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 

Ulster-Scots Talks and Events Grants

Ulster-Scots Talks and Events Grants are available to assist Ulster-Scots heritage-based talks and events that take place in the Ards and North Down Borough between 1 October 2026 and 31 March 2027

Round 2 Ulster-Scots Talks and Events Grant opens for applications on Tuesday 6 October 2026.

Ulster-Scots Talks and Events Fund

The Ards and North Down Borough Council’s Ulster-Scots Talks and Events Funding is designed to assist publicly-accessible Ulster-Scots heritage talks and events which take place in the North Down and Ards District.

Who can apply?

Constituted historical societies and heritage-interest groups located in the borough, or Ulster-Scots heritage talks and events that are of benefit to residents within the borough.

What is available?

A maximum grant of £125 for a talk and £250 for an event is available. 

Application Deadline:

This is a rolling grant process open from October 2026, and funding will be allocated until the grant budget is exhausted. All applications must be submitted at least 6 weeks before funding is required. 

The final date for submissions is 17 February 2027. 

The Application Process can take up to 4 weeks from date of submission.

How do I apply?

Criteria Document and the Application Form can be downloaded below.

Please read the full Ulster-Scots Talks and Events Grant Criteria document before completing your application.

Please return the completed form to: heritagegrants@ardsandnorthdown.gov.uk

Rosa’s Annual Voices from the Frontline Reopens for UK Applications

Now in its ninth year, this fund is offering between 35 and 40 grants of up to £10,000 to women's and girls' organisations to support campaigning and influencing work that enables women and girls in the UK to use their voices to achieve change. The campaigns could be targeted at local communities, the general public, local or national government, media, service providers or businesses.

To be eligible, organisations need to:

• Have identified the issue they want to campaign on.

• Have an understanding of their intended audience.

• Be ready to start, or have started, their campaign.

• Secure resources to support their campaigning and influencing work.

The work funded should strengthen the organisation's skills and experience in campaigning, activism and/or advocacy and influence power holders in the UK.

Applications will be accepted from not-for-profit women's and girls' organisations in the UK that have been active for at least one year and can produce annual accounts for an entire year.

Rosa is committed to funding organisations across the UK as well as to funding a mixture of national and local campaigns.

Priority will be given to the following organisations, not listed in priority order, that are:

• Operating in the top 20% of the most disadvantaged areas in the UK based on the Indices of Multiple Deprivation (IMD).

• Based in Scotland, Wales or Northern Ireland.

• Led by and for Black and minoritised women and girls.

• Led by and for disabled women.

• Led by and for LGBTQ+ women and girls.

There is special interest in funding organisations which are led by and for the women they work with.

Applicants will be notified of decisions in March 2027 and will have up to 18 months to spend their grant.

Rosa will be hosting a 'How to Apply' webinar on 20 October (10:00 to 11:00) and 05 November (14:00 to 15:00). Registration is required and can be done on Rosa's website.

The deadline for applications is 16 November 2026. For more information, please visit Voices from the Frontline - Rosa

LGBT+ Get Active Grants Open for UK Grassroots Groups

The LGBT+ Get Active Fund has opened for applications from community-based LGBT+ sports and physical activity organisations and projects across the UK.

The Fund is a collaboration between the LGBT+ Fund and the London Marathon Foundation. It is managed with the support of a steering group with experience in LGBT+ sports and physical activity communities.

A total of £400,000 is available. In 2026, grants range from £5,000 to £25,000 per year for projects running for one or two years. Applicants can seek £5,000 to £25,000 for a one-year project, or £10,000 to £50,000 in total for two-year work.

Support is intended to increase resources for groups that are under-recognised by funding initiatives and to improve access to physical activity for LGBT+ communities. Physical activity is defined as activity that intentionally and explicitly supports increased movement and wellbeing, with examples including hiking, skateboarding, football, ballroom and vogue, gardening, frisbee, dance and circus skills.

Applicants must be UK-based, LGBT+ led non-profit groups or organisations led by and for LGBT+ people. They must regularly deliver sports or physical activities, with delivery in the past three years considered recent, and they must have been running for at least six months.

Priority will be given to grassroots organisations supporting underserved intersectional LGBT+ communities, including D/deaf, disabled and/or neurodivergent LGBT+ people, LGBT+ women, LGBT+ people of faith, LGBT+ people of the global majority, older LGBT+ people and trans, non-binary and/or intersex people. Additional priority includes those operating in historically underfunded areas, in rural or remote locations, or where LGBT+ provision is limited.

