An organisation supporting people living with HIV and a multi-purpose sports arena are among 22 receiving grants today to secure their long-term future. For full details see table of Dormant Accounts Fund NI grants awarded.
The Dormant Accounts Fund NI, delivered by The National Lottery Community Fund in conjunction with the Department of Finance, is supporting the Voluntary Community and Social Enterprise (VCSE) sector to be more resilient and prepared for the future.
Grants totalling £2,115,708 have been awarded to a range of organisations including arts, sports, charities and community-based organisations with the money being used to help build long-term sustainability. The overall Dormant Accounts Fund for Northern Ireland is £20.5 million so far, and these newly awarded grants will bring the total amount allocated to date to £5.5 million.
Positive Life, which provides support and services for people affected by HIV, has been awarded a £97,927 to secure its long-term financial sustainability. The two-year project, which is called the NI Buyers Club and modelled on the Dallas Buyers Club of the 1980s, will generate a growing income through their members which will help provide services for people affected by HIV in Northern Ireland and reduce stigma.
Jacquie Richardson, Chief Executive of Positive Life, said:
“I would like to say a huge thank you to the Dormant Accounts Fund NI for this award which will help Positive Life become more financially sustainable and self-sufficient.
“With these funds we will be able to establish the 'NI Buyers Club', a membership-based income generation model which will bring together organisations and like-minded philanthropic individuals to support our work.
“Positive Life exists to provide a range of services for anyone affected by HIV, to raise awareness for HIV and sexual health, and to achieve our end-goal of removing HIV-related stigma in Northern Ireland. We look forward to launching the Club to generate a continuous level of income to ensure we can achieve our goals.
“Our ambition to become financially sustainable has been the driving force behind the NI Buyers Club concept. With these funds from Dormant Accounts, Positive Life will be more resilient and better placed to tender for commissioned services and initiate new work to deliver the effective, responsive and high-quality support our services users deserve. This award provides us with a unique development opportunity and we're very excited to start work.â€
Powered by Sport has also been awarded a £90,000 grant to develop a new income stream to boost their financial sustainability.
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