£2.2million Northern Ireland Rural Micro Capital Grant Scheme (RMCGS) 2026/2027 opens for applications

DAERA Minister Andrew Muir MLA has today announced that a new £2.2million Rural Micro Capital Grant Scheme (RMCGS) is now open for applications.

Capital grants of between £500 and £2,500 will be available to eligible rural community and voluntary organisations and Social Economy Enterprises to support small-scale capital projects that help tackle locally identified issues of rural poverty and/or social isolation.

The scheme is funded through DAERA's Tackling Rural Poverty and Social Isolation (TRPSI) Programme. Projects supported under the scheme must focus on one of the following themes:

• Energy Efficiency or Environmental Improvements
• Modernisation (of building(s) or assets)
• Information Communication Technology (ICT)
• Health and Wellbeing

Launching the scheme, DAERA Minister Muir commented: “The Rural Micro Capital Grant Scheme provides targeted support to voluntary and community organisations for capital purchases or minor improvements that can make a real difference locally, helping them to enhance services, bring people together and help reduce loneliness and isolation."

The Minister continued: “My Department's vision is to develop a Net Zero nature positive future, and in doing so to support thriving rural communities. Therefore, I am delighted that the Rural Micro Capital Grant Scheme can support a just transition by enabling rural groups to implement energy efficiency measures and environmental improvements that can provide savings both in emissions and energy costs.”

Minister Muir concluded: “I am delighted to announce that the maximum grant has increased to £2,500, giving organisations greater flexibility to invest in the equipment and improvements they need. I would encourage eligible organisations to consider applying and to contact their local Rural Support Network for advice and support with the process.”

The scheme will be delivered by Rural Support Networks on behalf of DAERA. Applicants will be required to provide a minimum of 15% match-funding.

The scheme will close for applications at 12.00pm midday on Monday 22 June 2026.

For further information on the 2026/2027 Rural Micro Capital Grant Scheme including registration requirements, please contact the Rural Support Network in your local council area. More details from the DAERA website: https://www.daera-ni.gov.uk/publications/rural-support-network-contact-details

Notes to editors:

1. The Rural Micro Capital Grant Scheme (RMCGS) is funded through the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs Tackling Rural Poverty and Social Isolation (TRPSI) Programme.
2. In 2025/2026, DAERA invested £1.65million through the Rural Micro Capital Grant Scheme to 1,029 rural voluntary and community sector organisations.