Dormant Assets for All

Project location: Northern Ireland

• Amount: £300 to £20,000

• A decision in: 12 weeks

• Programme status: Open to applications

This funding is for voluntary, community and social enterprise (VCSE) organisations in Northern Ireland.

It helps organisations to:

• build skills and capacity

• be more resilient

• prepare for future challenges

Make sure you check that your organisation is based in Northern Ireland. Only organisations with a registered office base in Northern Ireland are eligible for funding. 

We fund projects that strengthen your organisation

This might include improving:

• confidence and skills in digital technology

• how you track and measure your impact

• financial management

• governance and leadership

• volunteer recruitment and management

We’ll only fund work that makes your organisation stronger

We do not fund the delivery of activities in your community. For example, we cannot fund expanding an existing service into new areas.

How much funding you can apply for

You can apply for between £300 and £20,000 to run projects that last up to 2 years.

Where this funding comes from

This funding comes from the Dormant Assets Scheme. It is money from financial accounts that have not been used in over 15 years. It does not come from The National Lottery.

For more information, please visit Dormant Assets for All | The National Lottery Community Fund

Funding for Christian Charities and Organisations Across the UK and Ireland

Benefact Trust is offering grants for Christian organisations across the UK and Ireland to deliver a range of projects and activities that will make a positive and transformative impact in lives and communities.  

Through the Community Impact Grants Programme, funding is available for projects that fall under the following programme areas:

• Growing congregations and Christian communities.

• Addressing social challenges facing communities.

• Enabling wider community use of church buildings. 

• Empowering Christian Education.

Funding can be used to cover direct capital and revenue costs that are directly related to the proposed project. Funding can be used for new projects or to expand preexisting work.

Multi-year grants covering up to three years are available. 

Applications can be submitted at any time. For more information please visit Community Impact Grants | Community Grants & Funding

New Funding for Young People Facing Homelessness in the UK

The Young Futures Fund is offering grant support to organisations assisting young people who are at risk of or experiencing homelessness. The funding is intended to improve access to safe, secure and affordable housing, alongside providing support to help sustain tenancies and enable progression towards independent living.

One-year grants ranging from £5,000 to £40,000 are available. The funding can be used for projects that support individuals aged 16 to 25, including those that provide accommodation, skills development and employment opportunities.

Applications are open to UK-based charities and not-for-profit organisations working directly with young people in this age group. The fund prioritises organisations delivering frontline services, particularly those with strong local links and an established understanding of the needs and experiences of young people within their communities.

Projects supported through this funding may include those that increase housing provision, develop life skills or improve access to employment. The focus is on practical interventions that help young people secure stable living arrangements and build pathways towards independence.

Expressions of Interest (EOIs) can be submitted between 27 April 2026 and 22 May 2026. For more information, please visit LandAid Young Futures Fund - LandAid

NI's Community Relations and Cultural Diversity Funding Programme Accepting Applications

Northern Ireland's Community Relations/Cultural Diversity Grant Scheme is inviting applications from locally based voluntary and community organisations to develop their capacity to engage in community relations work and to enhance the community relations potential of projects they undertake.

The scheme is aimed at community development groups, cultural organisations, women's and men's groups, faith-based groups, tenants' associations, youth groups and rural groups involved in community relations, reconciliation projects and cultural engagement for projects primarily involving adults.

The funding is for projects which address at least one of the Community Relations Council's objectives:

• Develop opportunities for groups to explore their own cultures, beliefs and traditions increasing their capacities to develop relations with those from other cultures.

• Develop opportunities for groups to extend their knowledge and understanding of others' cultures, beliefs and traditions.

• To enable groups to challenge stereotypes of their own and other communities to acknowledge and address differences.

• To increase the ability and confidence of groups and organisations to identify issues which divide them.

• To develop networks of communication, trust and cooperation between divided communities.

• To promote models of good practice for community relations work in Northern Ireland.

Groups can apply for grants of up to £10,000, but most grants awarded will be between £2,000 and £5,000.

