CLEAR Funding - Unlock £500 for your Sports Club

Free equipment and training for sports clubs 2026/27

The Public Health Agency, in partnership with Developing Healthy Communities through the CLEAR Project, is offering constituted voluntary sports clubs across all five Trust areas the opportunity to access training to better support their members, along with up to £500 worth of sports equipment for their club.‍

Apply online

Who can apply?

In order to receive this aid clubs must:

• Be a constituted voluntary sector sports club and enclose a copy of this document and a list of their committee members.

• Be appropriately insured or prepared to obtain appropriate insurance if awarded.

• Enclose the most recent annual accounts or statement of income and expenditure which must be approved and signed by an officeholder.

• Have a significant impact upon or involvement from their local community. Must have a minimum of 3 to 5 members registered to attend safeTALK training, at the time of application.  Please book here

Equipment requested should help the club develop activities that meet the needs of the local community and support the delivery of the ‘Take 5 Steps to Wellbeing’. These are five simple steps to help maintain and improve your wellbeing through the themes of ‘Connect’, ‘Be active’, ‘Take Notice’, ‘Keep Learning’ and ‘Give’.

Information on the ‘Take 5 Steps to Wellbeing’ and be found on the Developing Healthy Communities website https://www.dhcni.com/sports-groups-grant-recipients-information.

To claim funding from the Clear project clubs will be asked to:

1. Submit grant application and register 3 – 5 members of club for the training.

2. Complete training by attending a face-to-face training course.

3. Seek out a quote for the equipment (quote to be approved by the Clear Project).

4. Pay the chosen supplier directly.

5. Submit an invoice made out to the Clear Project for the amount spent, accompanied with the receipt/s as proof of purchase.

If the club does not have the finances, then requests for advance payment will be considered on a case-by-case basis.

Any relevant sports club within any of the 5 HSC Trust areas (Belfast, Northern, Southern, South Eastern and Western) can apply for the funding however preference will be given to:

• Groups operating in the top 20% most disadvantaged Super output areas (SOA’s).

• Those with lower capacity.

Please note: The funding award will not be released until all training has been completed, and all paperwork has been returned.  All training must be completed by 8th March 2027.

Sports Group Grants - Developing Healthy Communities

Register for these upcoming events and opportunities

REGIONAL NETWORKING

The next in our series of FREE informal networking events is happening at Waterside Credit Union on 13th Nov at 10am.

Whether you're a socially aware private business or a social enterprise, if you are based in or around Derry, or want to make connections in Derry, it's more than worth coming along. This is one of the few occasions where like-minded folk can share knowledge and help each other through the many challenges that accompany running a social enterprise or trying to improve your social value!

Register below:

Join Us at the Derry / Londonderry Regional Networking Event - Social Enterprise NI

OPPORTUNITIES

Cohort 3 of the Future Ready programme, organised by SENI, run by Social Academy Scotland and financed by the Tenancy Deposit Scheme NI is happening in Derry/Londonderry in the new year.

Here to help you build a sustainable organisation, 88% of previous participants said they have changed as a leader after doing this course and 100% of past learners would recommend this course. All we ask is a commitment fee of £150 per person to take part in this valuable course.

Apply to join here Future Ready - Building Sustainable Organisations - Social Enterprise NI

BBC Children in Need Funding Opportunities

We fund projects and organisations across the UK. We aim to fund a balance of grants across the UK that address the greatest needs of vulnerable children and young people. To achieve this, we consider geography as part of our decision-making process. This is to ensure we are funding fairly and can spread our available funding as broadly as possible and based on need. Our funding priorities will be reviewed at least annually and may differ depending on where you are in the UK. See our local funding priorities below:

These have recently been updated (October 2026)

Northern Ireland:

We will fund Projects and organisations to:

• Improve the life chances of children by strengthening early years support in communities impacted by poverty and deprivation.

• Enable projects and organisations rooted in communities to respond and adapt to the local needs of children and young people living in areas impacted by poverty and deprivation.

• Improve the mental health and emotional wellbeing of children and young people through early intervention, prevention, and relationship-based support.

• Create safe, inclusive spaces for LGBTQ+ young people, led by those with lived experience.

• Promote social inclusion, community cohesion, and positive cross-community relations among young people living in communities experiencing segregation and division, or in areas with limited opportunity for cross-community engagement.

