Community Groups in Northern Ireland to Access New Funding
Community and voluntary organisations across Northern Ireland will soon be able to apply for a £500,000 fund aimed at bolstering their initiatives, as the second round of the Northern Ireland Office’s (NIO) Connect Fund is set to launch in the New Year. This funding aims to strengthen collaboration across the UK and empower local groups to address shared challenges and opportunities.
Connect Fund Overview
The Connect Fund aims to support initiatives that have a direct impact on communities in Northern Ireland while promoting east-west partnerships throughout the UK. Initially announced earlier this year at the East West Council, the fund boasts a total budget of up to £1 million, distributed across two financial years, with £500,000 available each year.
Thirteen organisations have benefited from the fund thus far, securing nearly £400,000 for various projects spanning Northern Ireland, Scotland, Wales, and England. Initiatives funded include the establishment of an East-West LGBTQIA+ Forum, environmental conservation efforts, and initiatives aimed at fostering positive interactions among veterans’ groups, alongside projects that strive for gender economic equality throughout the UK.
Support from Officials
Matthew Patrick Speaks Out
Matthew Patrick, the Parliamentary Under Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, highlighted the significant impact the Connect Fund has had on community groups. He expressed his enthusiasm after visiting several funded organisations and encouraged other groups to seize this funding opportunity in the upcoming application round.
“The Connect Fund has been making a real difference to community and voluntary groups across Northern Ireland and the UK for several months,” Patrick stated. He urged organisations looking to enhance connections with counterparts in England and Wales to apply for funding to realise their community projects.
YouthAction’s Initiative
One of the organisations benefiting from the Connect Fund is YouthAction, a youth organisation based in Belfast. The grant will enable them to facilitate a Youth Leader Summit for young leaders aged 18-35 in Belfast, as well as a CEO Leadership Summit in England aimed at strengthening partnerships across the nations.
Comments from YouthAction CEO
Dr Martin McMullan, CEO of YouthAction, expressed that the funding aligns perfectly with their aim to enhance east-west opportunities for youth engagement. He emphasised that the Cross Nation Youth Work Strategy developed through the Connect Fund is pivotal in fostering a movement for social change, enriching the lives of young people throughout the UK.
Application Details
The application process for the second round of the Connect Fund will commence on January 7, 2026, closing on February 12. Unlike the first round, applications will not be accepted month-by-month; rather, they will be evaluated within a single period. Projects must be executed between 1 April 2026 and 31 March 2027, with submissions being facilitated through the Gov.uk ‘Find a Grant’ platform starting January 7.
Eligibility and Objectives
- Projects must focus on strengthening East-West connections and may target one or more specific objectives, including:
- Developing lasting civic relationships;
- Proposing innovative methods to enhance East-West connections;
- Supporting cultural, sports, and interpersonal links;
- Building leadership capabilities on an East-West basis;
- Facilitating dialogue around shared challenges and opportunities faced by communities.
Funding requests can range from £300 to £50,000 for both standalone and ongoing projects. The program welcomes applications from various organisations, including voluntary and community sector groups, registered charities, and not-for-profit companies.
Source: official statements, news agencies, and public reports.
https://www.gov.uk/government/news/latest-connect-fund-round-offers-500000-to-northern-ireland-community-and-voluntary-groups
