Belfast Harbour has today announced that the fund for this year’s Belfast Harbour Community Awards has been increased to £100,000, an increase of £20,000 on the total fund last year.
The Awards, which open twice a year for applications, provide grants of up to £5,000 to charities, volunteering organisations and community groups who are delivering activity positively impacting the environment, education and skills and bringing communities together.
Last year saw more than 120 charities and community groups apply for the awards and 28 successful organisations receiving grants of up to £5,000 each for projects designed to help make a positive difference in local communities.
The grants were awarded across both rural and urban areas, with 45% awarded to charities supporting communities in North, South, East or West Belfast.
Through the 2023 Awards Belfast Harbour supported a wide variety of projects including 14 programmes supporting children and young people, 10 programmes supporting vulnerable or minority communities and four programmes aimed at promoting environmental sustainability.
Other impactful initiatives provided 500 meals for elderly and socially isolated individuals and enabled 200 young people and adults to discover the physical and mental health benefits of sailing.
Jenni Barkley at Belfast Harbour said: “We are always encouraged by the diversity of organisations who apply for support to the Community Awards. From organisations supporting young people and the elderly to the environment, health and wellbeing, we are always struck by the incredible work being delivered by grassroots organisations and the impact they have on their local communities.
The Community Awards are part of Belfast Harbour’s ongoing commitment to being a socially responsible port, and building partnerships with organisations which support communities, the environment and the development of employability and skills.
“We are proud that our Community Awards have enabled so many groups to reach new milestones in their work and support so many good causes.”