The Awards offer rural community-based organisations in Northern Ireland or the border region of Ireland the opportunity to apply for and secure £1000 or €1000 towards their volunteer led community action project.

The scheme is open to constituted rural community-based organisations including charities, not for profit community groups, sporting and cultural organisations, heritage groups, Parent Teacher Associations, youth groups/clubs and social enterprises.

The scheme seeks to support practical, tangible and timebound projects where the project must complete within 12 weeks.

CLOSING DATE FOR THIS CALL FOR APPLICATIONS IS 20TH DECEMBER 2023.

Funding Roadshows will be held in December to provide those wishing to apply to our Grant Programme with further information and assistance.  These Roadshows will take place via zoom video conferencing where there will be a live presentation on all grants available from Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council for 2024/25.  The following are the dates and times of our virtual Roadshows.

• Monday 4th December 2023 @ 7pm

• Tuesday 5th December 2023 @ 2pm

Currently open Grants on this system are:

• Sports Grant & Bursary Programme

Grants for Individuals – For projects between 8 November 2023 – 18 February 2023 Only. Maximum funding up to £400 per individual. Each individual participant is required to complete a separate application.

GRANTS FOR GROUPS
Grants in this category are open to Community Groups, Sports Clubs, Arts & Heritage Groups, Single identity Organisations and Church Groups. Including:

• Public Liability Insurance
• Small Events
• Other Distinctive Projects

Closing date: 18th February 2023.

Community Development Grants – Community Facilities & Activities, Community Programmes & Activities and Community Festival Fund 2024-2025 – close at 4pm on Monday 4 December 2023. 

Good Relations 2023-24 – Now open for applications Subject to Funding and closing on Monday 13 November 2023 at 4pm. You are invited to submit an application for Grant Aid for 2023-24. Funding must be spent by 31 March 2024

Leisure Grants Programme 23/24 – 4th Call opens 1st November closes 31st December 23.

Belfast City Council Grants are now open with a range of grant support including:

• Good Relations
• Park Events
• Support for Sport: Events, Large Development, Small Development, Hospitality, Individuals
• Community Summer Schemes

Closing dates for all grants are 12 noon on 12th January 2024. 

If you are planning events for the forthcoming year, please feel free to contact a member of our team to discuss your proposals prior to submitting your application. We can give you advice on how to plan your work and to source additional funding, if required.

The scheme will continue to support a wide range of work and offer support and assistance whether you are a first-time applicant or have been supported in the past.

While we will be supporting projects through to 31 March 2024, the closing date for all applications is 15 December 2023 at 4 PM. 

The Belfast Harbour Community Awards help to support the work of grassroots, community organisations and charities.  Belfast Harbour is committed to supporting projects that help to transform our community and help local people thrive.

Award Categories include:

• Supporting Employability and Skills
• Supporting our environment
• Supporting Communities

The project must positively impact the local community. The activity relevant to the application must not have begun yet, the project must be generally accessible – that is, it must benefit a diverse local community base.
Organisations must submit a detailed proposal about the project, including costs, and fill in the Belfast Harbour application form for the request to be
considered. Organisations must also include a list of their current Board members and Committee structure where applicable, as well as their most recent audited accounts. You will also have to confirm the organisation has a bank account and your charitable status.

Grants available: £500- £5,000

Closing date: 23rd October 2023

As the Worldwide Insurance Partner for the Olympic and Paralympic Movements, we understand the power of sport – but we know the pandemic and cost of living crisis has impacted heavily on the finances of local clubs. So, this year, we have pledged £100,000 to the Allianz Sports Fund in 2023 so we can offer financial support in the form of grants between £500-£3,000 for community sports clubs who need it most.

The final round of the Allianz Sports Fund 2023 is now open and this time we will focus on clubs looking to support and inspire their members to keep playing. Grants of £500, £1,000, £2,000 and £3,000 are available.

Awards are to help sports clubs continue to provide opportunities within their local community.

Applications will only be accepted from clubs who have been nominated by one of our Broker Partners. To be eligible sports clubs must take part in an Olympic or Paralympic sport.

