More People's Millions projects?

Local groups again have the chance to win the public’s support and share in up to 250,000 of Lottery Good Cause money. Five awards of up to 50,000 will be up for grabs to carry out projects that improve and enrich local communities.

People will be able to vote for their favourite project that will help people get more involved in their communities and allow them to enjoy their area through a range of activities.

Organisations have until 12 noon on 14 May 2009 to enter the competition. UTV viewers will be able to vote on which local community projects they want to win the Lottery good cause funding, when the on-air contest hits TV screens in November.

The People’s Millions is part of the Big Lottery Fund’s commitment to involving the public in deciding how Lottery money is spent. Since the launch of People’s Millions in 2005, more than 1.2 million has been awarded to 22 projects in Northern Ireland. Previous winners have been using their awards to make their local communities better places to live.

The Secret Garden at Foyle Women’s Aid is a tranquil haven for women and children dealing with the affects of domestic violence.

The local organisation won 50,000 of the People’s Millions prize fund in 2008 to create the peaceful sensory garden in the grounds of their refuge - and it has been an emotional journey for everyone involved.

Muire Coyle, children and vulnerable adult manager at the Foyle Women’s Aid said: “Getting the funding for this garden was a great achievement for staff, our residents and everyone who supported us and worked so hard. And was it worth it? Absolutely, it has made a major to the lives of the women and children here.”

Maydown Community Association’s Regeneration of Maydown Play Park project also scooped 50,000 in 2008 to create a park in the area for people of all ages to enjoy.

“Before work started on this new park, the only park Maydown had was over 40-years-old and was built to serve about 40 houses,” said Martin McCartney of the Association. “Since then the population has quadrupled.”

Frank Hewitt, Big Lottery Fund NI Chair, said: “The People’s Millions is a brilliant chance for local groups and organisations to get funding for a project that will really make a difference to their communities.

“People shouldn’t be daunted by the idea of taking part. Past experience shows that for many groups The People’s Millions is the first time they’ve applied for Lottery funding. And often those that think they’ve got little chance of winning are the ones that are successful.

“The key is that the competition puts the public in charge of the Lottery purse strings and, as experts on their communities, lets them decide what local projects should be funded.”

This year a new streamlined online entry form will mean that applying to the contest will be even simpler. Entry forms for The People’s Millions are available from today by calling the hotline: 08450 10 11 12* or by visiting www.peoplesmillions.org.uk. The deadline for applications is noon on Friday 14 May 2009.