Police Property Fund Grant Schemes

This call for applications will award a total of £150,000 in large grants of between £20,000 and £30,000 to eligible projects.

What is the Fund?

The Police Property Fund is made up of assets recovered by the PSNI as a result of criminal investigations, and administered by the Board in line with the Police (Property) Regulations NI 1997. The Policing Board agreed to implement the Fund through a Small Grants Scheme (80% of available Funds) and a Large Grants Scheme (20% of available Funds). 

To date the Board has progressed three Small Grants Funding Calls which have seen almost £500,000 awarded to eligible projects across Northern and a third call for Small Grants has been ongoing since June 2024. 

What projects are eligible?

Applications for funding will need to demonstrate that the project

• is strategic in nature

• engages with local police

• contributes to building community safety and/or confidence in the police in your area

• is aligned to a charitable purpose
   

How do I apply?

All the documentation to help you apply for the Police Property Fund Large Grants Scheme can be found here:

• Application form

• Guidance for applicants

• FAQ

• Procedure for implementation

• Watch the how-to video here(external link opens in a new window / tab)

Applications close 12 noon on 22 September 2025.

For more information, please visit Police Property Fund Grant Schemes | Northern Ireland Policing Board

Victims Support Programme 2026-28: Information Sessions

The Victims and Survivors Service (VSS) is opening the following funding programme: Victims Support Programme 2026-28.

Through this programme, VSS aims to improve the health and wellbeing of victims and survivors of the Troubles/conflict by providing funding to community and voluntary organisations to deliver services including Psychological/Talking Therapies, Complementary Therapies, Social Support, and Welfare Support.

Full details of funding criteria, application forms and guidance notes are available to download from their website 1 September 2025. Deadline 12 noon, 6 November 2025.

VSS will hold three information sessions. All organisations who are considering making an application are advised to attend the information sessions running from 10:30am-12pm (approx.):

• Belfast- Monday 8th September – NICVA - 61 Duncairn Gardens, Belfast BT15 2GB 

• Cookstown 10th September - Glenavon Hotel -52 Drum Rd, Cookstown BT80 8QS 

• L/Derry 12th September – Everglades Hotel- Prehen Rd, Londonderry BT47 2NH 

Email communitypartnership@vssni.org to register for a session.  

Alzheimer's Research UK - Inspire Fund

Grants are available for public engagement projects led by groups within or outside the research community that will tackle misconceptions around dementia and promote the importance of dementia research.

The Inspire Fund provides funding for innovative projects that engage and empower the public by improving understanding of dementia and sharing the benefits of dementia research. The funders aim to create and nurture relationships between communities, researchers, creatives and other potential applicants.

Projects must engage with underserved audiences on the topic of dementia, such as minority ethnic communities, marginalised or socioeconomically disadvantaged groups.

For this call, seed funding is available to new grant holders, in grants of up to £5,000 per project. 

Follow on funding grants of up to £20,000 per project will also be available to past Inspire Fund grant holders, to grow the scale and impact of their previous projects. (Previous grant holders interested in follow-on funding should contact the Involvement & Engagement team for further information.)

Applicants are accepted from individuals, organisations and communities with ideas, passion and ability to realise innovative public engagement projects on the topic of dementia. ARUK is especially interested in proposals led by community groups or organisations.

Applicants are encouraged to forge links with collaborators or groups to grow the scale of ideas and the impact of the projects.

Inspire Fund projects must meet both core criteria:

• Projects must engage with underserved audiences on the topic of dementia, such as minority ethnic communities, marginalised or socio-economically disadvantaged people.

• Build knowledge and understanding about brain health (in the context of dementia risk reduction) and explore ways to encourage behaviour change.

Projects can use a range of methods to engage with their audience and applicants are encouraged to consider their audience when selecting methods of engagement, to ensure people are able to take part.

The grant is intended to cover:

• Salaries or fees for people who are essential to the proposal such as project lead, researchers, artists or consultants that aren't already covered by another grant.

• Participant costs if relevant.

• Materials and consumables.

• Equipment that is essential to the project.

• Production costs, including marketing.

• Travel and subsistence relevant to the proposal.

• Room hire.

• Catering.

• Accessibility costs (eg BSL translation).

• Evaluation and dissemination of the work.

• Contingency (up to 5% of total cost).

Examples of previously funded projects can be found on the Alzheimer's Research UK website.