For more information on the nomination process please contact info@nisf.net 

Sport Northern Ireland’s (Sport NI) Corporate Plan – ‘The Power of Sport’ (2021-26) sets out Sport NI’s commitment to leading environmental change within the sports sector.   Following on from our Environmental Sustainability Survey for Sports Clubs, Sport NI has used some early findings to develop a capital investment programme to bring about positive environmental change.  Subsequently, we are delighted to introduce our Renewable Energy Fund.  A £1million pound National Lottery investment for 2023/24, which seeks to reduce the environmental impact of sports clubs throughout Northern Ireland. 

The Renewable Energy Fund has several objectives: 

• To reduce the environmental footprint of sports clubs.
• To reduce carbon emissions at sports clubs.
• To contribute to a more sustainable sports club network.
• To create a ‘greener’ sports club sector. 
• To save on utility bills and reduce costs, enabling sports clubs to redirect resources back into their clubs/sport.

The Renewable Energy Fund is only available to sports clubs in Northern Ireland that are affiliated to a recognised Governing Body for Sport.  The fund will open for applications on Monday 9^th October 2023, and will close on Monday 30^th October 2023. 

In 2023/24 the Renewable Energy Fund will operate as a ‘pilot programme’.  As such, the ‘pilot programme’ will not apply scoring criteria and applications will not be assessed.   

Information and Guidance material can be found on the Renewable Energy Fund page on Sport NI’s website. 

In this investment, where applicable, Sport Northern Ireland will contribute to the essential personal living costs of an athlete.

This programme aims to enable athletes to train in order to maximise potential. Those applying will be required to demonstrate that their circumstances have changed or need to change significantly to allow them to adequately prepare for competition or the national high performance programme.

The Athlete Award is in line with Sport Northern Ireland’s Corporate Plan and Outcome 2; ‘More NI athletes among the best in the World’ by targeting athletes who have the potential to achieve success and excel in Olympics, Paralympics and Commonwealth Games.

This will be considered and successful nominations will be dependent on budget available within the programme. These Governing Bodies may submit an ‘Athlete Award Nomination’ template by 5pm on Friday 29^th September 2023 to performancesport@sportni.net

Funding available for grassroots sports clubs in need

Flutter UK & Ireland are delighted to team up with the charity Sported for the 2023/4 edition of Cash4Clubs, offering up to £2,000 in small grants to community sports clubs and organisations across the UK and Ireland.​

The fund will be accepting applications between October and December 2023. Winners will be notified early 2024.

In order to be eligible for funding, clubs and organisations must be either registered charities or clubs with a structured governance and constitution. We are also keen to hear from clubs that are targeting communities from deprived areas. ​

Whilst funding is unrestricted, we are particularly interested to hear from clubs that are using sport for other social purposes such as developing skills, reducing crime or addressing anti-social behaviour.​

The King George VI Youth Awards funds youth work projects in Northern Ireland for young people aged 14-21. Your group must be based in Northern Ireland and your project must be part of a curriculum based youth work programme, linked to the Youth Work Curriculum.

Applications are also accepted from individual young people who must be resident in Northern Ireland.

The maximum grant available is £500.  Other criteria apply – please read the criteria carefully before making your application.

Completed applications should be submitted by 5pm on Monday 25 September 2023.

For more information, email the Youth Awards Administrator, Linda Gordon – admin@kgviyouthawards.org.uk

Our mission is to transform communities and improve lives throughout the UK, complementing Asda Stores’ ambition to be at the heart of local communities, through building long-term community resilience and being there in times of crisis. The Foundation supports grassroots organisations in making a real impact, and supports local communities in emergencies, reacting quickly to help people in the immediate hours following a disaster.

The Asda Foundation supports small, grass roots organisations in several ways throughout the year. Working with Asda’s Community Champions in store, we are able to work with a range of organisations and groups on a variety of local community projects. Below are the different ways we support communities.

