Freelands Foundation Invites Applications to Learning Through Making Fund

The Freelands Foundations, a registered charity, is offering grants of up to £25,000 for UK-based visual art education projects that creatively engage audiences with the process of making and exploration of materials. This fund is intended to provide an opportunity for activity to take place that might not otherwise be possible.

The aim is to support exploratory projects that embrace openness, collaboration and iteration, enabling organisations 'to work in an expansive way with materials, unpicking and challenging preconceptions about making and material literacy, interrogating practice and working in an open and collaborative way'.

Grants of up to £25,000 are available. Proposed projects can be of any length but must take place between 1 January and 31 December 2027.

Applications will be considered from UK based visual arts organisations which are run with a charitable purpose and for public benefit.

This includes, but is not limited to:

• Organisations registered with The Charity Commission for England and Wales, the Scottish Charity Regulator, or The Charity Commission for Northern Ireland.

• Exempt charities.

• Galleries, museums, or organisations which are part of a Local Authority.

• Galleries, museums, or organisations part of a larger charitable organisation, such as a university.

• Community Interest Companies (CICs), Community Benefit Societies, and other organisations with charitable purposes run for public benefit.

The Foundation welcomes action-research projects that enable learning through exploration and testing – they do not need to have fully defined outcome.

The funding can be used for the following project costs:

• Project staffing (salaries and freelance rates) 

• Materials and equipment 

• Room hire or spaces

• Transport 

• Marketing associated with the project 

• A contingency of up to 5% of the total budget.

Online application support sessions will be held on 9 July (10:30am to 12pm) and 12 August (10:30am to 12pm). Registration is required through eventbrite. 

Applications are accepted from 17 June to 11 September 2026 (noon). For more information please visit Learning Through Making Fund | Apply | Freelands Foundation

BBC Children in Need Emergency Essentials Programme Reopens for Applications

This programme, delivered by Family Fund Business Services, supports children and young people who are facing exceptionally difficult circumstances with items that meet their most basic needs.

Applications must be completed by a registered referrer who is part of an organisation that is supporting the family or young person and capable of assessing their needs. The referrer's organisation should also be able to administer and supervise the grant on their behalf.

The programme can deliver or fund critical items such as:

• Cookers

• Furniture

• Kitchen equipment and small appliances

• Children's beds and bedding (including cots)

• Washing machines and tumble dryers

• Fridges, freezers and fridge-freezers

• Baby equipment

• Clothing for an emergency/crisis

The support is for children and young people under 18 years of age, who are UK or EU citizens normally resident in the UK, and whose family does not have access to support and insufficient resources to meet the child's needs.

There are no deadlines. Applications are processed usually within 10 working days. For more information please visit Home - Family Fund Business Services

2026/27 Marine Environment and Fisheries Fund for Northern Ireland Opens

The Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs is providing financial support through the Marine Environment and Fisheries Fund in Northern Ireland for 2026/27.

MEFF is intended to support marine and fisheries activity and to contribute to the aims set out in the Joint Fisheries Statement, alongside Northern Ireland Executive commitments on Green Growth and Net Zero. For 2026/27, the fund will provide a total of £3.05 million support for fishing, with awards made at DAERA's discretion.

Eligible applicants include owners of Northern Ireland-registered fishing vessels commercially fished from a port based in Northern Ireland, fisherwoman or the spouse or legal partner of a fisherman, producer organisations, inter-branch organisations and public or semi-public bodies. Aquaculture businesses and organisations, organisations of fishermen or fisherwomen, organisations involved in the production, processing and marketing of fisheries and aquaculture products, non-governmental organisations and environmental NGOs can also apply.

Other eligible applicants include associations including new aquaculture farmers, universities and research institutes, micro, small and medium-sized businesses, scientific organisations working in maritime sectors and public-private partnerships.

Funding can be used to support projects under six areas: investments onboard licenced fishing vessels, fisheries innovation, science and partnerships, environment and conservation action, developing NI aquaculture, processing and marketing of fish and aquaculture produce and fishing ports infrastructure.