• Support Black, Asian and minority communities, including refugee and asylum-seeking children and young people to thrive, feel a sense of belonging and access opportunities that enable them to reach their full potential.

• Improve outcomes for deaf, blind, partially sighted, disabled, and neurodiverse children and young people, particularly those with the most complex needs and those in their early years.

• Enable children and young people, particularly those whose voices are underrepresented, to shape services, systems and decisions that impact their lives.

• Support boys and young men to thrive, fulfil their potential, make positive life choices, be safe online and contribute to their communities.

• Support girls and young women to strengthen their emotional wellbeing, confidence and sense of agency so they can build healthy relationships, exercise positive life choices and overcome barriers to achieving their potential.

• Improve outcomes and provide opportunities for children and young people affected by complex family circumstances (such as domestic violence, family breakdown, hidden homelessness, young carers, care experienced, parent in prison or neglect and trauma) to develop positive relationships with trusted adults, peers and support networks.

Full details are available on our website.  In terms of our local priorities they can be found online here: What we fund - BBC Children in Need and organisations wishing to apply should register for a pre-application session with us using this link: Please Register – BBC Children in Need Pre-Application Advice – Northern Ireland. – Microsoft Teams Just a reminder this is a rolling programme, so applications are welcome at any stage.

Pink Ribbon Foundation Opens Applications for Breast Cancer Projects

The Pink Ribbon Foundation has opened applications for grants of up to £6,000 to support UK charities and eligible organisations working to improve the lives of people affected by breast cancer.

The Foundation supports organisations that relieve the needs of people living with or affected by breast cancer through information, care, and emotional, practical and financial support. It also funds work to advance public understanding of breast cancer, including its early detection and treatment, and research into its causes, detection and treatment.

Grants are available for projects delivered over 12 to 18 months.

Registered charities working in the field of breast cancer in the UK can apply. Social enterprises and Community Interest Companies (CICs) may also be considered, provided they are legally constituted, have previous experience supporting people living with or recovering from breast cancer, and propose work that aligns with the Foundation's aims. Partnership applications are also accepted.

Funding can support projects that make a direct and meaningful difference to people affected by breast cancer. Eligible expenditure may include revenue, capital and project costs, although applications should focus on specific projects rather than routine organisational activities or core running costs. In exceptional circumstances, a contribution towards core costs may be considered where needed to ensure an organisation's continued operation.

The deadline for applications is 28 May 2027. For more information, please visit The Pink Ribbon Foundation

Ulster Garden Villages Opens Expressions of Interest for Charitable Grants on 2 November

Ulster Garden Villages (UGV) is inviting registered charities and community organisations in Northern Ireland to submit Expressions of Interest for charitable grants.

The funding aims to address critical social issues and improve outcomes for people and communities across Northern Ireland. For the current funding period, UGV is prioritising projects that address the following areas:

• Poverty - supporting people affected by poverty and financial insecurity, including access to essentials such as food, heating, housing and support for children.

• Homelessness - addressing homelessness and housing insecurity, including the wider factors that can contribute to homelessness, such as poverty, limited access to education and employment, substance abuse, mental illness, relationship breakdown and domestic violence.

• Health and wellbeing - improving health outcomes and enabling people, particularly those experiencing disadvantage, to live healthier and more connected lives.

• Community resilience and cohesion - strengthening communities, promoting inclusion and belonging, countering race-hate crime and incidents, and supporting migrant communities.

Examples of the types of work UGV has supported include:

• Housing and accommodation for people at risk of homelessness.

• Community spaces and facilities supporting vulnerable people.

• Outreach and drop-in services for homeless people and new communities.

• Food, clothing and practical support for people experiencing hardship.

• Projects supporting people with disabilities and their families.

• Initiatives improving access to affordable goods and skills training.

Grants range from £750 to, in exceptional circumstances, £1 million, depending on the project, its proposed impact, and the size and scope of the applicant charity's work.

In addition to grants, financial assistance may be provided in the form of loans, which may be subject to conditions at the discretion of the Committee.

Registered charities and community organisations based in Northern Ireland can apply. National charities are eligible where they can demonstrate clear benefits for people in Northern Ireland.

Expressions of Interest open on 2 November and close on 30 November 2026. For more information please visit Ulster Garden Villages: Northern Ireland Charity Grants

Funding for World Gaelic Week Events

Funding is available for activities taking place during Seachdain na Gàidhlig (World Gaelic Week), which will run from 22 February - 28 February 2027. The theme for 2027 is Dùthchas: the intangible link between people, community, place and heritage. Projects and events need to have this theme at their core.