Grants include:

• Empowering Local Communities – application window 28th Aug – 3rd Nov 23
• U18 Better starts – application window  28th Aug – 3rd Nov 23
• Cost of Living Grant – application window  28th Aug – 3rd Nov 23
• Investing in spaces and Places (now closed)
• Colleague Match Funding for local issues
• Local Community emergency Donations

Sports Systems Investment – New Governing Bodies is a funding programme specifically targeting Recognised sports organisations who have not been eligible to apply for funding through the Sports System Investment – Governing Bodies element of National Lottery funding this year.

This investment is to help Recognised governing bodies, not currently funded in the sector, to have stronger systems in place.

A total programme budget of £100,000 is currently available for sports governing bodies to apply for, up to a maximum individual award of £25,000.

Applications are now open and will be assessed on a rolling basis as they are received.  The closing date for applications is 8 December 2023 and all awards must be completed by 31 March 2024.

Please see attached link below to the application form plus the Guidance Document which explains how it should be completed.

Application Form

Guidance Document

There will also be an online information session, via Zoom, on Thursday 14 September at 10am.  If you would like to attend this session, please also email the below address and registration information will be provided.

If you have any further questions you can also send an email to: SSIGBnewgoverningbodies@sportni.net

Armagh City, Banbridge & Craigavon Borough Council offers financial assistance to eligible organisations who are delivering projects which align with Council’s priorities. 

Grants Include:

• Community Development Grants
•  Small Scale Capital Projects Fund
• Large Scale Capital Project Fund
• Community Events Fund
•  Large Event Fund
• Arts Project Fund
• International Tourism Event Fund
• Good Relations Grants

Various deadlines of 15th September and 27th October 2023

The aim of this LFT Grant making Programme is to support charities undertake modifications which make their premises accessible for those with disabilities and better equipped to welcome and serve the whole community.

Applications are welcomed from organisations that have identified shortcomings in the accessibility of their premises and are committed to addressing these and building socially inclusive communities.

Projects should recognise the main aim of this funding is to fund projects that will increase participation by a greater, and more inclusive, number of people in the charities’ activities.

Applications for grants not exceeding £7,000 or 70% of total eligible costs, whichever is the lowest, are invited. Only expenditure incurred for the purposes of the project and that can be directly attributed to the expected outputs/outcomes will be eligible.

As with all funders, it is likely that demand will exceed available funds and so this will be a competitive process.

Priority will be given to initiatives that:

• can demonstrate evidence that the proposed project will directly result in the participation of people who were previously excluded or marginalised on account of their disability.

The deadline for receipt of applications is 5pm Tuesday 12^th September 2023.

National Lottery funding can help you to make a difference in your community. We offer funding from £300 to £10,000 to support what matters to people and communities.

Groups can apply for up to £10,000 at a time and up to £20,000 in total in any 12-month period.

We’re open to all applications for community projects that meet our criteria.

You can apply for funding to deliver new or existing activity or to support your organisation to change and adapt to new and future challenges.

We can consider a wide range of projects to support, develop and strengthen communities through this programme. We can also consider projects that are supporting communities to cope during the cost-of-living crisis.

We can fund projects that’ll do at least one of these things:

• bring people together to build strong relationships in and across communities
• improve the places and spaces that matter to communities
• help more people to reach their potential, by supporting them at the earliest possible stage
• support people, communities and organisations facing more demands and challenges because of the cost-of-living crisis.

The Community Grants Programme can support day to day activities of a charity and new/existing projects. We cover a wide range of costs including, rent and running costs, materials and equipment and salaries.

Our average grant is approximately £4,500. We may not be in a position to offer you all that you have requested, however we will discuss viability with you. Please continue to understand what other charities and the government is doing in your field, and ensure that what you propose fits in.

Grants are only open to charities operating in Northern Ireland. Please do not apply if you are serving another region of the UK or beyond. 

Charitable Status

The following groups may apply:

• Charities registered with the Charity Commission for Northern Ireland
• Charities registered with other charity regulators such as OSCR in Scotland, Charity Commission for England and Wales or Charity Regulator in the Republic of Ireland, PROVIDING the project you wish to apply for will benefit people from Northern Ireland.

The Central Good Relations Fund (CGRF) supports constituted voluntary and community sector groups to deliver good relations projects which contribute towards the delivery of one of the Together: Building a United Community (T:BUC) Strategy key priorities.