Supported projects are expected to be delivered by 31 March 2027. For more information please visit Marine Environment and Fisheries Fund 2026/27 | Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs

Arts Council of Northern Ireland Offers Funding Opportunities for Individual Artists

The Arts Council of Northern Ireland is inviting applications to a range of funding opportunities designed to support individual artists across all disciplines. These initiatives are part of the overarching National Lottery Support for Individual Artists Programme (SIAP), which aims to assist artists in creating new work and advancing their practice.

Applications are currently open for the following programmes:

• Major Individuals Awards - this opportunity offers significant grants to artists. The deadline for applications is 20 July 2026 (12:00).

• Artists' International Development Fund - this fund supports international travel and collaborative opportunities for artists. Applications must be submitted by 30 July 2026 (12:00).

• Project Funding for Individuals - this opportunity supports a range of artistic projects and initiatives. The deadline for applications is 30 July 2026 (12:00).

The various elements of the Support for Individual Artists Programme offer funding opportunities of up to £15,000. The SIAP provides artists with the resources needed to conduct research, create new work, receive training, develop innovative ideas, gain mentorship, and travel. The International Travel Awards strand of the programme operate on a rolling basis, allowing for ongoing applications.

Guidance notes and supporting information can be found on the Arts Council of Northern Ireland website - National Lottery Support for Individual Artists… | Arts Council NI

Start your Erasmus+ journey

Erasmus+ opens new opportunities for people from across the UK to gain knowledge and experience by studying or training abroad. Funding is available for international placements and partnerships for organisations working in education, training, youth and sport.

Participants have the opportunity to explore their talents, expand their world and find a sense of belonging, all while building confidence and learning new skills to equip them for future personal and professional success.

Who can apply?

Funding is available for international placements and partnerships for organisations working in education, training, youth and sport.

Applications for funding have to come from eligible organisations active in education, training, youth or sport. For example, universities, schools and colleges, youth groups or sports clubs. Individual students or members of staff cannot apply directly. Individuals who are interested in taking part in an Erasmus+ project should get in touch with their university, school or group.

What do you need to do to take part in Erasmus+?

Although the funding call opens in November 2026, there are a few things you can to do to get ready for your Erasmus+ journey:

• Sign up to the Erasmus+ UK newsletter to keep up to date with news and opportunities.

• Follow Erasmus+ UK on social media: Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn and X.

• Attend webinars for your sector to learn more about the opportunities available and how to apply for funding.

• Familiarise yourself with the Erasmus+ programme and decide on the type of project you would like to deliver – a mobility project or a partnership project. You can browse previous projects for inspiration on the Erasmus+ project database. Think about how your idea supports the Erasmus+ priorities.

• Identify potential partners from outside the UK that you’d like to work with.

Key dates

November 2026 - Erasmus+ funding call opens

February / March 2027 - Funding call deadlines

June – August 2027 - Receive funding outcomes

For more information please visit How to apply for Erasmus+ | Erasmus+ UK

Strategy 2026 - 2030: Crossing the Threshold

The IFI’s new ‘Crossing the Threshold’ strategy has been designed to be able to adapt to meet the changing needs of communities. A new strategic direction means that there will no longer be traditional set programmes. Instead, funding will be delivered through a flexible, responsive needs-based model.

The strategy will explore creative and alternative ways to peacebuilding and encourage new partnerships  whilst continuing to support  best practice models alongside the trust and goodwill that has been cultivated since 1986.

This new funding approach will encourage innovation and give direct support towards the areas of greatest need and emerging opportunities.

The IFI wants to work with projects that challenge division and contribute to economic and social advancement in areas experiencing disadvantage or legacy impacts of conflict as well as those working to address physical, psychological or structural barriers that sustain division.

Creative and innovative approaches to peacebuilding through sports, arts and culture are also welcome alongside those who wouldn’t traditionally consider themselves as peacebuilders.

Groups must align with one or more of the following strategic themes to apply for funding:

• Regeneration

• Creativity

• Sharing

• Empowerment

Applications for Managed Open Call Round One commences on Monday 15 June 2026 at 09:00. This round will remain open for three weeks, closing at 12 noon on Monday 6 July 2026. 

Applications for projects based in Northern Ireland can apply for funding ranging from £30,000 to £150,000.

Applications for projects based in the eligible border counties of Ireland (Donegal, Sligo, Leitrim, Cavan, Monaghan and Louth) can apply for funding ranging from €35,000 to €170,000.