The deadline for applications is 15 January 2027. For more information, please visit Community Relations / Cultural Diversity | Community Relations Council

Programme Opens to Support Young Women and Girls in Criminal Justice System

The Triangle Trust 1949 Fund is an independent grant-making trust that operates across the UK. 

The Trust holds two grants rounds per year, Spring and Autumn. For the 2026 rounds, the funding priorities are:

• Spring - helping young women and girls (aged 11-18) involved in county lines and gangs; those who are care experienced; and those who are either outside of education or at risk of school exclusion.

• Autumn - supporting young women (aged 17-30) already in contact with the criminal justice system who need holistic support to help them move away from offending; pre-release and through the gate support for young women to meet their immediate needs; and support for mothers prior to and after serving a custodial sentence.

Grants of between £50,000 and £100,000 are available for a duration of 18 months to three years. A maximum of £50,000 per year can be requested, and the amount of funding must be proportional to the project being undertaken. 

Registered charities, not-for-profit social enterprises and community interest companies that are working within the UK and have a UK office can apply. Only organisations exclusively led by and for women and girls are eligible to apply, or be able to demonstrate that they are 'issue experts' working on one of the funding priorities.

The closing date for expressions of interest for the Spring 2026 application window ('Young Woman and Girls Aged 11-18') is 21 May 2026. For more information, please visit The Triangle Trust

Lidl Green Fund Accepting Applications (NI)

Applications are open for the Lidl Green Fund, which provides grant support for environmental and sustainability activity delivered by community-based organisations in Northern Ireland.

The funding is provided and administered by Lidl Northern Ireland and is intended to support projects that contribute to environmental protection, climate action and community wellbeing.

A total of £25,000 is available in this round, with individual awards of up to £4,200 expected to be made after shortlisting and a public voting process.

Eligible applicants include registered charities, voluntary and community organisations and primary and secondary schools based in Northern Ireland. Projects must take place within Northern Ireland and demonstrate a clear benefit to local communities.

The funding can be used for activities under several thematic areas. These include climate-focused projects, such as energy efficiency measures and renewable energy installations, as well as biodiversity activities, including community gardens, tree planting, and conservation work. Additionally, there are waste reduction projects that promote reuse, recycling, and circular economy approaches. Support is also available for health and well-being projects that focus on educating communities about healthy diets and food choices.

The deadline for applications is 18 May 2026. For more information, please visit Lidl Green Fund. Get a cash grant for your sustainability project!

NI Community Health Project Support Programme Invites 2026/27 Applications

Funding and a programme of mentoring are available for local community organisations in Northern Ireland to support the delivery of projects which use community development to tackle health inequalities.

Elevate is an integrated capacity building programme for community and voluntary sector organisations which incorporates training, mentoring and networking opportunities as well as access to resources. Programme participants take part in a six-month mentoring process (August to March) with an experienced mentor. Mentees are also able to access a grant of up to £5,000 (capped at £1,000 for unconstituted organisations).

Applications will be accepted from voluntary, community and social enterprise organisations in Northern Ireland. Applications are particularly welcomed from groups that are volunteer led, have less than five staff or support people from LGBTQIA+ and Minority Ethnic communities and those living with a physical and/or learning disability.

The deadline for applications is 22 May 2026 (16:00).

For more information, please visit About Elevate - Elevate NI

Call 2 Financial Assistance 2026/2027

Please be advised that Call 2 Financial Assistance 2026/2027 is opening today Monday 27 April 2026 at 12.00 midday for the Themes below:

• Sports Facility Capital 

• Community Capital for Community Facilities

• Community Capital Minor Items

• Defibrillators for Sports Clubs

Opening date: Monday 27 April 2026 at 12noon

Closing date: Monday 22 June 2026 at 12noon

Information workshops can be  booked via TicketSource www.ticketsource.com/nmddc-call2-grantsandfunding-2026-2027 for the dates below:

• 29 April 2026 7pm, The Lodge Business and Cultural Centre, Castlewellan

• 06 May 2026 12:30pm, MS Teams (online)

Follow the Grant Manager link to create an account, access Guidance Notes and submit an application.

