Local fund aims to back community-led projects around Ballymena
Pilgrim’s Europe has opened applications for a new Legacy Fund that will provide awards of up to £5,000 to community groups, schools and charities in areas surrounding its sites, including Ballymena. The food company said the scheme is intended to support projects that can deliver a lasting positive impact in the places where its employees live and work.
Applications are available now and the company has invited organisations that understand local needs to apply. No closing date was given in the announcement, so potential applicants in Ballymena have been urged to consult the fund’s website for full eligibility criteria and to submit proposals promptly.
Who can apply and what is expected
Pilgrim’s Europe set out a broad list of eligible applicants. The fund will consider applications from community and voluntary organisations, charities, educational initiatives, cultural projects, environmental groups and youth initiatives. Successful proposals should demonstrate how a grant would produce meaningful, sustainable outcomes in their community.
- Eligible groups: community and voluntary organisations, charities, schools and youth or cultural projects
- Award size: up to £5,000 per successful application
- Objective: projects that create a lasting local benefit
“In the communities where our colleagues live across the country, we want our Legacy Fund to support organisations that understand the needs of their area and are working to make a genuine difference,”
The comment was made by Kirsty Wilkins, Chief People Officer at Pilgrim’s Europe, as the company encouraged local groups to come forward.
Local context and potential impact in Ballymena
Pilgrim’s Europe employs more than 17,000 people across over 40 sites in the UK, Ireland, France and the Netherlands. Its food brands include Moy Park, Denny, Galtee, Richmond and Fridge Raiders. For Ballymena, where food processing is a significant source of employment and community activity, the fund represents a direct opportunity to secure modest but potentially transformative sums for grassroots projects.
Small capital or programme grants of £5,000 can be used to leverage additional funding or to deliver specific local initiatives such as equipment for community centres, youth activity programmes, environmental improvements or educational resources. The company has emphasised it is looking for proposals that show clear local knowledge and a plan for lasting benefit.
| Fund | Maximum award | Typical applicants |
|---|---|---|
| Pilgrim’s Europe Legacy Fund | £5,000 | Community groups, charities, schools, cultural and environmental projects, youth initiatives |
Organisations in Ballymena and surrounding areas should review the fund guidance to ensure proposals align with the aim of creating a lasting legacy. The company’s statement said it wants to hear from “the ideas, people and organisations making a positive contribution to our communities”.
How to apply and next steps
Those interested in applying are advised to visit the Legacy Fund section on Pilgrim’s Europe’s website for further information and the application form. Because no closing date has been published, early submission may be advisable to allow time for any required supporting material or clarifications.
For Ballymena community groups, the fund offers a focused opportunity to secure targeted support from a major employer with existing local ties. While individual awards are modest, they can be significant for small grassroots organisations seeking to deliver tangible, short- to medium-term benefits.
