Schemes to boost disadvantaged parts of Belfast will receive more than £7 million, Social Development Minister Margaret Ritchie said today.
Neighbourhood Renewal efforts fund services from support for families and children to training and education, Ms Ritchie added.
A total of 15 groups will benefit, including the Lower Falls New Start Project and Glenbank Community Centre.
Ms Ritchie said: "I have taken a close interest in funding for Neighbourhood Renewal projects because I want to be assured that resources are directed at those in greatest need.
"Over the coming weeks, my department will be issuing further contracts to providers of important services in disadvantaged communities."
She expects to spend £30 million over the next three years.
More than 80 contracts will be in place this week with voluntary and community sector organisations.
The minister promised to ensure payments are processed as quickly as possible.
Groups in north Belfast protested at Stormont on Monday and claimed they had not been paid since the end of August.
PA