Should you experience difficulties registering on the new system, please email the email address for Grants and Funding or contact the number below:

Grants & Funding Unit

T: 0330 137 4040

E: grantsandfunding@nmandd.org

All themes are subject to funding availability. Late application submissions will not be accepted under any circumstances.

Northern Ireland Office Engagement for Change Fund Open for Applications

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.

CFI Innovate funding

Safefood is inviting applications for funding under its Community Food Initiatives (CFI) Innovate programme.

The Community Food Initiatives programme aims to empower people in low-income communities to make healthier food choices. It funds local projects that improve access to healthy and safe food using a community development approach. Since 2010, over 65,000 people have taken part in a Community Food Initiative activity.

The Community Food Initiatives Programme 2025-28 is funded by Safefood and administered by SECAD Partnership CLG.

Safefood is an all-island implementation body set up under the British-Irish Agreement (1999) to promote awareness and knowledge of food safety and healthy eating on the island of Ireland.

CFI Innovate will fund organisations to deliver one off projects that take a programme approach where participants are supported over a period of time.  Funding can also be used to deliver other innovative projects or initiatives that use food as a vehicle to address key health and social concerns for the local community.

There are 2 options for the delivery of a CFI Innovate project:

1.   CFI Innovate small project

2.   CFI Innovate food environment project

An overview of CFI Innovate can be viewed through clicking on this link: https://youtu.be/0lXpOQiPxYI.

Funding

Interested organisations can apply for funding up to a maximum of €1,500 or the sterling equivalent to deliver a project in their local area.

Online information session

We will be holding an information session for organisations who would like to hear more about the CFI Innovate funding and what delivering a project will entail.

Attendees will also have the opportunity to ask questions about the CFI Innovate funding.

Information session

Date: Wednesday, 29th April 2026

Time: 11.00 am – 12.00 pm

Click on the link to register to attend on the online information session:

https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/ejvkorQXRPGhD9SCFhmeTg

Applicant Organisation Criteria

Organisations must:

•    Be community-led organisations with a legal status and appropriate governance structure

•    Be experienced in the management of public funds which support social inclusion initiatives

•    Currently employ and manage professionals with community development experience

•    Have experience of working with the target group identified

•    Be supporting other broader community initiatives through their work

•    Provide supports across communities irrespective of age, race or creed

Closing date for application

Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis but it is important that applications are submitted as soon as possible.  All activities should be completed by Sunday, 15th November 2026.

How to apply

Please contact Sinéad Conroy in SECAD Partnership for details on the programme and how to apply for the funding at:

E: sconroy@secad.ie

M: +353 (0)87 354 3606

UK Youth and Pears Foundation open new fund

UK Youth and Pears Foundation have launched a new £10 million fund to champion an approach that works: providing multi-year, unrestricted funding alongside targeted capacity-building support to small youth organisations.

The aim of the Fund is to strengthen the financial resilience and capacity of small youth and outdoor learning organisations across the UK.

We aim to achieve this through two key outcomes:

Outcome 1: Improved Financial Sustainability, supporting grantees to invest time and resource in strategic, organisational development through our multi-year unrestricted funding grant programme

Outcome 2: Increased Capability and Organisational Resilience through our capacity building programme

Organisations can apply for multi-year unrestricted funding of up to 10% of annual turnover. This approach ensures that funding is proportional to the size and capacity of your organisation to help ensure sustainability and resilience.

This fund is open to organisations with an annual turnover of less than £500,000 that are delivering services to young people based within our eligibility areas in Northern Ireland 

Deadline to submit an Expression of Interest: 11:59 pm on Wednesday, 6th May.

Further information available here

Shared Island Civic Society Fund

The Shared Island Civic Society Fund encourages and supports civic society and community organisations to develop new cross-border links, to further strengthen existing partnerships, or to create or broaden cross-border connectivity on issues of concern for the island of Ireland.