Brighter communities is Power NI’s community fund donating groups across Northern Ireland with £1000 of funding

Our Brighter Communities programme energises innovative and emerging community groups, teams and projects with £1000 of funding awarded each month. Since 2018 we have contributing over £40,000 to our communities and we are still going!

Typesof project include sports and fittness

Terms and Conditions: Brighter Communities | Community Funding | Power NI

Following the recent completion of the Playing Pitch Strategy, Derry City and Strabane District Council’s Sports Committee has invested in a new Maintenance Fund that will provide financial assistance towards clubs who own and maintain their facilities and in particular playing pitches.

The aim of the fund is to provide financial assistance to ensure that clubs have the opportunity to maintain their playing surface to the highest level, therefore enabling greater usage on a more regular basis. Any financial assistance must be associated with maintenance of the playing surface or fixed asset that is integral towards the delivery of the sport.

Applicants will apply using the Council’s online grant portal https://dcsdcgrantaid.com/ and applications should be submitted by 3.00pm on Friday 25th August 2023.

Our grant rounds support children from birth up to and including 18 years of age who are vulnerable, come from disadvantaged backgrounds or are living with an illness or disability. We also provide a lifeline to many other charities, organisations and community groups, funding much-needed services and life-changing equipment.

The value of a grant is typically from £1,000 to £3,000 but we will happily consider applications for larger amounts.

How to Apply
All applications must be made via our online system. Choose your local station below to access the application form and eligibility criteria (available at the top of the form) – please be sure to read these carefully before applying.

Application Criteria

The Fermanagh Recreational Trust supports the organisation, development and funding of sporting / arts based activities and facilities in Co. Fermanagh with particular emphasis on young people and youth development.
Who can apply?
Constituted Sporting and / or  Arts based Organisations or Individuals based in County Fermanagh.

Following the previous success of the JobStart Scheme, the Department for Communities is relaunching the Scheme to create further high-quality job opportunities for young people who are at risk of long term unemployment. The Scheme will be open for applications from Wednesday 14 June 2023

You can receive 100% government funding to create 6-month job opportunities for 16-24 year olds who are not in employment (or 9-months for those who meet certain criteria).

• employers must be based in Northern Ireland
• employers of all sizes can participate in the Scheme
• employers in all sectors can participate (including the voluntary and community sector)
• employers can offer one job or multiple jobs to participate in JobStart (depending on number of staff currently in permanent employment)
• JobStart opportunities must not replace existing or planned vacancies or cause existing employees, apprentices or contractors to lose or reduce their employment.
• jobs offered must provide a 6-month job opportunity, with a possible extension to 9- months for those who meet certain criteria
• job opportunities must offer at least 25 hours of employment per week
• jobs offered must pay at least the National Minimum Wage (for the participant’s age group) through PAYE

Please note: the Department will perform due diligence and financial checks on all employers.

The SEUPB are currently accepting applications to the following PEACEPLUS Investment Areas.  

• Co-Designed Local Authority PEACEPLUS Action Plans
• Re-Imaging Communities
• Shared Learning Together Education Programme
• PEACEPLUS Youth Programme
• Quality and Impact Body for the PEACEPLUS Youth Programme
• Victims and Survivors

Applications for funding can be submitted by a wide range of organisations including local authorities, public sector bodies as well as voluntary and community sector organisations (subject to eligibility checks).  

Applications for Kits 4 Kids grants are now open until 17:00 on Tuesday 13th June.

We’ll let you know that your application has been successful by 31st July 2023. Due to the high volume of applications received, I’m afraid we can’t provide feedback on individual applications.

The Foundation was created following the public order disturbances in July 2011, which highlighted the issues facing young people living in inner-city areas. The disturbances involved a disproportionate number of people in the 15-24 year age group. 

Young people across the UK are also facing new challenges, particularly those associated with daily living. The cost of living has increased, key youth services, such as local community centres, continue to reduce in numbers, and the consequences of the pandemic and reduced social interaction and education are still being felt by young people, particularly from a wellbeing perspective.

To help groups that support young people continue to build back from the pandemic, the trustees of the Foundation have chosen to use its 2023 funding round to support initiatives which fit into one or more of the following funding themes.

