Summer Community Diversionary Programme 2026-2028

Summer Community Diversionary Programme 2026-2028

Our Summer Community Diversionary Programme (SCDP) 2026-2028 is open for applications.

About the programme

The SCDP provides funding to eligible community-based groups in Belfast to develop diversionary activities or programmes that celebrate positive cultural expression. 

Its aim is to make a significant contribution to the reduction of anti-social behaviour linked to key areas and bonfires around the key dates of 11 July and 8 August, with a 14-day window before and a seven-day after those dates to deliver activities.

Applications that are assessed in 2026 and reach the threshold for support will be awarded an equivalent level of funding to deliver a similar community diversionary programme in 2027 and 2028.

Individual organisations can only apply to deliver diversionary activities or programmes in one of the priority locations.

Information sessions

We will be holding information sessions where you can find out more at these venues.

• Templemore Baths, 96 Templemore Avenue, Belfast BT5 4FW
  Monday 2 March 2026, from 12.30pm to 2pm
• Girdwood Community Hub, 10 Girdwood Avenue, Belfast BT14 6GE
  Wednesday 4 March 2026 from 12.30pm to 2pm

To book your place at one of these information sessions, please email [email protected].

Priority locations

Applicants will be expected to deliver a programme in one of the priority locations.

July

• North and west Belfast including the Shankill area.
• South Belfast including the Suffolk area.
• East Belfast

August

• West Belfast
• North Belfast
• South and east Belfast

Eligibility criteria

We will use this criteria when assessing applications.

• How the proposal will be diversionary around the two specified contentious periods of the summer.
• How the proposed diversionary activity will reduce summer community tensions and anti-social behaviour.
• Evidence and a clear rationale of how your programme will address issues at bonfire sites or the issues linked to bonfires in the key areas.
• How the proposal will reduce anti-social behaviour or reduce community tension in the areas where the proposal is being delivered. 
• How the project will promote positive cultural expression by increasing participants’ sense of community belonging and celebrating cultural diversity.
• Evidence of project planning and management arrangements for the proposal including project expenditure.

More information and how to apply

To request an application form and guidance notes, email [email protected].

Closing date for applications

The closing date to apply for funding is 5pm on Monday 30 March 2026.