We look for applications that:

• foster sustained engagement between civic society at a regional, national or sectoral level as distinct from stand-alone events or engagements;

• are from business or trade union representative groups, civic society organisations, community/voluntary groups, NGOs or other regional or national representative bodies (funding is not awarded to applications from individuals);

• are representative of different groups of people on the island including persons with a disability, women, young people, older people, migrants, ethnic minorities, and the LGBTQI+ community;

• Address a sector that has cross border impact in areas such as the community/voluntary sector, environment, sport and youth engagement.

Applications must demonstrate a clear partnership between at least one organisation based in the South and at least one organisation based in the North, or must be from an all island body.

The Shared Island Civic Society Fund closes for applications: 11:59pm 2 June.

Further information available here

The Noah Donohoe Music and Sports Bursaries

About the Fund:

Noah Donohoe (14) went missing from his home in South Belfast on Sunday 21st June 2020. He was a boy with many academic, sporting and artistic talents, alongside a huge generosity of spirit. His Mum Fiona has set up the Noah Foundation in his memory; a foundation to support children from all communities across Northern Ireland in as many diverse ways as possible. There is no limit to what any child can achieve given the right opportunity. Noah’s passion for life and learning will live on through this foundation.

The Noah Donohoe Music and Sports Fund will provide an annual bursary scheme to support the development of applicants with a particular talent in music or sports to financially assist their skills and help them develop their talent.

The aim of the Fund’s bursary scheme is to support young people aged from 11 to 18 who may find it difficult to afford costs associated with developing their interest in music or sports.

The Fund will support: 

• Equipment costs

• Formal tuition fees

• Any other costs associated with having the opportunity to play music, sports and develop talent

How much is available:

Bursaries of up to £2,000 are available to support eligible costs

Who is eligible:

• Young people aged between 11 and 18 who are interested in, or are currently playing a musical instrument or involved in sports

• Young people who have limited access to opportunities – we will ask the applicant to outline their challenges in life and outline why they should be granted a bursary

The application form should be completed by both yourself and your teacher/tutor/youth or support worker and submitted online by the closing date:  Thursday 14 May at 1:00pm.

Please note that incomplete or late applications will not be accepted.

If you require any help with this application, please email applications@communityfoundationni.org or phone 02890245927

Please visit The Noah Donohoe Music and Sports Bursaries - Community Foundation Northern Ireland

The Noah Donohoe Youth Sports Fund

About the Fund:

Noah Donohoe (14) went missing from his home in South Belfast on Sunday 21st June 2020. He was a boy with many academic, sporting and artistic talents, alongside a huge generosity of spirit. His Mum Fiona has set up the Noah Foundation in his memory; a foundation to support children from all communities across Northern Ireland in as many diverse ways as possible. There is no limit to what any child can achieve given the right opportunity. Noah’s passion for life and learning will live on through this foundation.

The Noah Donohoe Youth Sports Fund aims to support young people, aged 11-18, in developing their sporting abilities and opportunities.

The Fund will support:

• Equipment & kit costs

• Coaching costs

• Venue hire

• Travel costs

How much is available:

Grants of up to £2,000 are available to support eligible costs.

Grants must be spent within 12 months of award.

Who is eligible to apply?

Constituted sports clubs, with charitable purposes, who cater for young people aged 11-18

NB: In the event that the fund is heavily oversubscribed, clubs with limited income levels will be prioritised.

The fund will close on Thursday 14th May 2026 at 1:00pm.

Please note that incomplete or late applications will not be accepted.

For further information, please contact the grants team on 028 9024 5927 or email applications@communityfoundationni.org or visit The Noah Donohoe Youth Sports Fund - Community Foundation Northern Ireland

Help the Homeless Grant Scheme Available for UK Charities

Help the Homeless is a small grant-making organisation with limited funding available to charities across the UK. It supports people experiencing homelessness in reintegrating into the community and rebuilding their lives.