Grants of up to £500 are available to individuals (over 18), voluntary and community groups, schools, educational institutions and professional organisations.

Applicants must demonstrate a positive track record in and commitment to Gaelic and have a UK bank account.

Organisations do not have to be based in Scotland to apply. Projects throughout the UK will be considered.

The funding is for projects that align with the following objectives:

• Celebrate the 2027 theme of 'Dùthchas' through Gaelic.

• Promote interest and participation in Gaelic.

• Increase opportunities to experience Gaelic.

• Strengthen and broaden the network of people engaging with Gaelic.

• Raise the profile of Gaelic locally, nationally, and worldwide.

• Ensure activities are inclusive and accessible to as many people as possible.

The following are examples of eligible costs:

• Venue hire.

• Staff costs.

• Marketing materials.

• Refreshments.

Notification of decisions on 11 December 2026 for the programme launch in January 2027.

Applications are accepted from 2 November to 22 November 2026 (midnight). For more information please visit Small Grants Fund - Seachdain na Gaidhlig

NHS Blood and Transplant Community Grants Open

NHS Blood and Transplant has opened its Community Grants Programme to support awareness, understanding and behaviour change around blood, organ and living kidney donation.

The £600,000 allocation will support projects addressing misinformation and barriers to donation among Black, Asian, mixed heritage and minority ethnic communities. Community, faith and belief organisations are eligible to apply because of their local knowledge and connections.

Projects must focus on deceased organ donation, blood donation, living kidney donation or a combination of deceased organ and blood donation. Deceased organ donation projects can involve all ethnic minority communities. Blood donation projects must engage Black African and/or Black Caribbean communities.

Applications combining deceased organ and blood donation can involve all ethnic minority communities, but their blood donation activities must focus on Black African and/or Black Caribbean communities and take place in England. Living kidney donation projects can involve all minority ethnic communities.

The allocation is divided into £300,000 for blood donation projects and £300,000 for deceased organ and living kidney donation projects. Combined projects will draw on both allocations, with the blood element subject to the stated community and location requirements.

There are two grant levels. Established partners can apply for strategic awards of up to £50,000 per year for sustained projects focused on blood donation, living kidney donation or combined deceased organ and blood donation. Smaller or grassroots organisations can seek between £10,000 and £20,000 per year for projects covering any of the four eligible focuses.

Eligible applicants include registered charities, limited companies, charitable incorporated organisations, community interest companies and unincorporated groups.

Awards will cover 24 months, with projects expected to run from December 2026 to December 2028. The money can be used for activities that share information, counter misinformation and barriers and increase support for donation.

The deadline for applications is 24 November 2026. For more information, please visit About the programme - NHS Blood and Transplant

Connect Fund Round 3 Open for Applications

The Connect Fund awards funding to strengthen civic East-West collaboration on matters of shared interest, including mutual challenges and opportunities across a range of sectors that directly affect communities in Northern Ireland. Applicants can bid for projects with a value from £300 to £50,000 with a total of £500,000 available for Round 3.

The Connect Fund supports projects that deliver on one or more of the following objectives:

·  Strengthen East-West connections by developing long lasting civic relationships;

·  Propose an original approach to developing East-West connections; 

·  Support the development of cultural, sports and people-to-people links;

·  Build leadership capability opportunities for community leaders on an East-West basis; and

·  Facilitate positive and constructive dialogue on shared opportunities/challenges facing communities in the UK.

Connect Fund Round 3 will feature a single application window from 2 November 2026 - 17:00pm 18 December 2026. Funding will be available for project delivery between 1 April 2027 and 31 March 2028. 

We will be hosting a series of information sessions to support prospective applicants which your organisation or wider networks may find valuable. We would be delighted to see representatives from your organisation attend any of these sessions and encourage you to share these details with any community and voluntary partners you believe could benefit. The link to register is here. 

