Arts Council of Northern Ireland - Rural Engagement Arts Programme

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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