Eligible costs include project delivery, training for participants, accessibility measures, core costs, collaborative work and coaching qualifications.

The deadline for applications is 4 November 2026. For more information, please visit Get Active Fund - LGBT+ Fund

Northern Ireland's Fibrus Community Fund Opens for Applications

Community Foundation for Northern Ireland is accepting applications to the Fibrus Community Fund.

The fund supports grassroots organisations seeking to address digital poverty by helping people who are vulnerable or digitally excluded to access digital technology, improve digital skills and stay connected. It has a particular focus on older people, people on low income and people with disabilities.

Grants of up to £1,500 are available. Awards can support projects and activities that improve access to devices and connectivity, or develop digital confidence. Examples of eligible costs include providing access to a range of digital devices such as laptops, tablets, iPads and smartphones through a community loan facility; delivering training workshops or courses that build the capacity of individuals to use digital services; and establishing community-use internet hubs and internet cafes to enhance social connection.

The fund will have one round of funding in 2026.

Applications are open to constituted community and voluntary organisations with an annual income below £50,000. Organisations must also be based within an eligible postcode area, with a full list of eligible postcodes available on the Community Foundation Northern Ireland website.

The deadline for applications is 16 October 2026. For more information please visit The Fibrus Community Fund - Community Foundation Northern Ireland

£1.25 Million Available for Northern Ireland Cancer Services

Cancer charities across Northern Ireland can apply for grants to provide support for people affected by cancer and their families. The funding is provided by the Department of Health and Macmillan Cancer Support.

A total of £1.25 million is available for 2026/27, with two categories of grants offered:

• Small grants: Up to £40,000.

• Large grants: Between £40,001 and £150,000.

Funding can support a range of activities, including mental health support, rehabilitation and prehabilitation, practical assistance and services that help people maintain daily activities and social inclusion. Practical support can include transport to appointments and assistance during difficult appointments.

Applications can also cover information and advice about available services, screening, and health and social care processes. Education activities may focus on cancer symptoms, causes, lifestyle, screening and pre- or post-treatment support.

Projects that improve access to support for minority groups or people living in areas of deprivation are also eligible.

Applicants must be UK registered charities or not-for-profit organisations operating in Northern Ireland with a clear cancer-related purpose. The grant awarded cannot exceed 25% of the organisation's previous year's gross annual income or its expenditure on activities in Northern Ireland.

Eligible costs include salaries and employer costs for qualified practitioners or therapists, materials used in service delivery, professional supervision, development and training. Marketing, promotional, educational and awareness activities can also be supported.

The deadline for applications is 20 November 2026. For more information please visit Cancer Charities Grant Scheme 2026/27 | Department of Health

WCIT Charity Accepting Applications for Fourth 2026 Funding Round

The WCIT Charity is offering grants of up to £15,000 for registered charities with an annual income and unrestricted reserves of less than £1million across the UK to deliver innovative projects that use technology to support one or more of the following priorities:

• Education.

• Inclusion.

• Technology for charities.

• Public understanding of technology.

Funding is for the development, testing, or implementation of innovative technology-based solutions, rather than the purchase of standard operational tools or business-as-usual activities. Eligible projects include:

• An AI-powered tool to support people with disabilities.

• A Digital platform designed to improve educational outcomes.

• A charity pilot using data analytics to improve service delivery.

• Technology that improves digital accessibility and inclusion.

• A project that helps charities test innovative technologies.

Preference will be given to innovative projects involving areas such as AI, data and analytics, robotics, digital skills, and accessibility technologies, and projects that have the potential for lasting impact, wider adoption, and demonstrate value for money and social impact.

The deadline for applications is 3 November 2026 or when 50 applications are received. For more information, please visit Home - WCIT Charity

UK-wide Fund Opens to Support Disabled People into Work

The Department for Work and Pensions has opened the first round of the Pathways to Work Innovation Fund, offering grants for new approaches to help disabled people and those with long-term health conditions move towards, enter, stay and progress in work.

The initiative is part of Pathways to Work, a government programme bringing together personalised employment, health and skills support. It aims to develop evidence about what works and for whom, with projects expected to produce learning that could inform future services.

