PURPOSE OF THE FUND
The Community Festivals Fund (CFF) was established in recognition of the potential contribution that festivals can make to communities, the local economy and wider government priorities.
The fund aims to support the development and capacity of locally run festivals by providing support and training to make them less reliant on public funding in addition to offering funding towards the costs of events. The fund enables community organisations to celebrate their cultural identity and strengthen community relations while promoting equality and targeting poverty and social inclusion.
DEFINITION OF A FESTIVAL
A Community Festival is defined as a series of events (or a single event with several elements) with a common theme and delivered within a defined period of time (not to exceed 28 days). It is developed from within a community and should celebrate and positively promote what the community represents.
Community Festivals are about participation, involvement and the creation of a sense of identity and are important in contributing to the social well-being of a community. They must be initiated and led by, or in partnership with a community organisation – the community must play a strong part in the development and delivery of the festival and have ownership of it.
FUNDING LIMITS
A minimum of £1,000 and a maximum of £3,500 is available for any one organisation in each financial year. The total amount awarded can only make up 87.5% of the total expenditure of the Festivals (up to the maximum amount available), therefore applicants will need to demonstrate a 12.5% match funding contribution that can be an ‘in-kind’ amount.
GENERAL FUNDING PRINCIPLES
Organisations must comply with relevant government and public health guidance and regulations in relation to Covid-19 https://www.nidirect.gov.uk/campaigns/coronavirus-covid-19 . Any activity outside the set timescales or guidance and regulations will not be eligible for funding.
Organisations must comply with all statutory obligations regarding the delivery of and access to their project or event, including Health & Safety and licensing requirements.
This is a competitive scheme and applications will be determined on the basis of merit.
Applications to this scheme will be open to all festivals that can meet the core criteria of the scheme irrespective of whether they are established or emerging events.
Applicants can apply to other sources of public support, outside of the Council, but must declare this in their application form and show how the additional funding will add value to the festival. This other source of funding could make up the remaining 12.5%.
Festivals should contribute to the promotion of a positive image of Northern Ireland and organisers must take steps to avert anti-social behavior.
Applicants will be expected to make efforts to maximise income through ticket sales and sponsorship. They should develop a plan to improve the sustainability of their festival, and reduce reliance on public funding, in future years.
Those organisations based outside the Lisburn & Castlereagh City Council area may be awarded funding for Festivals projects as long as the entirety of the Festivals project takes place within the Lisburn & Castlereagh City Council area.
Festivals must take place in the Lisburn & Castlereagh City Council area between the date of their signed Terms & Conditions being received and 31 March 2023.
Read more about eligibility for the funding and apply at the Lisburn & Castlereagh City Council website below.
LCCC Community Festivals Fund 2022/23
Closing date for completed applications is: 12 noon on the 21st February 2022.
