The Gallaher Trust is calling on social enterprises, charities, and not-for-profit organisations who can make a positive impact to those living and working in the greater Ballymena area to apply for a grant.
With £330,000 available, organisations can apply to be a delivery partner to avail of funding for a project that will drive job creation, skills development and support disadvantaged adults.
The Gallaher Trust is unique in that its actions are focussed solely on benefitting the Ballymena community and enriching the lives of those who live there. Since the Trust’s inception in September 2017, a total of £2.25 million has been committed to improve that community.
Ian Paisley MP, Chairman of The Gallaher Trust, said:
"What the Trust has achieved to date is pretty remarkable. It is making a real difference to those in the community. I would, however, ask organisations to look at how they can use this money to assist people in the greater Ballymena area. We do have a set eligibility criteria and with some innovative thinking, great things can be achieved.
"We have had a number of really successful projects, but we are always on the lookout for something new and inventive. One such project was the Northern Ireland Hospitality School, which was formed after a conversation over a coffee. It saw the three local hotels come together and establish the Hospitality School as a not-for-profit organisation.
"As a result, a bar, restaurant and Chef Academy were set up, which is making a real impact to the hospitality sector, with 60 jobs expected to be created by the end of this year."
The Gallaher Trust, to date, has supported 14 delivery partners across 22 projects and is committed to creating over 400 jobs, developing skills for over 1,600 adults and supporting over 1,500 disadvantaged adults by 2025.
Mr Paisley continued:
“One thing that the trustees and I are well aware of are the severe financial challenges that some organisations are facing, which is why The Gallaher Trust is more committed than ever to reaching out to those who can assist our community.
“The Gallaher Trust has funded numerous organisations across an array of sectors to ensure the greater Ballymena area is supported. This ranges from support for business start-ups to reskilling individuals through innovative programmes and academies, to helping those who are often excluded from society, including older people and those with disabilities.
“Over the last five years, I have witnessed first-hand the incredible impact which funding from The Gallaher Trust has had on the local community, with each of our delivery partners bringing about a marked improvement in the Ballymena area.
"So please do give this opportunity for funding some consideration and apply!"
The closing date for delivery partner applications is 31st July 2023. For more information about becoming a delivery partner, to apply for funding or to download an application form, visit the website: