UPDATE 25/03/24 - Applications for grants to Ulster Garden Villages are currently closed.
In light of our substantial charitable forward commitments, coupled with the unknown financial implication of the recent judgement in relation to our investment in apartments at Victoria Square, Chichester Street, Belfast, the Committee of Management has agreed to pause our charitable giving.
Ulster Garden Villages will continue to work with those charities with grant offers already in place subject to their project commencement, to continue to ‘make a positive difference’ in the Community.
If you would like to be made aware of when applications are open again, please email admin@ulstergardenvillages.co.uk.
Ulster Garden Villages primarily allocates funds to projects within Northern Ireland that will have a positive impact in Northern Ireland.
National Charities making an approach to the Society should relate their appeal to specific needs or projects within Northern Ireland.
Funds are not given retrospectively and it is not usual to give grants for office expenses or administrative staff salaries.
In addition to outright grants, assistance may be given by way of loans which may carry certain conditions at the discretion of the Committee.
Preferred projects will be those demonstrating active participation and self-help. They should be innovative and developmental with an achievable, practical and sustainable objective.
We will not fund activities which are the responsibility of any statutory agency, neither will we fund the direct replacement of statutory funding.
The Committee will only make donations toward specific projects under the control of a responsible organisation and when large capital projects are involved, only when satisfied that the sponsoring organisation has raised or is capable of raising the remainder of the finance required.
The main objectives to which funds may be allocated are:
- Health
- Disadvantaged sections of our society
- Young people
- Culture and heritage
- Environment
Examples of various organisations which have received financial assistance:
Health
NI Hospice
A substantial grant was awarded to the new NI Hospice facility at Somerton Road, Belfast. The new state-of-the art facility provides support each year for over 3,000 people with a life limiting illnesses.
Daisy Lodge
Early support in the form of a grant and interest free loan was provided for the brand new therapeutic residential centre. A three year grant has also been awarded toward therapeutic breaks at the Centre.
Action Cancer
The generous support of Ulster Garden Villages Limited has enabled the purchase of the latest digital tomography equipment for breast screening.
Marie Curie
A donation for their ‘Out of Hours’ Nursing Service for the provision of respite services has enabled more people with life limiting illnesses to stay at home.
PET/CT Scanner
Some 15 years ago Ulster Garden Villages Limited provided funding for Northern Ireland’s first PET/CT Scanner (only the second PET/CT scanner in the United Kingdom). A capital commitment of £1.5 million has been given to the Belfast Health & Social Care Trust for the purchase of a second PET/CT Scanner. The first machine continues to operate out of the Royal Victoria Hospital, Belfast and has saved many lives with these services which are critical to the future health and well-being of the population.
PET/CT imaging is central to the diagnosis of various cancers. Further growth in this area is anticipated and is driven by increasing prevalence of cancer, reliance of clinicians on technology for diagnosis and new applications for PET/CT imaging such as early diagnosis of Alzheimer’s Disease.
Disadvantaged Sections of Society
Kilcreggan Homes
Capital support helped Kilcreggan Homes, located in Carrickfergus. The Charity gives adults with a learning disability or Autism a home for life with the support and respect they need to thrive. The working farm and flourishing garden centre and coffee shop give tenants and others the opportunity to work, develop their skills, build confidence and independence. Lasting friendships are made and Kilcreggan gives the opportunity to help people to play a meaningful part in their community.
Croft Community
Financial assistance in the form of a Capital grant was given to the Croft Community, County Down. The new build provides Respite Services for adults with physical and learning difficulties.
St Vincent de Paul
A grant was awarded for the refurbishment and upgrading of their Clare Lodge facility, located in Newcastle, County Down.
Habitat for Humanity
Financial support (multi-year funding) was given toward Habitat ReStore, Lisburn which is the hub for their work, connecting the local and global. By selling donated new and used building and home improvement materials, it serves thousands of families who need help to improve their homes at low cost and diverts tons of material from landfill. ReStore delivers intentional volunteering opportunities and raises funds to build hope and homes in Northern Ireland and around the world.
Culture and Heritage
Ulster Orchestra
A grant has been given to the Ulster Orchestra (spread over four years) for their Music Room initiative, bringing the Orchestra to local schools and communities right across Northern Ireland.
Bangor Drama Club
A capital grant to purchase a building and open a Studio Theatre in Bangor, County Down.
Belfast Buildings Trust
Ulster Garden Villages Limited has played a part in supporting Belfast Building Trust’s –Carlisle Memorial project. Built in 1875, the church is being brought back into uses through a long-term programme of regeneration. Carlisle Memorial is once again being used by people from the local area.
Environment
National Trust
Support for the National Trust ensured that previously unseen parts of Mount Stewart, Demesne in County Down were opened to visitors, with a network of walking trails and archaeological wonders to explore.
Gobbins Coastal and Cliff Path
The Gobbins Coastal and Cliff Path originally built in 1902, was redesigned and re-opened in 2016. As one of the funders, Ulster Garden Villages was delighted to provide early support and partner with others to restore this iconic and beautiful resource.
Although damage was sustained by Storms, the Gobbins Path was once again opened and enjoyed by local people and tourists alike.
A wide spectrum of charitable projects including involving support for young people, scientific and medical research into cardiovascular disease and support for those who need extra help and support were awarded. Details of recent grants can be found in our Annual Report.