Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon Borough (ABC) Council is celebrating over a decade of supporting community and voluntary groups through its community grants programme.
Since 2015, ABC Council has awarded more than 6,000 grants and invested £13.6m in the local community and voluntary sector through the Financial Assistance Programme.
To mark this significant milestone, representatives from community and voluntary organisations gathered at South Lake Leisure Centre to showcase the positive impact council funding has had on programmes and activities across the borough.
Speaking at the celebration event, Lord Mayor of Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon Borough, Councillor Mary O’Dowd said: “It’s fantastic to see so many community and voluntary organisations join us in celebrating this funding milestone! We are proud to support these groups through our grant programmes, which deliver significant social impact by improving lives and creating opportunities for people to connect across our borough.
“Strong and active communities are the cornerstone of an inclusive and vibrant borough – when communities thrive, our borough thrives.”
Over the past decade, community grants have been awarded to community and voluntary organisations delivering a wide range of programmes, services and events, helping to foster a sense of connection and belonging.
In their feedback to the team, community and voluntary groups have highlighted the value of funding support. As one group commented, it ‘extends far beyond the funding itself, enabling voluntary, cultural and community organisations to turn good ideas into practical opportunities, strengthen local participation and bring people together.’
For more information on community grants, visit www.armaghbanbridgecraigavon.co.uk/fundingabc