For more information and to apply, please visit International Fund for Ireland - Funding Application

Applications now open for the ABC Programme

The ABC Programme supports committee members and trustees of rural women's groups to strengthen what they already do well and to better prepare for the future. Participant groups receive:

• Bespoke mentoring and support

• Peer learning, networking, and good practice visits/events

• Workshop (online and in-person)

• £1,000 participation contribution to support their development.

Applications for Year 2 are now open, with a closing date of 23 July.

For more information and to apply, please click here or contact info@nirwn.org

Social Enterprise NI

At Social Enterprise NI, we support individuals and organisations at various stages of their social enterprise journey and welcome new members regularly - membership details here - https://socialenterpriseni.org/membership/

SENI also has a number of upcoming opportunities for Social Enterprises - all listed on this page - https://socialenterpriseni.org/opportunities/ .

Some worth highlighting are:

Digitalisation – Better websites for better growth
We are offering 4 organisations the chance to work with the experts at Lockview Business Solutions to improve their digital presence on their website to enable more direct engagement with private sector buyers online, adopt more digital tools and AI. This is cost-free for each of social enterprises, as the £4800 fee per organisation is covered by the Department for the Economy. Apply now at the following link - https://socialenterpriseni.org/opportunity-items/digitalisation-better-websites-for-business-growth/

Procurement Ready Business Assessment
We are offering 3 organisations the chance to work with VIable Corporate Services to assess their readiness to partner with the private sector. SENI will then broker a partnership for you. Again, this opportunity is worth around £2k to each participant and is covered by the Department for the Economy SEWP. Apply at the following link - https://socialenterpriseni.org/opportunity-items/assess-your-readiness-to-build-strong-private-sector-partnerships-so-you-can-pitch-for-public-sector-contracts/

Theory of Change – Define, measure & demonstrate your social impact
We are offering 4 organisations the chance to do a deep dive into articulating and demonstrating your social impact, a must have for investors and a useful focus for your whole team. This opportunity is worth £3500 for each participant, so it is well worth applying right now: https://socialenterpriseni.org/opportunity-items/theory-of-change-articulate-it-demonstrate-it/

Future Ready – Building Sustainable Organisations

Arm yourself with the expertise needed to examine & develop your organisational and financial sustainability. This 9 day programme delivered over 6 months will bring you practical help for common pain points like; developing and maintaining an enterprising mindset, developed new revenue streams, board succession, staff retention and building sustainability into your future - https://socialenterpriseni.org/opportunity-items/future-ready-building-sustainable-organisations/

Nuffield Foundation: Racial Diversity UK Fund

Our Racial Diversity UK Fund (RDUK) supports research on racial diversity within the UK. Grants from £15,000 to £500,000 are available.

Priority theme for 2026 applications: Inter-generational changes, continuities and challenges in racially diverse UK.

We are interested in: What generational shifts in outlooks, experiences and conditions mean for the potentials and challenges of the UK’s racially diverse future, in the context of its colonial past and a changing institutional, policy and political environment. This might include but would not be restricted to issues of:

• Identities, belonging and exclusions

• Aspirations and values

• Civic and political participation

• Life chances and experiences

Outline application deadline: 5 October 2026

Further information available here

Applications Now Open for IFI Funding Under New Strategy

Under the new ‘Crossing the Threshold’ strategy, organisations can now apply twice a year for financial support ranging from £30,000 to £150,000/€35,000 to €170,000. The strategy encourages innovation and will provide direct support towards the areas of greatest need and where there are emerging opportunities for peace and reconciliation work.

The IFI is moving away from traditional programmes and transitioning to a flexible, needs and ideas-based model. This approach allows the organisation to be more responsive to the needs and imaginative propositions within local communities. It is hoped the funding will deliver creative, alternative avenues for peacebuilding, foster new partnerships, and continue to support the trust and goodwill built over the last 40 years.

Funding will be aligned with four key strategic pillars designed to empower communities, giving them the confidence, skills, and opportunities to actively create a shared future. These pillars include Regeneration, Creativity, Sharing, and Empowerment. To be eligible for support, organisations must align with one or more of these pillars.

The IFI is particularly keen to support initiatives that challenge division and contribute to economic and social advancement in areas experiencing disadvantage or the legacy impacts of conflict. Creative and innovative approaches to peacebuilding through sports, arts, and culture are also highly encouraged, alongside applications from groups that might not traditionally consider themselves as peacebuilders.