The deadline for applications to the 2025 seed fund call is 8 September 2025 (5pm).

An online application form is available on the ARUK website.

Past grant holders interested in applying for follow-on funding should contact the Involvement & Engagement team for more information – engage@alzheimersresearchuk.org

For more information, please visit - Inspire Fund – public engagement grant - Grant scheme - Alzheimer's Research UK

The Young People's Programme

The Foundation is keen to support young people who are facing difficult challenges and barriers to accessing support and opportunities.

Funding work to benefit children and young people aged 12-21 who are vulnerable, socially excluded or marginalised.

Recent updates to the guidance in this programme, are that the Foundation aims to focus on those children who are considered persistently absent from school, those leaving school with no qualifications, and children and young people in/leaving care.

We aim to support work to help young people who are experiencing or may have already suffered significant issues within their lives and who may ‘fall through the cracks’ without targetted support.  The priority is on those aged 12-21 who are vulnerable, socially excluded or marginalised; whose experiences can be hidden or less well known; and whose voices are often erased or ignored.

This may, for example, include pro-active youth clubs, activities for disaffected young people, or employment opportunities or experience which help young people to find structure.  Also organisations that focus their work on: young people within the criminal justice system or those at risk of offending; looked after children or care leavers; those with significant mental health concerns or complex needs; young people who have been traumatised by challenging family backgrounds, neglect, violence or abuse; those that have fallen through the gaps in care and/or education; those already affected by, or vulnerable to, exploitation; or whose experiences could seriously impact their transition into adulthood.

We do not aim to target funding at work that takes place in schools.

This is not an exhaustive list and the Foundation will be happy to advise or discuss potential applications.

The Foundation is not looking to fund general youth provision due to the limitation of available resource, but will consider both core or project funding of organisations whose work aligns with the aim of the programme.

For more information, please visit Young People’s Programme – The Allen Lane Foundation

Armagh City, Banbridge & Craigavon (ABC) Borough Council Community Grants

The third of their funding calls for revenue and capital grants is open until 12 September 2025 (midday). Eligible organisations can apply for grants supporting community development, small scale capital, Good Relations, community events, international tourism, and arts projects. Various funding levels.

For more information, please visit Community Grants - Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon Borough Council

Arts Council NI Arts and Older People Programme Accepting Applications

The Arts Council of Northern Ireland, in collaboration with the Public Health Agency and the Baring Foundation, is inviting applications for its annual Arts and Older People funding programme. This initiative offers grants ranging from £1,000 to £10,000 to support projects that enhance the representation of older individuals and promote positive mental health and emotional wellbeing through the arts.

The programme aims to combat social isolation, poverty, and health issues affecting older people by encouraging their participation in arts-led activities. Eligible projects must align with one or more of the strategic themes, such as combating loneliness, fostering social inclusion, addressing poverty, and promoting mental health and wellbeing.

The funding is open to constituted community and voluntary groups, non-governmental organisations, local authorities, and arts organisations that work with older people in Northern Ireland. Applicants must demonstrate strong partnership working, particularly with care homes, carers, and dementia groups.

Projects that focus on isolation, loneliness and poverty are particularly encouraged.

Funding can be used for a variety of costs, including venue hire, materials, equipment, artists' fees, publicity, and community consultation. Supported projects are expected to commence after 1 January and be completed by 31 December 2026.

The deadline for applications is 16 October 2025 (12 noon). For more information, please visit National Lottery Arts and Older People Programme | Arts Council NI

WCIT Charity Inviting Applications for Fourth 2025 Funding Round

Grants of up to £15,000 are available for educational establishments and constituted not-for-profit organisations across the UK to support IT projects and activities.

The WCIT Charity will support activities within the themes of education, inclusion, IT for charities, and understanding of IT, such as the development and delivery of new services, solutions, training, apps, analytics, AI, robotics, or accessibility features/hardware. 

Projects that are more likely to be funded include:

• Projects where WCIT is a material or sole funder.

• Projects where WCIT is the sole funder of the IT component of a larger project.

• Organisations that could benefit from pro bono support.

Proposals should demonstrate an innovative use of IT, be scalable for wider replication, and be sustainable over time. Approximately £19,000 is remaining in allocated funding for 2025.

Applications are typically considered at four committee meetings per year.

The deadline for consideration at the next committee meeting is 22 October 2025. For more information, please visit Home - WCIT Charity

Grants for UK Projects Improving Paper Cup Recycling

The Beyond the Bin Fund is offering financial support for projects that aim to increase the recycling or reuse of on-the-go paper cups in the UK.