• Diversionary Activities – Initiatives that specifically focus on engaging with young people, providing them support and detering anti-social behaviour 
• Environmental – Initiatives could include but are not limited to: encouraging young people to engage with the outdoors and support their environment
• Employability – Initiatives that directly or indirectly equip young people with skills, experience or qualifications that will support them gaining access to employment
• Wellbeing – Initiatives that positively impact or provide support to young people through physical activity, mental health and social interaction

Our funding programme for 2023 is now open to all community groups delivering services across the UK.

The Fibrus Play It Forward Fund was established in Spring 2023 and is designed to give back to local communities.

The Fund exists to support non-profit voluntary and community groups, organisations, and charities in Northern Ireland and Cumbria to provide financial support for their children’s sports projects or initiatives. The Fund strives to encourage children to switch off from their devices more often, get active, and get outdoors – improving the health and wellbeing of the children.

Fibrus is pledging £30,000 in 2023 to the Fibrus Play it Forward Fund to support on-the-ground children’s sports projects in those local communities served by Fibrus. Organisations can apply for up to £1000 of funding.

Our focus is on grassroots sports that support children. You can apply for funding for children’s sports projects or initiatives, for example to purchase new kits, playing or training equipment or improving club facilities. When purchasing new material including shirts and equipment, we ask that you add the Fibrus Logo.

The 2023 Play it Forward Fund will go live for Round 1 of funding on 30 May, closing on 27 June. Round 2 will open in October (these dates are subject to change).

For more information, please get in touch with us on sponsorships@fibrus.com.

For the full eligibility criteria please read the Fund T&Cs.

Operated in partnership with the Irish Youth Foundation and supporting partners YouthActionNorthern Ireland, The Coca‑Cola Company and its partner Coca‑Cola HBC Ireland and Northern Ireland have joined forces to double the size and impact of this year’s Fund.  

Awards of up to €5,000 and €10,000 will be available to support community-based projects that are focused on empowering young people through programmes of learning, inclusion, and sustainable development.

The deadline for applications is 6pm on Thursday 15^th June 2023.       

Jack Cooper and his son-in-law Paul Richardson both died in 2022. This fund was set up by their family to honour Jack and Paul and the generous nature that they shared. They also shared a love of sport.

Fund Criteria:  The first round of funding will initially support constituted organisations with funding for capital equipment that enables sporting activity.

The Fund for this round has four main aims:

• To improve access to sport and physical activity, with a particular focus on supporting facilities in areas of economic need and for those most isolated in communities
• To improve the health and well-being of people in Northern Ireland
• To provide funding for resources, including equipment for small organisations, who may have limited access to funding opportunities
• To remove barriers for getting things done in communities

*Applicants must outline how their application meets at least one of the above aims, however, in the event of a high level of demand we will prioritise projects that meet more than one of these aims.

Size of Grant:

Applicants can apply for a grant ranging from £1,000 to £2,000.

Closing Date: Jun 19, 2023 13:00

Cash for Kids is looking for community groups from across Northern Ireland to take part in our unique fundraising competition.

Are you a grassroots Community Group in need of funding that supports children facing illness, poverty, neglect, or who have additional needs? Throughout the month of June, we’ll support up to 20 organisations to fundraise as much as they possibly can!

Community Groups will have from 5th to 30th June to fundraise as much as possible, supported by Cash for Kids so they won’t be going it alone. We’ll be giving everyone the benefit of our fundraising experience to help them raise as much as possible – providing skills to take forward into their own future activities.

ALL groups will keep 100% of the funds they raise PLUS the top fundraising group will receive £2,500^* in additional funding and every group raising over £2,500 will receive £500 additional funding!

Entries are open until 5pm on 28th May. To be eligible to enter you must have a revenue of under £1 million, have a charity number or formal governance document and be able to provide audited accounts.

