Community groups in Northern Ireland are invited to apply for grants between £500 and £3,000 to improve local environments, with the Live Here Love Here Small Grants scheme now open for applications until 30 June 2026.

The initiative, delivered in partnership with ten councils including Mid Ulster District Council and the Northern Ireland Housing Executive, supports projects that enhance green spaces, increase biodiversity, reduce litter and promote civic pride.

Last year, the scheme awarded £158,348 to 102 projects across Northern Ireland. Volunteers contributed 1,600 hours to initiatives such as community gardens, biodiversity projects, litter reduction campaigns and outdoor wellbeing spaces. Recipients in the Mid Ulster area included Upperlands Community Development Ltd, Aughnacloy Development Association and Clogher Community Village Forum, which worked on transforming shared spaces and creating healthier places.

One project that received funding was at Greenlough GAC, where 25 volunteers contributed 100 hours to begin planting trees, creating hedgerows and wildflower areas, and installing recycled benches and rainwater collection butts. The work aimed to improve the club’s biodiversity and environmental sustainability, while encouraging wider community involvement.

Orla McGrady, Grants Officer at Live Here Love Here, stated that the grants allow communities to take meaningful environmental action and bring people together through volunteering. Over 350 groups applied last year, and the organisation looks forward to supporting more projects that benefit both residents and wildlife.

Deirdre Varsani, Chair of Mid Ulster District Council, encouraged organisations across the district to consider applying to support their local efforts. Eligible applicants include community and voluntary groups, schools, youth clubs, sports organisations, churches and not-for-profit bodies.

More information is available on the Live Here Love Here website.