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Small Events Grant Now Open - Burns Night

16 November 2023

The Ulster-Scots Agency has opened a Small Events Grant for groups aiming to celebrate the birth of Scotland’s Bard, Robert Burns.

The grant will support groups delivering Burns events between 1 January and 29 February 2024. 

The Small Events Grants programme aims to support the delivery of events in Ulster-Scots communities and enables the Agency to work with these groups to raise awareness of the Ulster-Scots language, heritage and culture while increasing the amount of Ulster-Scots activity being delivered. Since its introduction in 2021, the Agency has supported over 400 small events. 

For 2024, the Agency has introduced several changes to the Small Events Grant programme. These include opening the grant for specific themes, and while the programme remains a first-come first-serve basis, groups are required to score a minimum of 50% before their project can receive financial support.  

The Agency has set aside a limited budget for this first call of the 2024 programme.  

The Small Events Grant is ONLY available for events which celebrate the life of Robert Burns. All other activities will be ineligible.  

Applications will be assessed against the following criteria: 

  • How the project will increase community awareness of Ulster-Scots culture, heritage, and language within their community;  

  • The quality and diversity of the Ulster-Scots content;  

  • Value for money (e.g. participant numbers, match funding)  

  • How the project will be delivered, including dates, times, venues, and proposed activities.  

Groups interested in applying can register HERE. Following a successful registration, an application form and guidelines will be emailed to the group.  

The maximum grant available is £1,000 (minimum of £300) and this can be used to fund an event to celebrate the life and works of Robert Burns. Groups are required to provide match funding of at least 25%.  

Support is available from the Ulster-Scots Community Network if groups require assistance with their submission. 

Groups are requested to submit an electronic application form at least one month before their planned event. Funding is awarded on a first-come, first-served basis until the fund is fully allocated and on the condition that the application meets the minimum score of 50%.  

For further information, contact Derek Reaney on reaneyd@ulsterscotsagency.org.uk or 078 4327 9912.