DUP Minister Nelson McCausland

SOCIAL Development Minister Nelson McCausland has announced additional funding of £385,000 for the Volunteering Small Grants Programme.

Following this autumn’s call for applications to apply for grants from the scheme the Department for Social Development received an overwhelming response.

The project aimed to increase and develop local volunteer involvement and give more support to front line volunteers.

The application phase has now closed and almost 700 applications from small organisations who work with volunteers have been received.

The DUP Minister said: “I am delighted that this Programme has proved to be so popular with application numbers exceeding expectations.

“I am making up to £385,000 of extra funding available so that as many organisations and local volunteers can as possible can benefit and receive their grants.

“Increasing the amount of government funding going out in small grants will allow many more front line volunteering organisations and volunteers to benefit our community.”

Aimed at helping organisations throughout Northern Ireland recruit and support volunteers, this new scheme is a key part of Northern Ireland’s first ever volunteering strategy “Join in, Get involved: Build a Better Future”.

The overall aim of the scheme is to increase diversity within volunteering in Northern Ireland.