Shona McCarthy, IFI Chair, said: “This is an important milestone for the IFI as we mark 40 years of peacebuilding and seek an imaginative leap in the collective effort for peace in our final decade. It is a new direction for the organisation, and one that we believe communities will benefit from as we open our support to new thinking and those who may not have considered themselves as peacebuilders.

“Society and communities have changed considerably since the Good Friday Agreement, and so too must our approach. We want to tackle the challenges that marginalised communities and individuals face in a fresh and innovative way over the next five years. Peace and reconciliation work remains critical, and the IFI is committed to providing support where it is needed most through flexible, responsive and purposeful funding.”

Applications will be managed through an Open Call process designed to ensure structure, transparency, and a broadened participation across diverse sectors.  For future funding calls, the IFI Board may publish specific priority themes. This will clearly signal the types of projects that will be given preference, based on current strategic goals and emerging community needs.

To apply for IFI Funding, please visit https://www.internationalfundforireland.com/funding

Community Facilities Grants - Applications Open

Lisburn & Castlereagh City Council has announced the launch of two new funding streams under its DEA Local Investment Plan 2026-27, providing a combined total of £520,000 to support and strengthen local community facilities.

Community Facilities Fund supports larger-scale capital improvements such as:

• Structural repairs 

• Accessibility upgrades

• Digital enhancements

• Landscaping

• Lighting

DIY & Technical Assistance Community Fund supports groups to procure technical expertise and supports smaller refurbishment projects such as:

• Floor coverings 

• Blinds / curtains

• Paint / wallpaper 

• Fencing / planters

• Architect / Designer / Quantity surveyor fees

Both funds aim to enable community organisations to improve services, expand activities, strengthen community connections, and respond more effectively to local needs. 

Grant workshops have been scheduled to support potential applicants.  As this is a competitive scheme, we strongly encourage attendance. 

Grant Workshops:

• Monday 15 June 2026 at 7.00pm, Enler Community Centre

• Tuesday 16 June 2026, 10.30am, Ballymacash Community Centre

• Monday 22 June 2026 at 7.00pm Online (link will be provided at time of registration.)

In addition, a member of the Community Support Team will be in attendance at Lough Moss Leisure Centre from 6.00pm to 9.00pm to provide advice and support on the application process.

To register for a workshop, please contact Community Services at community.services@lisburncastlereagh.gov.uk or 028 9244 7713.

For more information and to apply visit: Community Grants - lisburncastlereagh.gov.uk.

Closing date for applications to both funds:

Tuesday 30th June 2026 at 12 noon

The Enterprise Partnership Fund

The Enterprise Partnership Fund is offering competitive grants of up to £15,000 with a min 25% match funding to support innovative enterprise development across our local entrepreneurial ecosystem.
 
Designed to encourage innovation, experimentation and pilot delivery models.
 
Third sector and social economy organisations are eligible to apply.
Deadline: 12 noon, Thursday 16 July
 
For more information: www.derrystrabane.com/LEP

PEACEPLUS: Strategic Planning and Engagement

We are now accepting applications to PEACEPLUS Investment Area 6.1 Strategic Planning and Engagement, with a total value of €6 million in funding available.

This investment area supports activity that will reduce the legal and administrative barriers to cross-border co-operation through joint development and management of strategies; co-operation capacity building; and identification of solutions.

This is the fourth and final call in this investment area.
Applications must be received no later than 5pm on August 28, 2026.

Find more info and how to apply here https://peaceplussupport.seupb.eu/.../6a1d9f33d.../__detail/

The Honourable The Irish Society: Investing in people, places and communities

For over 400 years, The Honourable The Irish Society has worked alongside communities in the North West and North Coast. Today, that work continues through a clear, forward-looking mission: to support lasting, meaningful change where it matters most.

Our grants are one way we do this – helping organisations and communities to deliver projects that strengthen local life, support opportunity and contribute to a more connected and prosperous society.