For more information and to apply for Round 3 of the Connect Fund, please visit: https://find-government-grants.service.gov.uk/grants/connect-fund-1#summary 

Community Foundation for Northern Ireland - Funds open for application

We’re pleased to let you know that the following funds have opened for applications:

• Energia Tyrone 3 Windfarms Community Benefit Fund

• Rathsherry Community Benefit Fund

You can find details of these, along with all other Community Foundation funds currently open for application, at the link below:

https://communityfoundationni.org/achieving-impact/available-grants/

Community Foundation for Northern Ireland - Funds open for application

We’re pleased to let you know that the following funds have opened for applications:

• Thornog Community Benefit Fund

• Long Mountain Community Benefit Fund

You can find details of these, along with all other Community Foundation funds currently open for application, at the link below:

https://communityfoundationni.org/achieving-impact/available-grants/

Northern Ireland Organisations Digital Evolution Awards Open for Applications

The Arts Council of Northern Ireland is inviting applications for its National Lottery Organisations Digital Evolution Awards, which support arts organisations to develop their digital skills and create innovative digital and immersive art.

The awards aim to help organisations build skills in new, emerging and immersive technologies while supporting the creation of excellent digital art. The programme also seeks to expand opportunities for audiences across Northern Ireland to experience digital and immersive art and encourage collaboration across sectors and disciplines.

Grants of up to £10,000 are available to arts organisations, registered charities and other non-profit organisations. Applications from groups of organisations collaborating on cross-disciplinary projects are also encouraged.

Examples of the types of projects that the programme will support include:

• Creating virtual or augmented reality environments, such as visual art experiences using augmented reality or sound overlays in venues and geographical spaces.

• Using technology to translate data into artistic content, such as algorithms or artificial intelligence to generate music or visual art.

• Organising events or exhibitions that showcase emerging and immersive artwork to audiences in Northern Ireland.

• Developing apps to deliver artistic content, including gamified experiences or interactive artwork for digital devices. Streaming filmed or recorded performances is not eligible.

• Piloting new forms of support for individual artists or organisations that lead to the creation of digital art.

Projects must take place between 1 March 2027 and 29 February 2028.

The deadline for applications is 26 November 2026. For more information please visit National Lottery Organisations Digital Evolution… | Arts Council NI

NI Assets Recovery Community Scheme Opens for 2027-2030 Funding

Funding for projects tackling crime and strengthening community safety across Northern Ireland.

Community organisations across Northern Ireland can now apply for funding of up to £75,000 through the Assets Recovery Community Scheme (ARCS) for projects running between April 2027 and March 2030.

The scheme, provided by the Northern Ireland Department of Justice, uses money recovered from criminal assets to support community projects that prevent crime, reduce the fear of crime and help create safer, more resilient communities.

Voluntary and community sector organisations, registered charities and statutory bodies delivering projects in community settings in Northern Ireland are eligible to apply.

Funding can support projects that:

• Prevent crime or reduce the fear of crime.

• Create safer and more resilient communities.

• Demonstrate that crime does not pay by reinvesting the proceeds of crime in positive community initiatives.

• Increase public confidence in the justice system.

• Reduce offending and reoffending.

• Divert vulnerable individuals away from criminal behaviour.

Applications can request between £5,000 and £25,000 per year for up to three years, with a maximum total award of £75,000 per application.

Funded projects must run within the following periods:

• 1 April 2027 to 31 March 2028.

• 1 April 2028 to 31 March 2029.

• 1 April 2029 to 31 March 2030.

Projects must use innovative approaches to preventing crime or reducing the fear of crime, with activities benefiting victims, communities, the environment, or a combination of these.

The deadline for applications is 16 November 2026. For more information, please visit Assets Recovery Community Scheme guidance notes and application form | Department of Justice

Virtual information briefing Session - Funding in Northern Ireland

Are you working with your local community to develop a project to support people in your local area? 

If so, this session may be of interest to you.

The National Lottery Community Fund are hosting a series of virtual information session to tell you more about National Lottery funding available to groups in Northern Ireland.

These sessions are for voluntary or community organisations seeking funding to deliver activity in their community.

The sessions are open to everyone but are aimed primarily at groups who have not applied to National Lottery funding before or who would like a refresher on the programme aims and application criteria.

Sessions will offer you the opportunity to meet our team and hear more about the following programmes:
National Lottery Awards for All
Strengthening Communities

At the session you will receive advice on how you can check that your project and organisation are eligible to apply and how you can make sure you have provided the right information on your application form.

We'll also offer advice and tips on how to describe your project, how you can check that your idea meets the aims of the programme, the different ways you could involve your community and how you can explain your project costs.

