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
