The Grand Choice participatory funding programme has returned to Lisburn North, with a total of £15,000 available for community-led projects across areas including Derriaghy, Harmony Hill, Hilden, Lambeg, Magheralave and Wallace Park.
Local people to pick winning projects
Organised by Lisburn & Castlereagh City Council, the scheme invites residents to propose small-scale activities or initiatives that will run between November 2026 and April 2027. Shortlisted entries will be put to a public vote at a Community Decision Event in October, with the projects supported by the largest number of local residents receiving funding.
Councillor Sharon Lowry, Chair of the council’s Community & Wellbeing Committee, said the scheme demonstrated the value of giving residents a direct say in local spending:
“We are pleased to bring Grand Choice back to Lisburn North. The programme has already shown how powerful community decision making can be and this next round of funding gives residents another chance to put forward ideas that matter to them. I encourage people to get involved, share their views and support the projects that will make a positive difference in their neighbourhoods.”
What the funding can be used for
The council has set out examples of eligible activity and emphasised the programme’s alignment with wellbeing themes. Funding may be used for:
- Activities and community events, whether online or in person
- Workshops, tutors or performers
- Specialist facilitators
- Equipment or promotional campaigns addressing local issues
Projects must support one or more of the programme’s five ‘Take 5’ themes: Connect, Be Active, Take Notice, Keep Learning and Give. The council has confirmed that policing and community safety related projects will also be eligible.
Applications and decision timetable
Organisers encourage applications from a wide range of community representatives. According to the council, applicants do not need to belong to a formal group provided they have backing from a constituted organisation. Support will be available from the council’s team throughout the application period to ensure proposals are safe, achievable and deliverable within the available budget and timescale.
| Key date | Detail |
|---|---|
| Application deadline | Sunday 20 September 2026 |
| Community Decision Event | Saturday 17 October 2026, 11:00–15:00 at St Columba’s Derryvolgie, 211 Belsize Road, Lisburn, BT27 4DP |
| Project delivery window | November 2026 – April 2027 |
Councillor Declan Lynch, Chair of Lisburn and Castlereagh PCSP, urged local people with ideas to take part:
“Grand Choice continues to help communities turn simple ideas into practical community projects. If you have an idea that could benefit your area, this is a great opportunity to bring it forward. You do not need to be part of a formal group to apply. As long as you have support from a constituted organisation, you can take part. Our team will be available throughout the application period to offer guidance in person or online. Every application will be checked to ensure it is safe, achievable and deliverable within the available budget and timeframe.”
Why this matters for Lisburn North
Lisburn North covers several distinct neighbourhoods with differing needs and priorities. The participatory format gives residents direct influence over which small-scale interventions receive resources, from social and cultural events to skills workshops or targeted safety measures. For voluntary groups and individuals with practical ideas but limited access to funds, the scheme offers a route to test proposals and build local support.
Full details of how to apply, and an application form, are available on the council’s website. Residents planning to submit ideas are encouraged to seek help early from council staff to ensure proposals meet safety and deliverability checks ahead of the September closing date.
By giving local people the final say on how the funding is spent, the council aims to strengthen community connections and support initiatives that reflect local priorities in Lisburn North.
