Key Information
- The DAERA Rural Micro Capital Grant Scheme (RMCGS) 2026/27 is now open
- Grants of £500 to £2,500 available (50-85% of project costs funded)
- Covers IT equipment, WiFi, CCTV, PA systems, laptops, and more
- Deadline: 12 midday, Monday 22 June 2026
- We provide free quotations for your application
What is the RMCGS?
The Rural Micro Capital Grant Scheme is funded by DAERA (Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs) through the Tackling Rural Poverty and Social Isolation (TRPSI) Programme. It offers capital grants to rural community and voluntary organisations across Northern Ireland.
If your community group, sports club, church hall, men's shed, women's group, youth club, or volunteer organisation is based in a rural area, you could receive between £500 and £2,500 towards new equipment or improvements.
The grant covers 50% to 85% of your total project cost. Your organisation provides the remaining 15%+ as a cash contribution.
What IT Equipment Can You Get Funded?
Under the ICT (Information Communication Technology) theme, eligible capital items include:
- Laptops and PCs for admin, record keeping, and community access
- Tablets for sign-in systems, activities, or accessibility
- PA systems for community events, meetings, and gatherings
- WiFi access points and networking equipment for reliable internet throughout your building
- CCTV cameras and security systems to protect your premises
- VoIP phone handsets for proper communication systems
- Printers, projectors, and display screens for meetings and training
Under the Modernisation theme, you could also fund:
- Network cabling and infrastructure (as building improvement)
- Structured wiring for internet or phones
- Alarm systems and security infrastructure
Important: What's NOT Eligible
The RMCGS is a capital grant only. Monthly subscriptions, broadband contracts, VoIP service fees, SIM card plans, software subscriptions, training, and running costs are not eligible. The grant covers the purchase of physical equipment and one-off installation costs only.
We are upfront about this because we want your application to succeed. We will only quote you for items that are genuinely eligible.
How We Can Help Your Application
To apply for the RMCGS, you need two comparable quotations from different suppliers for each item you want to purchase. We can help with that.
What we offer:
- Free quotations specifically formatted for RMCGS applications
- Advice on eligible items so your application has the best chance of success
- Comparable quotes with clear specifications, quantities, and delivery costs shown
- Supply and installation if your application is successful
- Ongoing support after installation to keep everything running
We work with community organisations across Northern Ireland. We understand the scheme requirements and we will make sure your quotation includes all the detail DAERA needs to see.
Example Projects We Can Quote For
💻 Community IT Setup
2-3 laptops or PCs for your community hall, with a printer and basic networking. Ideal for admin, community classes, or open access for residents who don't have internet at home.
📡 WiFi for Your Hall or Centre
Proper WiFi coverage throughout your building using commercial-grade access points. Covers meeting rooms, main hall, kitchen, and office areas. Reliable enough for video calls and events.
📹 CCTV and Building Security
Camera systems to protect your premises from vandalism and break-ins. Covers entrances, car park, and external areas. Recordings stored locally with optional remote viewing.
🔊 PA System for Events
Portable or installed PA system for community meetings, concerts, bingo nights, and events. Microphone, speakers, and amplifier suitable for your hall size.
🔒 Cyber Security Hardware
A firewall device to protect your network, or secure DNS hardware to block malicious websites and threats. Keeps your community centre's internet safe for all users.
☎️ Phone System Handsets
Modern VoIP desk phones for your office or reception. The handsets themselves are capital items. Gives your organisation a professional phone setup for enquiries and bookings.
Who Can Apply?
You can apply if your organisation:
- Is located in a rural area of Northern Ireland (outside towns with 5,000+ population)
- Is a not-for-profit community or voluntary organisation
- Has a formal constitution or governing documents
- Has at least 3 people on the management committee
- Has a bank account in the organisation's name (requiring 2 signatures)
- Can demonstrate the project addresses rural poverty or social isolation
- Can provide 15%+ match funding as cash
- Can complete the project and claim by 26 November 2026
This includes community centres, sports clubs, church halls, youth groups, men's sheds, women's groups, agricultural societies, and other voluntary bodies serving rural areas.
Key Dates
- Applications open: Monday 18 May 2026
- Applications close: 12 midday, Monday 22 June 2026
- Eligibility decisions: Within 8 weeks of closing
- Project completion deadline: 26 November 2026
Deadline Warning
Applications close at 12 midday on Monday 22 June 2026. Late or incomplete applications will not be accepted. You need two quotes ready before you submit. Contact us now to get your quotation sorted in time.
How to Get a Quote from Us
It's straightforward. Just tell us:
- What your organisation does and where you're based
- What equipment or improvements you're thinking about
- The size of your building or area (if relevant for WiFi or CCTV)
We will put together a clear, itemised quotation showing the equipment, quantities, specifications, and delivery costs, exactly the way DAERA needs to see it.
There is no charge for the quotation and no obligation to buy from us. We want your application to succeed whether you choose us or not.
Need a Quotation for Your RMCGS Application?
Get in touch today. We will have your quote ready within 48 hours. Free, no obligation, formatted for DAERA requirements.
Serving rural community organisations across all of Northern Ireland
More Information
For full scheme details, eligibility criteria, and how to apply, visit the DAERA website:
- DAERA RMCGS General Guidance Notes
- Contact your local Rural Support Network (RSN) for advice on your application
About Drakos Systems: We supply IT equipment, WiFi, CCTV, phone systems, and cybersecurity hardware to businesses and community organisations across Northern Ireland. ISO 27001 certified. Over 20 years experience. View all our services.