New grant programme launched to celebrate and protect rural heritage in Derry and Strabane

A NEW funding programme, Saving Our Rural Heritage, was officially launched at the Killeter Heritage Centre, offering grants to small community groups across the rural Derry City and Strabane District Council area.

Delivered by RAPID on behalf of The National Lottery Heritage Fund, the scheme will offer grants ranging from £1,000 to £5,000 to support projects that celebrate, preserve, or promote local rural heritage.

Applications for the grants are now open and close on September 5, with funding designed to empower smaller rural communities to tell their stories, honour their traditions and protect their unique cultural and environmental assets.

“RAPID want to enhance engagement and widen access to heritage for individuals across Derry City and Strabane District Council rural area, whilst also helping to grow the capacity of small rural groups to deliver such projects” said Philip O’Kane, CEO of RAPID.

“We’re delighted to be administering this grant on behalf of The National Lottery Heritage Fund.”

Speaking at the launch event, Dr Liam Campbell, director of the Mellon Centre for Migration Studies, highlighted the enduring value of local rural heritage.

“Preserving our rural heritage is not just about looking to the past - it’s about recognising the identity, resilience, and creativity of rural communities," he said.

"This initiative provides crucial support to help ensure those stories, landscapes, and traditions are carried forward.”

Paul Mullan, director of Northern Ireland at The National Lottery Heritage Fund, added: "We’re proud to be working with RAPID on the Saving Our Rural Heritage programme.

"It will empower rural communities to celebrate and safeguard the heritage that shapes their identity.

"Thanks to National Lottery players, this funding will help ensure that the voices, traditions, and landscapes of rural Derry and Strabane are preserved for future generations.”

Following the formal proceedings, guests enjoyed a networking session with light refreshments and were treated to a live musical performance by local singer songwriter Lexi Rose Adams, reflecting the cultural richness the programme seeks to preserve and promote.

Eligible projects might include publishing material highlighting historic events and the social history of rural communities, place-names, establishment of new community museums and displays, researching and publishing booklets on local history within various communities, delivering workshops and classes on traditional heritage skills or recording audio stories on local history in order to capture and record oral tradition.

Applicants must be based in the rural Derg, Faughan or Sperrin District Electoral Areas of Derry City and Strabane District Council area.

For more information on how to apply contact Sara Smallwoods on 07821646552.

Or, email sara@rapidni.com.