Lisburn and Castlereagh Council has agreed to establish a £2 million Community Investment Fund.
The new scheme will assist local community groups with the development of capital projects within the council area. A minimum of 50% match funding is required from the applicant organisation.
A £250,000 pilot has been opened initially for expressions of interest by local communities that wish to partner with the council through this innovative programme.
The pilot is the first phase of LCCC's Community Investment Fund.
The fund forms part of the council’s 10 year ambitious investment plan ‘Connect-Invest-Transform’.
Speaking at the Full Council meeting on Tuesday, Corporate Services Committee Chairman, Alderman Paul Porter said: "I think this is exciting times because this will mean despite the challenges we have faced with Covid-19 we will be bringing secure and support in the region of £3million.
"I hope this sends a message out there to people in our community that despite the challenges we have faced over the last year that we are listening and that we're delivering and we are working with you."
Deputy Mayor Jenny Palmer added: "There is great excitement among the council in getting this money through and how this pilot will develop.
"It will mean a lot of groups in the future will benefit from it and will be of specific interests to all sections of the community in Lisburn and Castlereagh."
