Anyone interested in getting funding for a N. Ireland Genealogy event should get their application in before 2 May 2008. Funding under the Events Growth Fund (EGF) aims to assist events to develop or grow into a Major or International event. Funding under the Major Events Fund (MEF) is to assist large events that will attract significant out of state media coverage. The maximum amount available under the Events Growth Fund for each event is £30,000. See the URL http://www.dcalni.gov.uk/index/events_unit/grant_funding_programme_2008.htm Funding news - 18/04/2008 Northern Ireland Events Fund Now Available The Garden Show Ireland was launched in Hillsborough Castle this week, with funding from the Major Events Fund. The Major Events Fund was launched earlier this month and the Arts and Culture Minister Edwin Poots MLA believes Northern Ireland's international reputation is blossoming through a range of world-class events staged in the country thanks to the fund. He said: "Events of this type are vitally important to the Northern Ireland economy and tourism and offer opportunities to showcase the very best Northern Ireland can offer to the rest of the world." The Minister launched the programme, worth a total of £1.6million, to support both large and small events. Explaining the aim of the funding programme, the Mr Poots said: "The Major Events Fund is aimed at big events which will attract tourists, investors, international media coverage and will have a major economic impact on Northern Ireland. "Events which have qualified for this type of funding in the past year include, Rally Ireland at Stormont, the Walker Cup Golf Championship at Royal County Down in Newcastle and the FIM Motorcycle Championships, in Bangor. "The Events Growth Fund supports events which will grow and impact on local communities, helping to build confidence and pride, as well as attracting visitors. The aim is to support events which start small and have the potential to grow to a point where they are self-sustaining. "The Garden Show Ireland is an excellent example of a top quality event which has grown each year, attracting around 30,000 visitors to the Hillsborough area and generating in the region of £1million for the local economy. I would like to see more events like this, organised and run by local people and attracting an international audience." He added: "The Funds provide an opportunity too good to miss and I want to remind organisers that they need to submit their applications by 2 May if they are to be in with a chance of being considered for funding at this time." Northern Irish Executive (opens a new window). Source: Northern Irish Executive, 17/04/08 Liam "A bird in the bush is worth two in the cat"