Amateur athletes and sports clubs across the island of Ireland are invited to apply for the Kingspan Kickstart Sports Fund, a fund created to help budding athletes get a financial boost to achieve their goals. Already committed to elevating and developing sports across Ireland through various sponsorships, including Ulster Rugby and Cavan GAA, we are also keen to provide a launch pad for grassroots level athletes, sports clubs and community sports facilities. The fund, which has Shane Lowry as ambassador, will run on a quarterly basis, and offer up to 1,000 euro / 850 sterling, per applicant, per year to help provide financial support for equipment, training, and other necessary resources. 

Applications are currently open, to apply for the Kingspan Kickstart Sports Fund, you must be an amateur athlete, amateur sports club or community sports facility open to the whole community and based on the island of Ireland.

Sports Forum Grants are available now available for 2023/24 to affiliated Sports Forum members. The various funding which are available includes the following:

• Anniversary (Open)  Guidance Notes
• Club Travel and Accommodation (Open)  Guidance Notes
• Coaching (Open)  Guidance Notes
• Equipment (Open)  Guidance Notes
• Events (Open)   Guidance Notes
• Goldcard (Open)  Guidance Notes
• Individual Travel and Accommodation (Open)  Guidance Notes
• Schools Clubs Pathway (Open)  Guidance Notes 
• Seeding (Open)  Guidance Notes

Please note: Sports Forum Grants are only available to Sports Forum members who have been affiliated for a minimum of three months prior to application

For large capital works projects where a maximum of 50% of match funding from Council is required. Project delivery should commence after the date of a Letter of Offer and before 31 March 2024.

Please note this grant programme will close at 12noon on 27th October 2023 or whenever the budget is committed, whichever comes first. Applications are assessed on a rolling basis in the order in which fully completed applications are submitted ie when the application and all essential supporting documentation is provided.

Tesco Community Grants support thousands of local community projects and good causes across the UK.

The scheme is open to all schools, registered charities and not-for-profit organisations, with priority given to projects that provide food and support to young people.

Examples of eligible applications with a focus on food security, children and young people could be:

• A school providing pupils with food for breakfast clubs or snacks throughout the day.
• A school wanting to buy equipment for outdoor or indoor activities.
• A school wanting to develop a food growing area.
• A school supporting an after school club.
• A voluntary organisation working with families to run a food bank.
• An organisation addressing holiday hunger.
• A healthy eating project that supports families to cook healthy meals on a budget.
• A Brownie or Scout group needing funding for new play equipment or activities.

The Small Grants Scheme is suitable for applications from a variety of organisations, including:

• Community and voluntary groups (including non-constituted groups)
• Youth groups, sports clubs, churches
• All schools and third level education organisations

Applications are particularly welcome from groups who have not previously received support through the Live Here Love Here Small Grants Scheme. Groups that have received funding from a previous Live Here Love Here grant scheme are welcome to apply to further develop their project. Previous track record of project delivery and uploading expenditure evidence will be part of the judging criteria.

The Scheme is open to projects based across 10 partner council areas in NI. Projects in Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council area will be considered if they are located within an area managed by Northern Ireland Housing Executive.

Please note the following:

• Non-constituted groups can apply for a maximum of £500
• Litter picking equipment is not eligible for funding through this grant – please check out the Adopt A Spot project
• Permission from landowner (if required) must be secured at application stage
• Projects must be completed by 31st October
• Funding is for volunteer-led practical action to improve shared spaces in local communities

National Lottery funding can help you to make a difference in your community. We offer funding from £300 to £10,000 to support what matters to people and communities.

Groups can apply for up to £10,000 at a time and up to £20,000 in total in any 12-month period.

We’re open to all applications for community projects that meet our criteria.

You can apply for funding to deliver new or existing activity or to support your organisation to change and adapt to new and future challenges.

We can consider a wide range of projects to support, develop and strengthen communities through this programme. We can also consider projects that are supporting communities to cope during the cost-of-living crisis.

We’re looking for ideas that:

• bring people together and build strong relationships in and across communities
• improve the places and spaces that matter to communities
• help more people to reach their potential, by supporting them at the earliest possible stage

GOV.uk

Use this service to apply for support towards energy bills for a non-domestic property which is not connected to the gas grid. You can apply for £150 fixed payment for alternative fuel use or the high users of heating oil (kerosene) support.