Our grants are delivered through a small number of focused programmes, each aligned to our long-term priorities

• Growing Together - early year provision

• Living Rivers, Living Communities - Waterways and Stewardship

• Living Heritage, Shared Futures - Culture, Heritage and Reconciliation

Who we support

We support organisations and groups working to improve life, particularly within the communities we serve in the North West and North Coast

We are looking for projects that:

• Respond to real community need

• Demonstrate clear purpose and potential impact

• Bring people together or strengthen communities

• Align with the focus of our programmes

For more information and to apply, please visit Our Programmes – Honourable Irish Society

Small Grants to Support Charities in the UK

This small grant-making charity offers grants of between £1,000 and £3,000 once a year to other UK registered charities.

The grants can support projects addressing the following priorities:

• The arts.

• Education.

• Support for carers and older people.

• Early intervention projects for disadvantaged children and young people.

• Animal welfare.

• Health and disability.

Only registered charities based and working in the UK may apply for funding.

The trustees will consider making grants towards revenue or capital costs and for project or core funding. Only one-year grants are made.

Applications are accepted from 1 June to 30 September 2026. For more information please visit The CPF Trust - making charitable grants to other registered UK charities. | The CPF Trust

Grocer’s Charity Accepting Applications Until 15 August

The Grocers' Charity was established in 1968 by the Grocer's Company and awards about £1 million each year to UK registered charities. It receives about 1,000 applications each year with around 14% of applicants receiving a grant.

UK registered charities with a turnover of £500,000 or less (except for medical charities which have a limit is £15 million) can apply for one-off grants of up to £5,000 to support the following areas:

• Relief of hardship: provide training courses, better facilities, or parenting support; support and empower those who experience or are at risk of homelessness, including domestic violence/abuse; work in areas of high deprivation.

• Children and young people: build children and young people's strengths and potential to empower them to participate and take action to realise their goals; support children and young people's wellbeing through peer support or group activities. 

• Elderly: provide services that end social exclusion; befriending or other programmes to end loneliness; and services that enhance daily activities or home life. 

• Disability and inclusion: identify and tackle the barriers to inclusion and participation; and provide front-line support for disabled people.

• Health: undertake ethical research into specific medical conditions; support people with medical conditions by purchasing a piece of equipment or other tangible project; support people with wellbeing concerns or mental health illnesses. 

• Military: provide innovative programmes, education or employment for ex-service people; and support the physical, emotional and mental wellbeing of current and ex-service people and their families. 

• Arts: provide opportunities, education and skills development of creative talent for artists with financing challenges or disability support requirements; engage with marginalised audiences (eg disabled, BAME, and people living below the minimum poverty threshold for the appreciation of arts, performances or exhibitions). 

• Heritage: conservation and restoration of historic buildings (excluding places of worship); conservation of historical objects and paintings. 

• Environment and conservation: support of the protection and survival of plants and animals by maintaining and restoring habitats, enhancing ecosystems, and protecting biological diversity; educating of behavioural changes addressing environmental issues (eg littering and waste); countering the effects of pollution and climate change (eg ideas and projects which tackle the issue of plastic waste and those to reduce carbon emissions). 

The deadline for applications has been changed from 1 September to 15 August 2026. For more information please visit The Grocers’ Charity provides one off grants for charities

Creative Funding Offered for Education, Communities and Individuals Across the UK

The Hugo Burge Foundation is accepting applications to its creative grants programme, offering financial support for arts, crafts and the wider creative industries across the UK.

Support is available through three strands:

• Creative Education backs projects that give young people aged 0 to 29 opportunities to take part in creative activity. This can include workshops in schools, field trips to arts or cultural sites and the purchase of materials to support student engagement.

• Creative Communities is aimed at organisations, festivals, fairs and community groups that develop and deliver cultural and creative arts activity in their local areas. Eligible activity includes community arts festivals, cultural fairs and other locally delivered creative events.

• Creative Individuals offers support to artists aged over 18, including practitioners working in visual and expressive arts as well as writers and craftspeople. The strand is intended to help individuals undertake artistic projects and develop new creative work.

The maximum award is £15,000 for applications under the Creative Education and Creative Communities strands. For Creative Individuals, grants of up to £5,000 are available.

Funding is available to a broad range of applicants. For Creative Education, eligible applicants include schools, local authorities, community groups, charities, museum and gallery spaces, educational institutions and arts organisations. The Creative Communities strand is open to festivals, charities, arts organisations and community groups. The Creative Individuals strand is open to artists over 18 who may be practitioners across creative disciplines.