Grants of up to £45,000 are available. Funding can be used to cover staff costs, project materials and equipment, communications, venue or travel expenses, data and evaluation, professional fees and reasonable project-related overheads.

Eligible applicants include UK based businesses and brands such as coffee chains, retailers and venues, as well as local authorities, universities, research institutions, startups and social enterprises. Collaborative projects will also be considered, provided one organisation acts as the lead applicant.

The funding is intended to encourage new approaches to addressing challenges in paper cup recycling and recovery. Potential activities include awareness campaigns designed to increase recycling rates, improvements to collection and recycling infrastructure, and research that develops practical solutions for the recyclability of paper cups.

By supporting projects across different sectors, the fund aims to help reduce the environmental impact of single-use paper cups by creating and testing scalable solutions for their reuse or recycling.

Applications open on 1 September 2025 and must be submitted by the deadline of 31 October 2025. For more information, please visit Beyond the Bin Fund | Recycling Paper Cups

Road Safety Trust’s Small Grants Round to Open in September with New Two-Stage Process

The Road Safety Trust has announced that for the first time the Trust is implementing a new two-stage application process which will offer early feedback to applicants and guidance for those invited to submit full bids.

UK based organisations with public and professional associations, registered charities and university departments will be able to apply for small grants of between £10,000 and £50,000 from a total funding pot of £150,000 once the programme is open. However, applicants are encouraged to start thinking about their bids now.

The overall aims of the Trust are to reduce death and injury on the UK roads through providing independent funding for research and the development of innovative approaches.

Each year, the large and small grants programmes focus on a specific theme. Information about the 2025 theme as well as details about the 2025 large grants programme (£50,001 to £300,000 for up to three years) is expected to be published before the end of the summer.

The Small Grants programme will open for Expressions of Interest on 23 September and close on 29 October 2025. For more information, please visit Road Safety Trust

Healthy Hearts Grant Applications Open for NI on 20 August

One grant of up to £15,000 is available for new community projects aimed at supporting adults in Northern Ireland to reduce their risk of coronary heart disease, helping them to lead healthier, happier and longer lives.

Small registered charities and community interest companies (CICs) with an annual income of less than £1 million from across Northern Ireland can apply.

Groups are expected to have an in-depth knowledge of the specific needs and demographics of the communities they intend to work with and their project activities need to specifically address the problems within that community.

Funding is for new projects that work with communities to prevent heart disease, particularly for vulnerable and isolated groups of individuals who are at an increased risk of developing heart problems in the future. Projects that are likely to have a big impact and have considered novel ways to encourage people to look after their hearts and promote positive lifestyle changes are also sought.

Activities must have a primary focus on one or more of the following four risk factors for heart disease:

• Nutrition and Healthy Eating.

• Physical Activity.

• Smoking.

• Alcohol consumption.

Projects should run for a minimum of three months and no longer than 12 months. 

The funding can support salaries, overhead expenses/on costs and equipment that is necessary for the successful delivery of the project.

Applications will be accepted from 20 August 2025 to 17 September 2025. For more information please visit Healthy Heart Grants - Heart Research UK

National Garden Scheme to Open for Applications on 15 September

Delivered by the National Garden Scheme, the Community Gardens Award provides grants of £1,500 and £5,000 for gardening projects carried out within local communities in England, Wales or Northern Ireland.

The scheme is committed to:

• Sustainability in gardening so proposals need to demonstrate that they will be using sustainable gardening methods – for instance being as far as possible peat-free.

• Celebrating biodiversity so projects that encourage biodiversity and wildlife, while not essential, will be a positive.

The funding can be used for a number of things, including but not limited to:

• Plants and containers

• Materials for flower or vegetable beds and other hard landscaping

• Greenhouses, polytunnels and sheds

• Seating

• Hand tools and certain garden power tools (eg strimmers)

• Materials for providing refreshment.

Applicants must be a fully set up community group, registered charity or Community Interest Company (CIC) with a functioning non-personal bank account based and working in England, Wales or Northern Ireland.

The current application guidelines are available now on the website of the National Garden Scheme. 

Please note this year, the application process is in two parts. The first part is an initial eligibility check. The link to the second part will be sent by email.

Also new this year, the scheme has introduced a cap on applications. Only the first 300 eligible submissions will be considered for a grant.