Non-domestic properties include:

• farms, warehouses, pubs and hotels run by businesses or individuals
• those run by voluntary sector organisations, such as charities
• places of worship and community halls
• public buildings, such as schools, hospitals and prisons

Cash for Kids has funds to support 2,800 children across Northern Ireland through the cost-of-living crisis, as part of £1 Million of Help we’re distributing across the UK.

In response to the crisis hitting so many families right now we’ve launched this new fund, to provide emergency essentials that support the physical and mental well-being of children who are struggling.

These could include food, clothing and household energy costs, but we’ll also consider anything that helps meet children’s most basic needs.

Grants are £50 per child per household, and we aim to get the funds to families as soon as possible.

Please note that applications must come on behalf of a family from professionals within
a governing body (e.g. social services, GP, teacher, charity, community group etc.) – families cannot apply directly.

Sport NI would like to remind you that there are now only 8 weeks left to apply to Sport NI’s Activate Programme. Does your club/organisation have a participation project that could benefit from £5,000 of funding?

Delivered in partnership with Crowdfunder; Project Re-Boot: Activate has been set up to support the sports sector in response to the COVID-19 pandemic; and can provide up to 50%/60% of total costs in match-funding, up to a maximum of £5,000.

Eligible organisations include:-

• Sports clubs (affiliated to a recognised governing body),
• Community/voluntary sector organisations,
• Charities with a primary purpose of delivering sport and physical activities
• Parent Teachers Associations’ (PTAs) for the provision of extra-curricular sport and/or outdoor activities.

The programme will close for applications on Monday 20^th March 2023, unless the fund is exhausted before this date. Please find a copy of our Guidance Notes attached and further information about the Activate programme are available on the SNI website Project Re-Boot: Activate | Sport NI

We have attached our Guidance Notes but, if you have any specific queries, please do not hesitate to contact one of the team at projectreboot@sportni.net.

The Minister for Transport, Eamon Ryan T.D., along with Minister for Sport Catherine Martin T.D., have announced the launch of the Shared Island Sports Club EV Charging Scheme which opens today, 30 January.

The new €15 million scheme, resourced through the Government’s Shared Island Fund, will support the roll-out of publicly accessible, fast-charging for sports clubs and communities across the island of Ireland, in line with the recently launched National EV Charging Infrastructure Strategy

The Shared Island Sports Club EV Charging Scheme provides funding for the cost of installing electric vehicle charge points at sports club facilities across the island of Ireland. This Scheme is funded through the government’s Shared Island Fund and is administered by Pobal on behalf of Zero Emission Vehicle Ireland (ZEVI).

National Governing Bodies for Sport (NGBs) must submit their Expression of Interest template to Pobal to zevischemes@pobal.ie by 5pm, 28 February 2023.

Expressions of Interest for 2023-25

The Irish Football Association (Irish FA) and the Department for Digital, Culture, Media & Sport (DCMS) Multi-Sports Grassroots Facilities Investment Fund aims to allow local grassroots football clubs in Northern Ireland (NI) to improve and upgrade facilities to create a better grassroots football infrastructure foundation. 

Investment in creating the best possible multi-sports and grassroots football facilities enables young people to have the opportunity to reach their full potential in football, as well as providing the local community with access to facilities where they can participate in other sports and become healthy and active. 

The Irish FA / DCMS Multi-Sport Grassroots Facilities Investment Fund 2023-25 will be directed towards larger capital projects primarily focusing on the installation and improvement of natural grass or certified artificial grass pitches (AGP).  Funding will support and be directed towards the installation of new or replacement natural grass surfaces, new or replacement artificial grass surfaces or new multi-use games areas (MUGA).

Associated pitch infrastructure will be considered for funding in addition to the pitch installation e.g. changing rooms, floodlighting, fencing etc.

In order to understand the number, type and scale of projects which may come forward over the next two financial years, we are running an Expression of Interest (EOI) process. The EOI will gather crucial information on proposed projects at early stages of their development, identifying future investment possibilities.  It is anticipated that applications for funding will be opened in February / March 2023. 

EOIs will be open for over two weeks from Wednesday 18 January 2023 and will close at 12 noon on Friday 3 February 2023.  

