With Red Nose Day 2013 around the corner, Irish comedian Patrick Kielty has urged local community groups to bid for their fair share of the £50,000 worth of grants available. Grants ranging from £500 up to £1,000 are available ahead of the Comic Relief’s signature day on the 15th March, and applications should certainly be coming in thick and fast. Born and raised in County Down, Northern Ireland, Kielty believes that it is often the problems which are closest to home that are easiest to ignore.
Urging community groups, especially those located in disadvantaged and deprives areas, Kielty told the Belfast Telegraph “Comic Relief is working hard to tackle the issues close to home and improve lives right here on your doorstep, and even a small amount of money can help make that difference.” The funding aims to help groups that are particularly struggling with an income below £100,000 however will not be rewarded to fund trips abroad, buses or buildings, nor to statutory organisations or individuals. Patrick Kielty along with Comic Relief will be hoping that community festivals, self-help groups and parent and toddler groups will apply for funding to ensure that the necessary help is given to the areas which are most in need. Previous campaigns have seen grants given to inspiring projects across the UK to transform local communities and give residents of all ages a fresh lease of life.