Applications are expected to open on 15 September 2025 and close on 20 October 2025 (12 noon). For more information, please visit Community Garden Grants - National Garden Scheme

Are you eligible to apply for a free defibrillator for your community?

Apply for a free defibrillator for your community 

Find out if your community group is eligible for a free, BHF-funded defibrillator. Having a defibrillator and knowing how to do CPR will give members of your community a better chance at surviving a cardiac arrest.

What’s included in the award package

• a defibrillator, complete with pads and kit accessories

• a cabinet, which is not lockable (if awarded, the cabinet must be kept unlocked and uncoded. For more information on why this is part of our criteria, see the guidance from Resuscitation Council UK)

• replacement pads and batteries when required (when they expire or are used with the defibrillator)

• resources for RevivR online CPR training.

If you’re unable to install the cabinet yourself or with the help from your local community, this may be offered as part of the package. 

Who can apply

You must be applying on behalf of a community group. Some examples of groups we accept are:

• church organisations and other places of worship

• social clubs

• parish councils

• local social enterprise organisations

• community centres.

Conditions for applying

To be eligible for a free, BHF-funded defibrillator, you must: 

• keep the defibrillator in the provided cabinet, unlocked and uncoded so that it’s accessible to the public 24 hours a day 

• make sure that the cabinet has a constant electricity supply so that the defibrillator stays at the right temperature in cold weather and is visible in the dark 

• have a clear need for the device (for example, be in a busy location, or where a public access defibrillator (PAD) is not within 200 metres) 

• have authorisation from the property owner to install the defibrillator 

• register the defibrillator on The Circuit (the national defibrillator network) within 4 weeks of installation, to ensure ambulance call handlers can see your defibrillator when 999 is called in response to a cardiac arrest

• be committed to promoting BHF’s free online RevivR CPR training in your community with the resources provided. 

Who cannot apply

Unfortunately, we cannot give funding to: 

• individuals (if you've been recommended an individual defibrillator, speak to your cardiologist or doctor about how to get this equipment)  

• GP surgeries 

• dental practices 

• schools and colleges 

• military organisations 

• police 

• private or profit-making companies 

• emergency services  

• community first responders (unless they’re applying for a public access defibrillator to be placed in a fixed location in their local community). 

If you’re not sure if your organisation is eligible, or you have a question about the application process, please check our FAQs to see if your question is answered. You can contact us at defibs@bhf.org.uk if you still require support.

How to apply

A limited number of funded defibrillators are available in each annual funding cycle. Applications will be reviewed monthly against a set of criteria so awards can be made to communities that need them most. Areas prioritised include those with fewer registered defibrillators and communities where local health needs indicate a higher risk of out-of-hospital cardiac arrest.

To apply for a defibrillator, simply follow these steps:

1. Create an account – You'll need to provide an email address, password and name to register for an account and get access our application form.

2. Fill in our application form – It usually takes around 25 minutes to complete. Your progress saves automatically, so you can return to it at any time.

3. Submit your form – We recommend submitting your application within 1 week of beginning to apply. We’ll let you know if you’ve been successful.

Apply for a free defibrillator

For more information, please check the website below:

https://www.bhf.org.uk/how-you-can-help/how-to-save-a-life/defibrillators/apply-for-a-free-defibrillator-for-your-community?fbclid=IwY2xjawLt3c9leHRuA2FlbQIxMQABHuRdXCKYVUYcfOlljWyI1aH1QMRJoPgSWAOHt9kUJBJd9mAnxmrRkvrb2aQY_aem_a2-ecnZYFaGk_1ugjLbcSg&sfnsn=scwspwa

Henry Smith Foundation Launches New Together We Begin Fund

The Henry Smith Charity changed its name to the Henry Smith Foundation in June 2025 and published it new strategy, Elevate Your Impact (2025-2030), which ‘reaffirms its commitment to the people and organisations driving change across the UK’.

The Together We Begin fund is part of the Foundation’s Getting Started funding priority, which supports families to give young children the best possible start in life. The key aims of the fund are to:

• Strengthen parenting skills to improve children’s outcomes.

• Build confidence and reduce stress in the home.

• Connect families to their local community.

The funding is for formally registered not-for-profit organisations with a charitable purpose working in the UK with an annual income below £1 million who:

• Support families with children aged 0-5 (including during pregnancy) who face financial hardship or social isolation.

