Village Catalyst Programme

About the programme

The programme is designed to help meet the objectives of DAERA’s Tackling Rural Poverty & Social Isolation (TRPSI) Framework Tackling Rural Poverty & Social Isolation – A New Framework and find long-term community-led solutions for historic buildings at risk, particularly those included in Northern Ireland's Heritage at Risk register.

It builds on a three-year pilot, which resulted in four projects being developed.  Further information on these projects can be found at Village Catalyst Pilot case studies and these are highlighted in the Village Catalyst pilot video.

Funding routes

To be eligible for support under the current Village Catalyst programme, the building must be listed or within a conservation area. The three available funding routes and details on how to apply are listed below:

• Project Viability Grant – To carry out viability work, with support offered up to £10,000. Please complete the enquiry form prior to making an application. This is a rolling scheme. More information on what this grant can fund is available.
• Project Development Grant – To further develop your plans with support offered up to £20,000. For enquiries and applications for this scheme, contact our partners, AHF (Ahf@ahfund.org.uk). Please note, this scheme will close once our available budget has been expended. Therefore, early application is recommended.
• Delivery Grant – To deliver your project, with capital funding offered up to £240,000. For enquiries and applications for this scheme, please contact Villagecatalystsupport@communities-ni.gov.uk. Please note, this scheme will close once our available budget has been expended. Therefore, early application is recommended.

Village Catalyst grant scheme application guidance

Guidance on how to apply for Village Catalyst funding.

• Village Catalyst grant scheme application guidance

As awards are subject to available budget we recommend early submission of proposals.