Applicant organisations must be registered with the Charity Commission in England and Wales or Northern Ireland, or with the Office of the Scottish Charity Regulator. Small and medium-sized registered charities with an annual turnover below £500,000 and who are working wholly or mostly with homeless people may apply for funding.

Grants up to £5,000 are available to support capital projects, such as refurbishment costs and furniture.

An online application form is available at the Help the Homeless website.

The next quarterly deadline for applications is 20 June 2026. For more information, please visit Applying for Funding — Help the Homeless

Grocers' Charity Grants Scheme Now Open

The Grocers' Charity was established in 1968 by the Grocer's Company, and supports a wide range of charitable causes in the UK.

The Charity provides one-off grants for UK registered charities to support the following areas:

• Relief of hardship: provide training courses, better facilities, or parenting support; support and empower those who experience or are at risk of homelessness, including domestic violence/abuse; work in areas of high deprivation.

• Children and young people: build children and young people's strengths and potential to empower them to participate and take action to realise their goals; support children and young people's wellbeing through peer support or group activities. 

• Elderly: provide services that end social exclusion; befriending or other programmes to end loneliness; and services that enhance daily activities or home life. 

• Disability and inclusion: identify and tackle the barriers to inclusion and participation; and provide front-line support for disabled people.

• Health: undertake ethical research into specific medical conditions; support people with medical conditions by purchasing a piece of equipment or other tangible project; support people with wellbeing concerns or mental health illnesses. 

• Military: provide innovative programmes, education or employment for ex-service people; and support the physical, emotional and mental wellbeing of current and ex-service people and their families. 

• Arts: provide opportunities, education and skills development of creative talent for artists with financing challenges or disability support requirements; engage with marginalised audiences (eg disabled, BAME, and people living below the minimum poverty threshold for the appreciation of arts, performances or exhibitions). 

• Heritage: conservation and restoration of historic buildings (excluding places of worship); conservation of historical objects and paintings. 

• Environment and conservation: support of the protection and survival of plants and animals by maintaining and restoring habitats, enhancing ecosystems, and protecting biological diversity; educating of behavioural changes addressing environmental issues (eg littering and waste); countering the effects of pollution and climate change (eg ideas and projects which tackle the issue of plastic waste and those to reduce carbon emissions). 

Registered charities in the UK with a turnover below £500,000 (or medical charities with an income below £15 million) are eligible to apply.

Funding is at the discretion of the trustees but the one-off grants are usually for up to £5,000.

The closing date for applications is 1 September 2026. For more information, please visit The Grocers’ Charity provides one off grants for charities

Biffa Award's Annual Partnership Grants Scheme Accepting Applications (England and NI)

Biffa Awards is offering grants of between £250,000 and £1 million to support capital projects that address either of the following themes (the project must not cross over the two themes):

• Built Environment projects should restore, modernise and improve facilities such as cultural, heritage or visitor centres. Applicants should be able to demonstrate regional or national significance and how the facility will be inclusive and how it will inspire creativity and participation amongst tourists and day visitors. The facilities must be open to the general public for a published period of at least 104 days each year.

• Natural Environment projects should support a variety of living things including all species of plants and animals, along with the habitats and natural processes that support them. Projects should support the delivering of commitments within their country’s Environmental Improvement Plan, legally-binding targets from the Environment Act 2021 or priorities identified within Local Nature Recovery Strategies. 

Projects must:

• Be located within 25 miles of a significant Biffa Operation or active Biffa Landfill site.

• Be located within 10 miles of any licensed landfill site (not necessarily owned by Biffa Group Limited) in England and Northern Ireland.

• Start in February/May 2027 and be completed by February/May 2028.

Applications can be made for 100% of the project costs; however, only 90% of the grant can be paid by Biffa Award using Landfill Tax Credits. The remaining 10% needs to be provided by another source.

Grants should be used for site-based improvement work, with the majority of costs expected to be direct capital delivery work.

