Scheme of Emergency Financial Assistance

Introduction and scheme objectives

Community, voluntary and faith-based organisations provided invaluable assistance to those most impacted during and particularly in the aftermath of the recent Storm Éowyn. This Scheme of Emergency Financial Assistance will provide reimbursement for eligible costs related to community-led initiatives associated with support delivered at this time.

The primary objectives of this scheme are:

to reimburse costs incurred by community/voluntary organisations for activities directly related to the emergency response
to support local communities in managing and responding to emergency situations

Organisations will be able to apply for reimbursement of costs incurred as a result of emergency assistance to Storm Éowyn of up to £300 (additional amount will be considered on a case-by-case base where exceptional circumstances can be clearly identified.)

The deadline for receipt of applications is Wednesday 9th April 2025 at 12 noon.

Funding criteria

The Scheme of Emergency Financial Assistance is open to groups based in and/or operating within Lisburn and Castlereagh with applications assessed against the scheme criteria.

Organisations must clearly demonstrate on their application form how they meet the following:

the delivery of emergency response efforts as a result of Storm Éowyn
provide evidence of expenditure incurred

Who can apply?

The Scheme of Emergency Financial Assistance is open to community/voluntary/ faith-based organisations based in and/or operating within the Lisburn & Castlereagh City Council area who incurred costs associated with the emergency response to Storm Éowyn and that meet the following criteria:

have an open and accountable governing document (Constitution or Articles and Memorandum of Association, or applicable governing document) that has been properly adopted;
a bank account in the name of the organisation, which requires at least two (unrelated) signatories
an annual set of independently examined financial accounts, endorsed at an Annual General Meeting;
a Management Committee or Governing Board, elected by its membership at an Annual General Meeting, and elected office bearers

Please note, we will not fund individuals, sole traders or profit-making organisations.

Examples of what we will fund

The following costs will be eligible for reimbursement

Costs directly associated with the emergency response during Stom Eowyn including:

Purchase of emergency supplies: cost of food, water, blankets, hygiene kits and first aid supplies
Volunteer support – costs associated with mobilising and supporting volunteers, such as transportation expenses and the provision of adequate equipment
Temporary shelter – costs for establishing or maintaining temporary shelters and the provision of the necessary equipment (e.g. bedding and heating) to deliver community outreach to the most vulnerable
Logistics and transportation – transportation of supplies and volunteers to affected areas
Staff costs directly related to overtime worked as part of emergency response activities (evidence of timesheets etc. will be required).

This is not an exhaustive list.

Examples of what we will not fund

Costs which cannot be clearly demonstrated as a response to the emergency
Long-term recovery projects or routine operational costs
Sole traders, profit making organisations or individuals
Normal staffing costs, whether diverted from normal work or otherwise
Loss of income
Costs associated with any element of betterment to facilities
Losses associated with damage to an individual’s belongings

Apply now

For further information and support, please contact Community Services on 028 9244 7713 or email community.services@lisburncastlereagh.gov.uk

The deadline for receipt of applications is Wednesday 9th April 2025 at 12 noon.

As part of the approvals process, all applications will be discussed during committee and council procedures.