In addition, the Foundation provides an access support fund totalling £7,000, available on a first come, first served basis. This can contribute towards access support workers, up to £300 per day, for applicants who may face barriers applying without assistance, including those who are Deaf, disabled or neurodivergent.

The deadline for applications is 31 July 2026. For more information please visit Grants

Bupa Foundation Green Community Grants Opens for Applications

Back for a fourth year, this scheme offers grants of between £500 and £2,000 to support practical projects which benefit both people and planet health from across the UK with priority given to regeneration of green spaces in cities for community use.

Non-fee paying schools, registered charities, not-for-profit organisations, local authorities and social housing providers from across the UK, including the Channel Islands, and Republic of Ireland can apply.

This year, priority will be given to projects that:

• Improve existing green spaces or create new ones in cities, especially in priority areas - London, Staines, Brighton, Leeds, Greater Manchester (in particular Salford), Dublin and Glasgow.

• Take place in areas with the greatest need, meaning areas in the top 20% most deprived, based on official Indices of Multiple Deprivation (IMD) data. 

• Have not received a Bupa Foundation Green Community Grant before.

• Clearly show how they improve people's health and the health of the planet.

Examples of eligible projects include but are not limited to:

• Improving a local community garden for community use and recreational activities.

• Volunteer-led tree or flower planting to improve air quality and biodiversity.

• Creating an outdoor classroom, forest school or natural play area.

• Green/living walls in school grounds or community space to improve air quality

• Planting to reduce flooding and increase biodiversity

• Creating a community food growing space to be more sustainable and healthier

• Making a green city space more accessible.

• Creating a 'pocket park', bringing more greenery into cities for wellbeing.

Projects must be completed by the end of April 2027.

The scheme is being administered by Groundwork UK on behalf of the Bupa Foundation.

Funding decisions will be made by the end of September 2026. It is expected that around 175 projects will be funded.

The deadline for applications is 30 June 2026. For more information, please visit Bupa Foundation Green Community Grants - Groundwork

Small Grants to Tackle Poverty and Harm to Women and Children in NI

Registered charities, community groups, and not-for-profit organisations with an income of less than £100,000 per year who are operating in Northern Ireland can apply for grants of up £3,000 to support projects of up to 12 months that address the following priority areas:

• Poverty alleviation

• Support for women and children at risk of immediate harm.

The current round is focused on support projects addressing violence against women and girls, projects supporting refugees and asylum seekers, and proposals more broadly focused on alleviating poverty in general.

Preference will be given to grassroots and smaller organisations, especially those with lived experience represented in their governance or delivery teams.

Funding is for project costs only.

The funding cannot support capital or building campaigns, advocacy programmes, projects lasting longer than 12 months, or fundraising events. Applications will not be accepted from CIC Companies Limited by Shares, or CICs without an asset lock clause. (Eligible CICs must have at least three unrelated committee members, and/or the majority of the committee unrelated.)

Applications received by the end of each month will be assessed the following month.

A high level of interest in this fund is expected. Applications may close at short notice if available funds are unable to meet demand.

Applications are open and are accepted on a rolling basis. For more information, please visit The Randal Foundation Small Grant - Community Foundation Northern Ireland

Alec Dickson Trust Opens Summer 2026 Round for Youth Projects

The Alec Dickson Trust supports volunteering or community service projects in the UK that are organised and run by young people aged 30 and younger.

Grants of up to £500 are available to individuals or small groups of young people in the UK to help them put their ideas into action and run projects that benefit the lives of others, particularly the most marginalised and disadvantaged.

The funding is for UK-based projects that:

• Encourage youth volunteering - particularly those that involve lots of volunteers- and encourage people to continue volunteering in the long term.

• Have a positive impact on disadvantaged communities and individuals, particularly projects that address a specific need and have a long-lasting and meaningful effect on those they reach.

• Are innovative and try to do things differently, such as using social media creatively or using existing resources in new ways.

Applicants will need to provide a referee who knows them in a professional capacity, but who is not part of the volunteer project.

Applications are reviewed on a quarterly basis (January, April, July and October).

The deadline for the current round of applications is 1 July 2026. For more information please visit Alec Dickson Trust – Alec Dickson Trust Website