Connect Fund Round 2
/The Connect Fund awards up to £1m over two years (25/26 and 26/27) to strengthen civic East-West collaboration on matters of shared interest, including mutual challenges and opportunities across a range of sectors that directly affect communities in Northern Ireland. Applicants can bid for projects with a value from £300 to £50,000 with a total of £500,000 available for Round 2.
The Connect Fund supports projects that deliver on one or more of the following objectives:
Strengthen East-West connections by developing long lasting civic relationships;
Propose an original approach to developing East-West connections;
Support the development of cultural, sports and people-to-people links;
Build leadership capability opportunities for community leaders on an East-West basis; and
Facilitate positive and constructive dialogue on shared opportunities/challenges facing communities in the UK.
Please note a key change from the previous round, Connect Fund Round 2 will feature a single application window from 7 January 2026 - 12 February 2026, unlike the monthly rolling submission process during Round 1. This will allow applicants to deliver their projects between April 2026 and March 2027. For more information visit: https://www.gov.uk/government/news/latest-connect-fund-round-offers-500000-to-northern-ireland-community-and-voluntary-groups
The Connect Fund Round 2 Roadshow will provide information to support the generation of strong, high-quality applications and allow an opportunity for interested groups to ask any questions they may have. To book a place please visit Connect Fund Round 2 Roadshow Registration
