Rural Action has announced that the Rural Action Awards scheme has reopened for applications.
Now in its second year, this scheme is aimed at supporting rural communities celebrate their own achievements. It is designed to support up to 12 volunteer led community action projects. Rural community-based organisations in Northern Ireland, or the border region of Ireland will have the chance of securing £1000 or €1000 towards their project.
The scheme is open to constituted rural community-based organisations including charities, not for profit community groups, sporting and cultural organisations, heritage groups, Parent Teacher Associations, youth groups/clubs and social enterprises. The scheme seeks to support practical, tangible and timebound projects where the project must complete within 12 weeks.
Teresa Canavan, Rural Action Chief Executive, explained, “We were delighted with the response to the first year of our Awards. Our organisation strapline is ‘Making it Happen’ and we hope that these modest awards, in some way, contribute to doing just that, to help to support rural communities to make things happen locally.’
“We will operate 4 calls for applications up to March 2024 and randomly select 3 recipients from each call. The first closing date is 20th June 2023. The application process is very simple so we would encourage all eligible groups to give it a go.’
“Groups wishing to enter must complete an online form available at www.ruralaction.co. The successful groups will then be contacted and following a simple verification process, can avail of the £1000/€1000 to use for their community action project. Full terms and conditions are available on our website.”
“We wish the best of luck to all those groups that enter, and we look forward to sharing their stories.”
Notes to Editor
1. Photo Caption: Montage of winners from the inaugural Rural Action Awards Scheme 2022/2023.
2. Year 1 of the Rural Action Awards Scheme supported 12 community projects, each receiving £1000/€1000.
3. Rural Action was formed in 2019 as a not-for-profit social purpose company and became a registered charity in March 2022. It was established to meet an identified need for a regional delivery organisation with a focus on supporting grassroots communities. It seeks to make a positive contribution to the everyday lives of rural communities.
4. Our ambition to achieve this is not only through the work we do for others, but in our capacity as a not-for-profit charitable organisation to give back, to support and inspire rural communities to design, deliver and implement practical projects. The Rural Action Awards Scheme helps to fulfil this ambition.
5. The scheme is open to Rural community-based organisations based in Northern Ireland and the border region of Ireland.
6. Groups are invited to enter their details into a draw of £1000/€1000. The scheme will run from June 2023 to March 2024. 4 calls for applications will be made with 3 recipients randomly selected with each call. 12 awards will be made in total.
7. Terms and conditions and how to enter can be found at www.ruralaction.co.