All of which could lead to a more successful application

We recommend that you have a look at the programme guidance to ensure your organisation is eligible to apply before you reserve your spot. Find out more at https://www.tnlcommunityfund.org.uk/northern-ireland

Virtual information briefing Session - Funding in Northern Ireland

Tue 10 Nov 2026,
12:30PM - 1:30PM

Book Now

Tue 8 Dec 2026,
12:00PM - 1:00PM

Book Now

Cash4Clubs Accepting UK Applications for Funding in 2027

Cash4Clubs is a grant programme funded by Flutter UK & Ireland, part of Flutter Entertainment, the global sports betting, gaming and entertainment provider. For this reason, groups must be delivering activities to adults (18+) within the UK or Ireland.

Not-for-profit organisations, including charities, community groups and traditional sports clubs from across the UK and Ireland can apply for a grant of £2,000 each (€2000 in Ireland). 

The programme is focused on supporting adult participation in sport. Funding is available to groups that support over 18s only. 

Priority will be given to applications from groups working in areas of high deprivation and engaging adults from specific under-represented groups. That means those who:

• Are supporting adults living in an area of high deprivation (using the Government Indices of Multiple Deprivation and the Pobal HP Deprivation Index).

• Increase access to sport for one or more under-represented groups, including women, people from racially diverse communities, people with disabilities and people from the LGBTQ+ community.

• Encourage adults who would not usually engage in sport to take part. Examples include activities that support physical and mental wellbeing or tackle issues such as loneliness and rural isolation.

• Address broader social issues for the local community, for example tackling crime and anti-social behaviour or supporting community cohesion.

The funding is unrestricted and can be used for anything that will support the organisation to continue and/or grow their sports activities for adults.

The funding should be spent within a six-month period.

Cash4Clubs is run along with the charity Sported who help assess the bids and distribute the funds.

Applications will be accepted until 1 January 2027. For more information, please visit Cash4Clubs | Home

Henry Smith Foundation Announces New Enterprise Gateway Fund for UK

Part-funded by Access – the Foundation for Social Investment through the Dormant Assets Scheme, the Henry Smith Foundation has announced a new £6 million, three-year fund will open on 28 October.

This funding opportunity is for organisations who want to become Intermediary Partners for the Fund, which is designed to help small voluntary, community and social enterprise organisations and social entrepreneurs develop new sources of earned income and strengthen long‑term financial resilience.

The Intermediary Partners will recruit and support a cohort of eligible organisations and social entrepreneurs and with the funding be able to offer a package of support that combines:

• Grant funding.

• Practical enterprise development support.

• Opportunities for peer learning and mutual support.

• Connections, networks and other support that can help participants develop their enterprise ideas.

Enterprise Gateway aims to reach organisations and individuals working in the Henry Smith Foundation's strategic priority areas:

• Getting started (Families and Early Years)

• Building Independence (Young people)

• Safer Futures (People leaving prison

• Refugees and asylum seekers.

• Domestic abuse survivors.

Intermediary organisations can apply for between £500,000 and £1.5 million to administer onward grants and deliver capacity building activities with:

• £4 million ring fenced for asset-locked organisations in England

• £2 million for UK wide non-constituted organisations and individuals.

Eligible applicants will:

• Have an established track record of supporting organisations or social entrepreneurs to develop enterprise or trading activity.

• Have experience of managing onward grants, including appropriate grant making processes, financial controls and data management.

• Be able to design and deliver practical enterprise development support alongside grants.

• Be able to facilitate opportunities for participants to learn from and support one another.

• Have established networks that enable you to reach organisations or social entrepreneurs that have traditionally had limited access to enterprise support.

• Be able to contribute to learning about how enterprise support for smaller organisations can be strengthened.

• Have an annual income of at least £500,000 per year.

They do not need to operate across the whole of the UK. Applications are welcome from organisations with strong reach into specific communities or geographic areas where enterprise support is limited.

There is a two-stage application process.

Expression of Interests open 28 October 2026 (9am) and close 25 November 2026 (17:00). For more information, please visit Enterprise Gateway - Henry Smith

Paddle Trust to Open for Applications 23 October

Formerly known as the Canoe Foundation, the Paddle Trust aims to help protect the environment and offers grants for projects across the UK that:

• Increase or enhance existing public access points to water for all forms of paddlesport.

• Create launching and landing sites, to and alongside water, for all sectors of the community and all abilities, that are designed to be durable and use sustainable materials when applicable.

