these applications.

SOAR has closed its first call for applications under Measures 3.1, 3.2 and 3.3 on 14th September 2009.
 
SOAR has received 202 applications under its first call and is now processing these applications.
 
Please click what’s happening with your application to find out more on the application process.
 

Additional Documentation (open in a new window)    


Frequently Asked Questions

Who can apply?
With the exception of Measure 3.1 Diversification into Non-Agricultural Activities, which is directed specifically at farmers and farm families, there will be a wide variety of opportunities available to individuals and community groups, non-departmental public bodies and councils. Applicant projects should be located in a rural area.

How will I know if I should proceed to full application under this programme?
All applicants to the programme must first complete an Expression of Interest form. This can be found on the ‘Applications’ page. Following the submission of this form the SOAR office will then advise whether to proceed to full application stage or not.

What is the maximum grant available and at what rate?
The Maximum grant for PRIVATE SECTOR application is £50,000
This is at a rate of 50% eligible costs; i.e. your project would need to be in excess of £100,000 to apply for the maximum grant available.

Maximum grant for NON DEPARTMENTAL PUBLIC BODY / COUNCIL / SOCIAL ECONOMY SECTOR / COMMUNITY ORGANISATION applicant is £250,000. This is at a rate of 75% eligible costs; i.e. your project would need to be in excess of £333,333 to apply for the maximum grant available.

What types of projects can be funded?
Funding will be delivered by SOAR across all six previously mentioned measures. Please click on link above of relevant measure for more information.

What types of projects can’t be funded? (This is not an exhaustive list)

  • Retail (except where integral part of production facility or farm shop)
  • Mainstream agricultural/horticultural activities
  • Mobile Infrastructure (except specialised infrastructure for specific project requirements)
  • Any activity that could be funded by another body
  • Running costs, for example, heat, light etc
  • Employment costs e.g. some salaries (subject to ongoing discussions with DARD)
  • Service or distribution businesses, unless they are innovative in your area
  • Projects where there is a clear statutory responsibility
  • Projects that create economic displacement
  • Projects that have negative environmental impacts
  • Annual or recurring events (the programme can only consider new events)
  • Provision of additional bed and breakfast bed spaces
  • Private dwellings
  • Retrospective Funding is not eligible – you must not start your project until you receive and accept a Letter of Offer from SOAR
  • Projects based in the urban areas of Armagh, Craigavon (including Lurgan and Portadown), Kilkeel, Newry and Warrenpoint

Is planning permission required at time of application?
For those projects which require planning permission then at least outline planning permission must be secured before your application to SOAR will be accepted.

If your project is for tourist accommodation then full planning permission must be available before you submit your application to SOAR. 

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Other Funding Opportunities

Community Relations & Cultural Diversity Grant Scheme

The programme’s small grants scheme is aimed at increasing opportunities for people from differing traditions to develop relationships of trust and understanding and the confidence to address issues of difference between them.  The Scheme is targeted at locally based not-for-profit groups such as Community Development groups, Cultural Organisations, Women’s Groups, Church Groups, Tenants Associations and other organisations and groups involved in community relations, reconciliation projects and cultural engagement.  The scheme is aimed primarily at projects involving adults aged 16+.the total value of the Scheme is £440,000 and up to £10,000 is available per application to this scheme.

Please contact Judith Hamilton 02890 227500 or Roisin Montague 028877204430 (project Officers) or see website for further details www.community-relations.org.uk.

Core Funding Programme for Community Relations Groups

This Core Funding Scheme (£1.35 million) contributes towards the salary and running costs of a number of organisations which are considered to be of strategic importance in promoting community relations and/or cultural diversity work in Northern Ireland.  Examples of these include peace and reconciliation centres; those involved in mediation and conflict transformation training; community arts; church-based work on reconciliation themes; cultural organisations and interface projects.

Please contact Frances Dennison (Core Funding Officer) 02890 227500 or see website for further details www.community-relations.org.uk

 Research Awards Scheme

This scheme which receives applications on an annual basis, aims to support original research and other creative approaches to community relations work.  Research awards may last for up to a 12 month period.

Please contact Paul Jordan (F & D Director) 02890227500 or see website for further details www.community-relations.org.uk

Big Lottery Fund’s Awards for All programme

Awards for All is a small grants programme delivered and funded by the Big Lottery Fund in Northern Ireland.
The main aim of the programme is to bring real improvements to communities and to the lives of people most in need by funding projects which involve people in their communities, bringing them together to enjoy a wide range of charitable, community, educational, environmental and health – related activities.

Small Grants of between £500 – £10,000 awarded over 1 year period.  Ongoing programme with no closing dates.  Open to voluntary and community organisations and statutory organisations.

You can download guidance notes and an application form from the website www.awardsforall.org.uk

Rural Transport Voucher Scheme

The Department for Rural Development has launched the Rural Transport Fund Voucher Scheme.  This scheme is aimed at rural community groups/organisations wishing to transport 17 or more passengers.  The scheme will provide a voucher towards the cost of transport for successful applicants. 

Application Packs are now available for those non profit making community groups who are planning on travelling during April, May and June 2010. 

Closing date 26th Feb 2010.  There is a limit to the number of vouchers available in each area.  To received an application pack, please contact 028 90540620 or email melanie.parker@drdrni.gov.uk

Department of Agriculture and Rural Development
Rural Development Programme
The European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development : Europe investing in rural areas
Leader
Craigavon Borough Council
Armagh City and District Council
 Newry and Mourne Council

Photographs on this web site are courtesy of and copyright of Armagh City & District Council,
Craigavon Borough Council and Newry & Mourne District Council.