DFID Development Awareness Mini Grant Scheme

Applications are now invited for the DFID Development Awareness Mini Grant Scheme for Northern Ireland 2010.

The Scheme is aimed directly at not-for-profit organisations working at a grass roots level in Northern Ireland.  It aims to build public support for development by generating greater levels of awareness and understanding of international development issues, across different audiences within Northern Ireland. The fund in Northern Ireland is administered by the Centre for Global Education.

The Scheme is focused on Northern Ireland audiences and applications must address at least one of the Mini Grants Scheme's objectives.  A project that meets more than one objective will not necessarily be considered preferable to a project that meets one objective well. Provided your project contributes to the aims of the Fund, preference will be given to proposals that demonstrate one or more of the following qualities.

Partnerships made up of traditional development awareness raising organisations and organisations new to raising development awareness issues.

• Projects which seek to engage new audiences and organisations.
• Organisations operating mainly within a defined local or regional area.
• Projects led by or involving Black and Ethnic Minority organisations.
• Projects which build on genuine partnership.
• Innovative projects.
• Projects that build capacity to deliver on increasing development awareness in Northern Ireland.

The Mini Grant Guidelines sets out how to apply for grants under the Scheme and are available at www.dfid.gov.uk/Working-with-DFID/Funding-Schemes/funding-for-not-for-profit-organisations/DAF

Closing date: 30 October 2009 at 5.00pm.

For further information on the mini grants and guidance on applications please contact: Stephen McCloskey, Centre for Global Education, 9 University Street, Belfast, BT7 1FY, T: (028 from NI or 048 from RoI) 90241879, E: Stephen@centreforglobaleducation.com.

Briefing Seminars for potential applicants to the fund will take place on the following dates:

• 21 September 2009, 10.30am-12.30pm, Training Room. VSB Belfast, 34 Shaftsbury Square, Belfast BT2 7DB
• 25 September 2009, 11.00am-1.00pm, The Junction, 8 Bishop Street, Derry, BT48 6PW

If your organisation is interested in participating in the seminars then please request a registration form by sending an e-mail to stephen@centreforglobaleducation.com