• Protect and enhance natural blue spaces such as rivers or coastline.

• Are "ready to go".

Grants of between £500 and £10,000 are available and will support:

• Public launch and landing platforms, steps, ramps or other physical access points

• Improvements to pathway and/or accessible routes to the water's edge

• Signage or information that promotes positive behaviour (Countryside code, "Check, Clean, Dry", take litter home etc).

• Designated or additional parking for water users

• Works to address erosion and/or create more sustainable access points

• Helping protect the waterway environment

• Multi-user projects that can benefit more than one user group

• Public projects rather than private members-only facilities.

Applications will be accepted from:

• Clubs, community groups, Parish Councils, Local Authorities or anyone in the UK with an active interest in improving access to water for recreational users and protecting the environment.

• Organisations or partnerships with local paddlesport groups who will continue to support the use of the improvements on an ongoing basis.

Past projects include improving access to urban waterways in Birmingham, addressing environmental access issues, such as fallen trees and river vegetation on the River Waveney in Norfolk, the redesign and reconstruction of a walkway and jetty head on Lough Henney, near Belfast, a new accessibility hoist on Wistlandpound Reservoir in Exmoor and a new pontoon at Cardiff International White Water Centre.

Applications open 23 October 2026 with a deadline of 7 December 2026. For more information, please visit Paddle Trust | Welcome to the Paddle Trust charity

Northern Ireland Department of Health Core Grants Open for 2027/28

The Northern Ireland Executive's Department of Health has opened its Core Grant Scheme for 2027/28, offering grants of £5,000 to £50,000 to registered charities working across health and social care.

Funding is available to charities that deliver frontline services based on identified needs or provide central support services aligned with the Department of Health's strategic and policy objectives:

• Public health, including reducing health inequalities.

• Supporting adults, including those with disabilities and vulnerabilities, to live independent, healthy and inclusive lives.

• Supporting children and young people, including those with disabilities and vulnerabilities, and their families.

• Improving the mental health and wellbeing across the population.

Applicants must be independent, not-for-profit registered charities that operate in Northern Ireland or allocate funding to costs incurred by activities in Northern Ireland. They must also have appropriate governance and financial controls in place.

The scheme supports activities such as representing service users, promoting social inclusion, building capacity through training and information-sharing, and encouraging collaboration between voluntary and community sector organisations.

Grants will contribute towards eligible core operating costs for the period from 1 April 2027 to 31 March 2028. These may include:

• Up to 30% of a permanent member of staff's annual salary, provided they are not involved in service delivery while funded by the scheme.

• Relevant staff and volunteer training costs.

• Running costs and overheads.

• Equipment and minor capital items costing less than £5,000.

• External management and audit costs.

• Costs associated with involving volunteers.

• Organisational or service evaluation costs.

The deadline for applications is 20 November 2026 (12 noon). For more information, please visit Core Grant Funding Scheme 2027-28 Application Process | Department of Health

Arts Council NI Opens Small Capital Grants Programme

The Arts Council of Northern Ireland has opened its Small Capital Grants Programme, offering grants of up to £25,000 to organisations across Northern Ireland for equipment and minor works.

The programme aims to help organisations maintain and improve creative spaces, address issues that may hinder arts activity, and ensure they have the equipment needed to welcome staff, artists and audiences. Funding can support improvements to artistic quality, accessibility, the working environment and the experience of audiences and participants.

Eligible applicants include:

• Registered charities.

• Other fully constituted, non-profit-distributing organisations.

• Local authorities, although these will be a low priority.

• Commercial organisations, where the proposed costs are primarily for public benefit rather than their own commercial interests.

• Consortia of organisations working together to deliver specific projects.

Organisations with limited membership must demonstrate that the proposed work or equipment will benefit the wider public.

Grants can support equipment and minor works that improve venues or working practices. Examples of eligible costs include:

• Accessibility equipment, minor works and structures that improve access or arts delivery.

• Creating safe spaces.

• IT equipment and software to support arts activity.

• Upgrading or maintaining existing systems.

• Transport.

Contributions towards tablet computers are capped at £500 per item, while laptops and personal computers are capped at £1,200 per item.

All purchases and minor works must be completed by 31 March 2027.