Up to £60 million is available over two years. The first round provides up to £10 million. A further £50 million is expected to be available through a second round in early 2027. There is no minimum or maximum grant amount, although projects must be delivered within 12 months. Support is available until the end of March 2028.

UK-based organisations from the public, private and voluntary sectors can apply. Eligible applicants include charities, voluntary organisations, social enterprises, Community Interest Companies, businesses, academic and research bodies, local authorities and mayoral strategic authorities. Partnerships and consortia can also submit applications.

Individuals may participate in a partnership but cannot apply independently. One organisation must act as lead applicant for a partnership and manage any grant awarded.

Funding can be used to develop, test, deliver, monitor and evaluate innovative proposals. Eligible activity includes developing technology, equipment or artificial intelligence solutions, testing interventions, piloting products and services and carrying out user research or co-design.

Other eligible costs include staff, volunteer and participant expenses directly related to delivery, specialist support, partnership activity and monitoring and evaluation. Projects may also develop employer support, improve coordination across employment, health and skills services or apply an existing approach in a substantially different context or with a new target group.

The Round 1 deadline for applications is 26 October 2026. For more information, please visit Pathways to Work Innovation Fund - GOV.UK

Blooming Genius Grants Support Neurodivergent Children Across the UK

Genius Within C.I.C. has established Blooming Genius as part of its social-impact work supporting neurodivergent children and young people. The initiative aims to support grassroots organisations and communities working to improve access to information and support around neurodiversity.

Grants are available to UK grassroots organisations delivering activities for neurodivergent children under 18 and their families. The funding aims to help neurodivergent young people thrive in life and education, with a particular focus on communities that may have limited access to information and support around neurodiversity.

There is no fixed maximum award. Previous grants have ranged from a few hundred pounds to around £2,000.

Funding can support a broad range of activities that benefit neurodivergent children and their families. Examples of previously supported initiatives include music sessions, an anti-bullying book and an inclusive boxing club. Grants have also paid for communication aids for non-speaking autistic children.

Applications are accepted twice each year, with awards made in June and December. Applications are capped at 200 per application window. Once that limit is reached, further applications will not be processed.

The next deadline for applications is 24 October 2026. For more information, please visit Blooming Genius - Genius Within C.I.C.

£500,000 Support While Waiting Grant Scheme opens for Northern Ireland Charities

Registered charities in Northern Ireland can apply for grants to support people waiting for Health and Social Care (HSC) inpatient, daycase or outpatient treatment. The Support While Waiting Grant Scheme is provided by the Department of Health.

The scheme aims to help individuals maintain or improve their physical, mental and social wellbeing while waiting for treatment. Supported activities may include practical assistance, mental health support and help with managing their own health.

A total of £500,000 is available, with grants ranging from £5,000 to £30,000.

Eligible applicants must be registered charities operating in Northern Ireland and have relevant experience delivering health, wellbeing or social support services.

Projects must directly support people currently on HSC waiting lists and provide free, accessible and person-centred support. They should complement existing HSC services, reduce barriers to participation and take account of participants' diverse needs. Projects must also have appropriate safeguarding arrangements and contribute to reducing health inequalities.

Funding can cover costs directly linked to project delivery, including volunteer expenses, sessional practitioner costs, a proportion of staff salaries, materials, resources, venue hire and targeted marketing or educational activity. Reasonable overheads of up to 10% may also be included.

The deadline for applications is 6 November 2026. For more information, please visit Support While Waiting Grant Scheme 2026/27 | Department of Health

Core Funding Opens for Northern Ireland Community Relations Organisations

An annual support programme for organisations promoting community relations across Northern Ireland is open for applications.

Administered by the Northern Ireland Community Relations Council (NICRC), the Core Funding Scheme provides support for organisations considered to be of strategic importance in promoting community relations across Northern Ireland. The programme has an annual budget of approximately £1.2 million, with approximately £600,000 expected to be available for new applications in 2027/28. Awards generally range from £25,000 to £85,000 per year, with an average award of £45,000. The support is intended to contribute towards salary and organisational running costs.

Eligible applicants are not-for-profit organisations considered strategically important in promoting community relations work across Northern Ireland.

Proposed work must have a clear good relations purpose, address an identified good relations need and directly address sectarianism. Applicants must also demonstrate how their work will contribute towards one or more of the Together: Building a United Community strategic priorities.

The deadline for applications is 12 November 2026. For more information, please visit Core Funding Scheme | Community Relations Council