Communities Minister Gordon Lyons has officially launched the Northern Ireland Community Infrastructure Fund (NICIF), a £4.32 million scheme designed to deliver essential minor capital works to facilities used by community and voluntary organisations across Northern Ireland.

The fund, which opens for Expressions of Interest on Wednesday, October 1, provides grants of up to £40,000 each, aiming to support over 100 individual projects. This funding will enable voluntary and community groups to carry out minor works to their buildings, ensuring they remain safe, functional, and fit for purpose.

Minister Lyons launched the scheme at the Pomeroy Forest Building in County Tyrone, emphasising the fundamental role these buildings play in local life.

"The Northern Ireland Community Infrastructure Fund is designed for the everyday facilities that sustain local life – the halls, centres, and buildings that rarely make headlines, but which make an enormous difference," Minister Lyons said. "These spaces are vital assets - they act as beacons of support, connection, and resilience, fostering social cohesion and a sense of belonging. However, in too many cases, they are no longer fit for purpose and that is not good enough."

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The Minister stressed his ambition in establishing the fund, which will disburse £4.3m to grassroots communities. He clarified that the vision extends beyond construction: "My vision is not just about bricks and mortar – it is about people, places and potential. It is about making sure that communities – rural and urban, large and small – have safe, welcoming and sustainable places. We are not just investing in buildings; we are investing in our communities."

The fund was warmly welcomed by leaders from the voluntary and community sector who highlighted its timely arrival and potential impact.

Celine McStravick, Chief Executive of NICVA, commented: "This Fund could not come at a better time. Voluntary and community organisations across Northern Ireland are under immense pressure, with rising demand for services and increasing costs. The Community Infrastructure Fund will make a real difference – helping organisations repair and modernise their buildings, freeing them to focus on their mission rather than maintenance."

Kate Clifford, Director of Rural Community Network, praised the scheme for its inclusive approach and design: "We warmly welcome this investment as a positive step forward for rural communities. We are delighted to see rural halls and faith communities being included alongside urban centres, recognising the vital role they play as hubs of connection, support, and activity in local life. We are also pleased that the Department not only engaged in meaningful consultation with the sector but that there is clear evidence they acted on our guidance and incorporated our recommendations into the design of this scheme."

Jane Gribben, Community Engagement Manager of Volunteer Now, noted the link between infrastructure and volunteer support: "Volunteers are the heartbeat of our communities, and to deliver meaningful services and opportunities, it is vital that community buildings are fit for purpose and offer inclusive, welcoming spaces for all. This fund provides a valuable opportunity to ensure that centres become vibrant hubs where volunteers can make a real impact."

Lauri McCusker, Director of the Fermanagh Trust, welcomed the capital fund as "very timely," saying it will make a real effective contribution to improving over 100 facilities, ensuring they are increasingly accessible, warm, energy efficient, and up to date in terms of equipment and technology.