Organisations in England and Northern Ireland can apply as long as they are fully constituted, charitable or not-for-profit organisation with no share capital and enrol with ENTRUST as an Environmental Body to access funding.

The scheme remains highly competitive and receives a far higher number of applications than can be funded.

There is a two-stage application.

The deadline for Expressions of Interest is 29 May 2026. For more information, please visit Home Page - Biffa Award

Grants for Arts and Heritage Work Across the UK

The D'Oyly Carte Charitable Trust has opened applications for grants supporting charitable activity across the UK. The funding is intended for projects in the performing arts, creative health and heritage crafts that align with the Trust's objectives.

Grants typically range from £500 to £8,000. Unrestricted support is available for charities with an annual income below £250,000. Eligible applicants must be UK registered or regulated exempt charities working for the benefit of UK residents.

The Trust prioritises work that improves access for communities facing identifiable barriers to opportunity. Applications are assessed against several criteria, including alignment with funding themes, identification of beneficiaries, delivery capability, financial management, inclusive practice and safeguarding arrangements.

Projects must begin at least two months after a decision is issued, unless organisations have secured at least 75% of the required funding. There are separate application routes for small charities, defined as those with an income of £5 million or less, and large charities with income above this threshold.

Funding can be used to support activities that contribute to improved access and participation in the Trust's focus areas.

The deadline for applications is 8 May 2026 for large charities and 1 June 2026 for small charities. For more information, please visit The D’Oyly Carte Charitable Trust – The D’Oyly Carte Charitable Trust

Northern Ireland Regional Food Programme Opens for 2026-27 Applications

The Northern Ireland Regional Food Programme (NIRFP) 2026-27 offers financial support to projects that advance the Northern Ireland Food Strategy Framework and Food Action Plan. Funding is available through two application tranches, allowing organisations time to prepare projects aligned with the programme's objectives.

A maximum of £70,000 per project is available, covering up to 40% of total project costs.

The programme funds three activity categories.

• Regional fairs and exhibitions may receive support for publicity, venue hire, participation fees, demonstrations, hospitality and travel.

• Seminars and workshops can be funded for venue hire, organising costs, audio-visuals, presenter fees, promotion and distribution of factual materials.

• Information programmes may receive support for producing and distributing factual content through print, digital, radio or television, including scientific or nutritional information.

Projects should contribute to raising awareness of locally produced food, improving the sustainability of local supply chains, supporting a sustainable and innovative agri-food sector or promoting Northern Ireland food and drink.

Eligible applicants include formally constituted not-for-profit groups, registered charities and regional development agencies with a Northern Ireland membership or remit. Collaborative applications involving any combination of these organisations are also accepted.

Tranche 1 is now accepting applications for projects scheduled between 1 May 2026 and 30 September 2026, with a submission deadline of 29 April 2026. For more information, please visit Northern Ireland Regional Food Programme | Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs

Small Grants to Support Community Projects Across the UK

The Better Community Business Network Grant Initiative is offering small grants to support charities and community-led projects across the United Kingdom. The initiative provides one-off awards of up to £3,000, with a total annual allocation of £36,000 distributed through 12 grants each year.

The funding is intended to improve quality of life and opportunities for individuals and communities, particularly those experiencing social or economic disadvantage. Eligible applicants include community groups, voluntary organisations, charities and local branches of national charities, as well as organisations with charitable aims.

To qualify, applicants must be based in the UK and registered with a recognised governing body such as the Charity Commission or Companies House for at least 18 months. They must also have submitted annual accounts.

Grants may be used to support a range of activities, including education projects such as schools and extra-curricular clubs, health initiatives covering mental wellbeing and healthy eating, and services for ex-offenders including mentoring and rehabilitation.

Support is also available for homelessness and poverty work, arts and cultural activities, environmental projects, services for older people, disability inclusion and social cohesion efforts.

In 2026, applications must be submitted by the deadlines of 17 April 2026; 7 September 2026; and 9 November 2026. For more information, please visit GRANT INITIATIVE | BCBN