The Engagement for Change Fund awards £100,000 over the course of 3 years for the provision of support for the community and voluntary sector in Northern Ireland, focusing on the development and enhancement of the leadership and advocacy skills necessary to promote and advocate for the critical work delivered, and the communities supported by these organisations.

The Engagement for Change Fund will promote stronger, more inclusive democracy and bolster the ability of community and voluntary sector organisations to effectively inform policy-makers. The Fund will have a particular focus on supporting more women into the forums of public debate, empowering and supporting women to feel confident and effective in engagement with strategic Government policy-making processes.

The Engagement for Change Fund is designed to complement existing provision, not duplicate programming already delivered in Northern Ireland. Applicants are welcome to propose a new programme which does not currently reflect programming available, or to propose programming which will enhance or add to current programming delivered in Northern Ireland.

Applications must detail proposals which will deliver on six key areas of support:

Supporting Women into the Public Forum
Understanding the Policy Landscape
Effective Communication and Advocacy
Networking and Coalition Building
Media and Digital Engagement
Evidence and Data Collection
For more information on the Engagement for Change Fund, please visit: https://www.gov.uk/government/news/nio-launches-engagement-for-change-fund-to-empower-community-and-voluntary-sector

Applications should be submitted to community.projects@nio.gov.uk by 5pm Friday 22 May 2026.