The deadline for applications is 16 November 2026. For more information please visit Small Capital Grants Programme | Arts Council NI

Call 1 Financial Assistance 2027-2028

Call 1 Financial Assistance 2027-2028 – Opening 19 October 2026 at 12.00 noon

Newry, Mourne and Down District Council invites applications for Financial Assistance towards the programme areas outlines below:

• Arts & Culture

• Community Engagement

• Community Events & Festivals

• Community Summer Schemes

• Good Relations

• Let’s Grow

• Local Biodiversity

• Suicide Prevention & Emotional Wellbeing

• Irish Language

• Minority Communities Fund

• Sports Programmes

• PCSP Community Safety Support

• Tourism Events

• Ending Violence Against Women and Girls (EVAWG)

Opening date: 19 October 2026 at 12 noon

Closing: 30 November 2026 at 12 noon

Guidance Notes and information about the application process can be reviewed online via: https://www.newrymournedown.org/residents-grants-and-funding

Information workshops, booked via TicketSource (www.ticketsource.com/nmddc-call12027-2028grantsandfunding) will take place as follows:

• Monday 19 October 2026, 7pm – Newry Leisure Centre, Newry

• Thursday 22 October 2026, 7pm – Down Leisure Centre, Downpatrick

• Wednesday 04 November 2026 12:30 – Teams (online)

Groups wishing to be notified of future funding opportunities should request their details be added to the Council’s database by contacting:

Grants & Funding Unit

T: 0330 137 4040

E: grantsandfunding@nmandd.org

Take the Lead: Data Champions community grants

Receive £3,000 to design and deliver activities that engage your community with the role of data in supporting health and wellbeing and gain skills, knowledge and connections along the way.

Overview

Take the Lead: Data Champions offers the opportunity for up to 20 community leaders across the UK to receive £3,000 to deliver activities that engage their community organisation’s audiences with the role of data in supporting health and wellbeing, connect with other leaders, develop confidence with using data to support their community and build relationships with data scientists to inform how data is used in research. These activities need to take place at any point between Monday 8 February to Sunday 20 June 2027.

You do not have to have any experience of data, science or research to take part.

Eligibility

To be eligible, community leaders must be:

• Based at an established UK-based community organisation with an organisational bank account (we cannot fund individuals). For example, you might be your organisation’s programme or project manager, activity leader or founder

• Available to attend the Data Champions welcome event for the whole day on Tuesday 23
  February 2027 in Bristol in person (attendance is compulsory).

• Able to deliver Take the Lead activities between Monday 8 February – Sunday 20 June 2027. Activities can be delivered at any point during this period.

• Able to provide evidence that they could act as a champion for data in their communities, are interested in developing their data engagement skills, can influence the direction of the Take the Lead activities and share insights from the programme with their colleagues and wider community. You do not need to have a specific job title or seniority to be eligible, we are interested in leaders at all levels of an organisation that can demonstrate these qualities.

We are looking for applications from leaders from any eligible organisation, including those who have previously received Take the Lead funding and those that have not.

Leaders based in community organisations who work with one or more of the following priority audiences, based in the UK, are eligible to apply for funding. These audiences have been selected based on HDR UK’s 2025 desk review to understand which groups are less likely to be engaged with health data:

• People from low socio-economic backgrounds

• People from minority ethnic backgrounds

• Older children and young adults aged 11–25 (especially in areas of deprivation)

• People over 65 (especially in areas of deprivation)

• People living in rural areas (defined as settlements of fewer than 10,000 people in England and Wales, fewer than 5,000 in Northern Ireland, and fewer than 3,000 in Scotland)

• People experiencing digital exclusion

What activities could I deliver?

We’re looking for community leaders to run activities for their communities exploring at least one of the following health and wellbeing topics through data:

• Brain health (for example, dementia, Alzheimer’s, etc.)

• Cancer

• Environment and health (for example, access to nature, air pollution, etc.)

• Heart health

• Sustainable and healthy diets (for example, eating locally sourced foods, reducing food waste, etc.)

• Young people’s mental health

We are looking for new and creative ideas to engage your community with data that are tailored to their interests and needs. The more evidence you can provide that your activities are specific and tailored to your audience interests and needs, the better the chance your application has in being successful.

For inspiration, check out case studies from previous Take the Lead projects. Please note, some of these case studies do not reflect the above priority topics as these were not a criteria for the last round.

How to apply

Complete the online application form by Monday 2 November at 12.00, midday.

Guidance for preparing your application form can be found in Appendix 2 of the guidelines and eligibility document linked below.

Read the full guidelines and eligibility document