The Architectural Heritage Fund is keen to hear from charities or social enterprises based in villages in Northern Ireland who are interested in finding long-term uses for empty historic buildings which target rural
poverty and social isolation. AHF’s Heritage Transformed advice, grants, and loans
programme in NI is funded by the Department for Communities, the Pilgrim Trust, and the Garfield Weston
Foundation. It is designed to help community groups test out their ideas for listed buildings or historic
buildings in conservation areas that best serve their core needs.
Project Viability Grants – up to £10,000
The early-stage Project Viability Grants, which are currently up to £10,000, are very flexible and tailored to the individual group’s needs. Funding can, for example, help groups carry out condition surveys and architectural feasibility studies by suitably qualified heritage professionals; establish broad costs; engage with the community to identify its core needs; test meanwhile uses; and develop business plans.
AHF’s Project Viability Report template helps groups pull information together in an easily digestible format
and, if a business case can be made, this can be used to approach other funders.
Project Development Grants – up to £20,000
For those groups who have already established broad viability, AHF can also provide a small number
of Project Development Grants of up to £20,000 to move projects on to their next stage of investment
readiness, including securing planning permission and listed building consent or employing a Project Manager.
While AHF’s usual requirement for match funding is not currently essential, it is desirable as a means of
securing buy-in from other stakeholders.
How to apply?
Applications for Project Development Grants need to be made by 10th January 2022 while Project Viability Grant applications can be submitted any time before the end of February 2022. All awards must be made by the end of March 2022.
Funding is limited, so inquiries are welcome now via: www.ahfund.org.uk/enquiry
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