Voting has now closed. 

Click on the north, south, east and west linkson this page  to read more about the projects taking place in your area. 

Background (Posted in December 2023)

We're pleased to launch our second Move More Eat Well (MMEM) to feel better participatory budgeting process!

Earlier this year, the Active Belfast Partnership took forward our first Participatory Budgeting (PB) pilot exercise in Belfast. 

PB gives residents a direct say in the decisions that affect them. It helps generate new ideas, strengthens community spirit and directs funding to where our residents think it'll make the most difference. With PB, it's you - our residents - who decide which projects get funded. 

The theme for our first PB was: “Move more and eat well - to feel better”  We're continuing that theme and giving local groups the chance to apply for a share of the PB funding to deliver projects that they think will benefit people in their area.

As long as your project idea contributes to this theme you can put in an application. Groups can apply for funding up to £2,500, and if successful you will have around 6 months to deliver your project.

We'll check that the project can be delivered safely, that it is legal and feasible to do in the stated timeframe and for the money. However, it will be up to your local community to decide which projects are funded; not us!

How to Get Involved 

If you and your friends, neighbours, school or organised group have an idea for a project that will help people to “Move more and eat well - to feel better” then you can apply. If people in your area agree that its a good idea, then you'll get funded. 

We want to make it as easy as possible for people to get involved. You don't have to be a big community group or have done anything like this before to make an application and pitch your project idea. 

The application form is simple and straightforward. However, you will need to prepare a short summary of your project idea so people can learn more about each project before casting their votes. Groups will be invited to present their project for online voting, for example using a short video, poster or visual aid to showcase their idea to the community and ask for their support.

As a condition of your funding you will be required to show what you did with the money at a showcase celebration event in autumn 2024. But don't worry, we'll be there to help throughout this process. 

If you have an idea or want to learn more, please click on the information links provided (you'll find these on the right hand side side of this page or by scrolling to bottom of the page). 

How to submit an application: 

Applications opened at 9am on Wednesday 15 November and close at noon on Monday 18 December 2023. You can submit an application in three ways:

1. Online: Using the link below, fill in your application online and submit the form using the submit button on the online form. We would encourage you, where possible, to use this option. Online forms will close at noon on Monday 18 December 2023. 
2. By Email: Download an electronic PDF version using the following link Application Download and once completed email it to leisure@belfastcity.gov.uk. Applications received after noon on Monday 18 December 2023 will not be considered.
3. By post: Use the download and print option to print a copy of the application form. Hard copies can be posted or hand delivered to the Leisure Development Unit, Cecil Ward Building, Second Floor, 4-10 Linenhall Street, Belfast BT2 8BP. Applications received after noon on Monday 18 December 2023 will not be considered.