Funding is available for locally based community organisations in Northern Ireland to support projects that give voice to excluded groups, and work to advance a fairer and more equal society where the human rights of all are protected.

The Social Justice Small Grants Programme is provided from the Northern Ireland Human Rights Fund (NIHRF), a 10-year, £10 million fund dedicated to realising the vision of the Belfast/Good Friday Agreement and the principles of democracy, equality, rights and mutual understanding which underpinned it. The programme is inviting applications from constituted, locally based community groups and locally based 'communities of interest', or those working towards being constituted, with an income of £1.5 million or less.

The funding is to be used for costs associated with projects that address at least one of the following objectives:

To give voice and power to those whose human rights are most at risk and to support them to challenge inequality, exclusion, and unfairness.
To provide groups and communities with support to challenge, monitor and remedy inequality and rights violations.
To increase awareness of and contribute to building a culture of rights within and between communities, particularly those most marginalised from decision making
To support communities and marginalised groups to find solutions to contentious issues.

In addition, applicants must show how they will advance and adhere to the values of the Northern Ireland Human Rights Fund.

There is particular interest in projects which focus on peacebuilding/legacy, racial justice, gender, health, socio-economic rights, tech, and digital rights, (including the need for accountability and safeguards), and climate.

Grants of up to £5,000 are available. In some instances, grants of up to £15,000 may be considered.

The deadline for applications is 10 June 2024 (1pm).

For more information and to apply, please visit Social Justice Small Grants Programme - Community Foundation Northern Ireland (communityfoundationni.org)