• Work in areas with high levels of child poverty - at least 24.9% of children live in poverty in their local authority area.

Grants of between £40,000 and £50,000 per year for up to three years are available (a maximum total of £150,000). It is expected that 40 grants will be made. Accessibility support grants are also available to help cover costs such as BSL interpreters, scribes, translation services, assistive technology, or support workers: £250 at the Expression of Interest stage and £500 at the Full Application stage (if invited).

The Foundation’s Grants team will hold a free live webinar on 30 July 2025 (14:00 to 15:00). Registration is required. A recording will be available after the event for those who cannot attend.

Expressions of Interest open 31 July and close 28 August 2025. For more information, please visit Together We Begin - Henry Smith

James Tudor Foundation Announces Changes to Funding Programme

After a review in April of this year, the Foundation has revised its grants programme.

It now offers physical health and mental health grants of up to £25,000 (usually for one year) to support the work of UK registered charities with an annual income below £20 million and at least five years’ audited or independently examined accounts.

Each programme is tailored to address specific needs within the health sector, enabling organisations to deliver meaningful and lasting impact to the communities they serve.

 Physical Health grants support:

• Therapeutic interventions for people living with acute, chronic, or degenerative physical conditions; people living with physical disabilities; and those recovering from life-changing injuries.

• Specialist, single-condition charities.

• Organisations that provide direct healthcare services to marginalised communities.

• Air ambulance charities operating in South West England, Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland 

Mental Health grants are for UK-registered charities that work either regionally or nationally: 

• Only charities that have a specialist, single focus on one or more of the following are supported: childhood sexual abuse; living in a household where there is domestic violence, and/or physical and/or emotional neglect; living with a parent who has a mental illness and/or substance abuse.

• Parental support should involve evidence-based, whole-family, trauma-informed programmes for:

• Parents to confront their own ACEs and help to break the intergenerational cycle of trauma and abuse.

• Families where a parent or caregiver has a mental illness or substance addiction and is at risk of harming their children. 

The funding is flexible, designed to contribute towards overall service delivery, however, grants can also be made for a specific project.

Applications are currently being accepted to the Physical Health and Mental Health grants programme.

The deadline to submit an Expression of Interest is 15th August 2025. For more information, please visit James Tudor Foundation | What we fund

Halifax Foundation for Northern Ireland to Launch Thrive Programme

The Halifax Foundation for Northern Ireland is launching its new Thrive grants programme in early September 2025.

Thrive will provide grants of £15,000 over two years to charities that:

• Are registered in and operating within Northern Ireland.

• Have an annual income of up to £500,000.

• Focus on supporting vulnerable groups.

The programme will support charities that offer financial advice, build financial resilience, deliver financial education, or promote good financial health among people living in vulnerable circumstances. This may include practical financial support, budgeting assistance, debt management help, financial education, and personalised advice to help individuals navigate financial challenges and build long-term resilience.

The Foundation is holding pre-application sessions at 11am on:

• 28 August 2025.

• 2 September 2025.

• 4 September 2025.

Applicants must contact the Foundation to register for a session.

Applications are expected to open on 1 September 2025 and will close on 26 September 2025 (noon). For more information, please visit Thrive - Halifax Foundation NI

Funding to Improve Quality of Life for People with Severe Physical/Learning Disabilities (UK)

UK registered charities can apply for a grant of between £500 and £2,500 for projects that improve the quality of life and social engagement for people with severe physical and/or learning disabilities in England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland.

To be eligible, applicants must:

• Be a UK registered charity based in the UK with an annual income of less than £750,000.

• Have at least one full set of Accounts following charity registration.

The funding is primarily for the core operating costs rather than for a specific project; however, the latter will not be excluded.

There are usually two funding rounds per year, in March and August.

This round will close on 31 August 2025 or when 150 applications have been received. For more information, please visit Woodroffe Benton Foundation

Henry Smith Foundation Launches New Domestic Abuse Fund for UK

The Henry Smith Charity changed its name to the Henry Smith Foundation in June 2025 and published it new strategy, Elevate Your Impact (2025-2030), which ‘reaffirms its commitment to the people and organisations driving change across the UK’.

The Domestic Abuse Fund is part of the Foundation's new Safer Futures funding priority, which supports services that help people rebuild their lives after abuse, displacement or prison. 

This funding is intended for groups that are deeply rooted in their communities and offer person-centred, holistic support that is tailored around the needs of people from marginalised and minoritised communities who have experienced domestic abuse.

This fund is specifically for formally registered, not-for-profit organisations with a charitable purpose led-by-and-for marginalised and minoritised communities with a track record of at least three years’ experience providing specialist domestic abuse support to their community. There are no minimum or maximum income thresholds – applications will be considered from organisations of all sizes.

It is expected that 20 grants will be made. All successful applicants will receive a grant of £250,000 over five years (£50,000 per year).

Although the funding is intended to be used for running costs, it will also support project costs if this is the preference.

The Foundation’s Grant team will hold a free live webinar on 12 August 2025 (13:00 to 14:00). Registration is required. A recording will be available after the event for those who cannot attend.

Expression of Interest open 13 August 2025 and close 10 September 2025. For more information, please visit Domestic Abuse Fund - Henry Smith

'AI for All’ Funding/Mentoring Programme Opens for UK Applications

The Different Foundation, a charity registered in 2024, 'exists to embrace diversity, empower the underrepresented, and shape an inclusive future'.

'AI for All' is the Foundation's 'flagship programme' which offers one-off grants of up to £2,500 and four hours of specialised mentorship with respected leaders in AI. This mentorship provides practical guidance to enhance impact, improve programme delivery, and strengthen organisational capabilities.

The funding is intended to promote access and opportunity for members of underrepresented and diverse communities in AI innovation. It supports organisations committed to diversity in technology.

The current focus is addressing digital bias, elevating diverse voices, and developing AI that works for everyone.

Applications will be accepted from UK registered charities, based and working within the UK, with a turnover of between £150,000 and £1.15 million and one to ten employees.

The deadline for applications is 30 September 2025. For more information, please visit AI For All Program | Grants up to £2,500 for UK Charities — The Different Foundation

Sustaining Tenancies Grant Funding

Tranche 3 is now open for expressions of interest for funding for projects lasting up to 36 months. 

Applications must be submitted by Friday 8 August at 12 noon. 

NIHE are seeking expressions of interest for projects lasting up to 36 months, requiring funding between £5,000 and £100,000 over the full lifetime of the project. 

Projects must seek to address at least one of the Priority Funding Areas for Tranche 3 listed below;

• Support for tenants with addictions and/or severe mental ill health

• Intensive early tenancy support to develop skills to maintain a tenancy and establish connections in the community

• Practical tenancy support (e.g. handyperson services, concessionary gardening services)

• Support for tenants living in rural areas

For more information and to apply, please visit The Housing Executive - Sustaining Tenancies

Arts Council of Northern Ireland - Rural Engagement Arts Programme

Closing date 25/09/2025

Grants are available for a range of organisations for one-off projects or programme of events (either existing or new) to help combat isolation and loneliness and promote social inclusion in rural areas of Northern Ireland.

The funding is intended to support the provision of an integrated, cohesive approach to the needs of local rural communities as they continue to feel the adverse effects of the recent pandemic.

The overarching theme is combatting isolation and loneliness and promoting social inclusion.

For this programme, loneliness and social isolation are defined as:

• Loneliness, which can affect any age group, is the "subjective, unpleasant and distressing phenomenon stemming from a discrepancy between individuals' desired and achieved levels of social relations".

• Social isolation is "an imposed isolation from normal social networks caused by loss of mobility or deteriorating health".

Grants of between £500 and £10,000 are available.

Applications will be accepted from the widest possible range of organisations, providing they have a legal constitution. This includes:

• Registered charities and other organisations which cannot distribute profits.

• Groups of organisations working together to deliver specific projects.

• Formally constituted parent-teacher associations.

• Local Authorities.

• Arts Organisations.

Applications from single organisations are permissible, however, they should demonstrate partnership working. Priority will be given to consortium applications demonstrating partnership working. Partnerships might include sector providers such as rural development organisations, older people’s providers and agencies, arts organisations or Local Authorities.

For partnership/consortium applications, a single organisation must be the lead applicant.

To be eligible, projects need to demonstrate how they would target participants from rural areas and must meet one or more of the following strategic themes:

• Isolation and Loneliness

• Social Inclusion

All supported projects can last up to 12 months and can take place on any dates between 1 December 2025 and 30 November 2026.

The deadline for applications is 25 September 2025 (noon).

Guidance notes and the online application portal can be accessed from the Arts Council of Northern Ireland website - National Lottery Rural Engagement Arts Programme | Arts Council NI