Dormant Accounts Fund NI supports the voluntary, community and social enterprise (VCSE) sector in Northern Ireland to be more resilient and prepared for the future by funding activity that increases capacity and sustainability. The programme will support organisations to adapt to future challenges and be more financially resilient.

The funding distributed through Dormant Accounts Fund NI is not generated through National Lottery activity. Dormant accounts are UK bank and building society accounts that have been untouched for 15 or more years, and where banks and building societies are unable to trace the customer who owns the account

We’ll award funding for between one and three years, in order to have the greatest impact for the organisations and the communities they serve.

Up to £100,000 is available for individual organisations.

Area
Northern Ireland
Funding size
Up to £100,000 for individual organisations. If you are working with other organisations to share services or are considering merging with another organisation, talk to us before you apply as we may consider awarding more than £100,000
Total available
Total programme pot will vary, depending on Dormant Accounts funding available
Application deadline
5pm 3 March 2023

Applications for GSF are open! We support athletes of all ages, from a huge range of sports!

1. Live within an area where GLL or partners manage sport and leisure venues
2. Be educated within an area where GLL or partners manage sport and leisure venues (must be 18 years or under)
3. Be affiliated to a sports club that has a training base at a GLL or partner-managed sport and leisure venue
4. Use a GLL stand-alone centre/’BETTER Gym’ as your strength and conditioning venue

DO NOT MISS OUT – be sure to submit your application before the 20th of February 2023!

The Shared Island Civic Society Fund is now open for applications.

In 2023, the Fund will award up to a total of €500,000 to a number of cross-border projects, including for sport.

Funding awards of up €25,000 per successful project will generally be made, with scope for awards of a maximum of €50,000 where necessary for bigger projects

Applications for funding under the Shared Island Civic Society Fund will be accepted from Monday, 16 January 2023 until Monday, 27 February 2023.

The King George VI Youth Awards funds youth work projects in Northern Ireland for young people aged 14-21. Your group must be based in Northern Ireland and your project must be part of a curriculum based youth work programme, linked to the Youth Work Curriculum.

Applications are also accepted from individual young people who must be resident in Northern Ireland.

The maximum grant available is £500. Other criteria apply – please read the criteria carefully before making your application.

Completed applications should be submitted by 5pm on Monday 30 January 2023.

For more information, email the Youth Awards Administrator, Linda Gordon – admin@kgviyouthawards.org.uk

National Lottery funding can help you to make a difference in your community. We offer funding from £300 to £10,000 to support what matters to people and communities.

We’re open to all applications for community projects that meet our criteria. You can apply for funding to deliver new or existing activity or to support your organisation to change and adapt to new and future challenges including the cost-of-living crisis.

We’re looking for ideas that:

bring people together and build strong relationships in and across communities
improve the places and spaces that matter to communities
help more people to reach their potential, by supporting them at the earliest possible stage
Contact us if you have an idea on 028 9055 1455 or at enquiries.ni@tnlcommunityfund.org.uk.

Area
Northern Ireland
Suitable for
Voluntary or community organisations, Public sector organisations
Funding size
£300 to £10,000
Application deadline
Ongoing

They want to help as many children as possible to stay active, which is why we’d like to offer a £1,000 grant to 15 youth community sports groups. If you’d like your group to be considered for a grant, please complete this application and they’ll be in touch soon if your application is successful.

The 2023/24 T:BUC Camps Programme has now opened. The closing date for applications is 4pm on 31 January 2023

The Education Authority will host 6 funding support workshops and any group who would like to deliver a Camp in 2023/24 is encouraged to sign up for one of these workshops. These workshops are a great opportunity for all groups, whether considering delivering a camp for the first time or a returning group, to find out more about the programme and to gain support to make a high-quality application. The workshops are also an opportunity to provide support in programming, resources and developing partnerships.

These events are due to take place on the following dates and locations:

Thursday 1 December 2022, 1-3pm Magherafelt Youth Centre
Monday 5 December 2022, 10-12.30pm Broughshane Youth Centre
Monday 5 December 2022, 4-5.30pm Online (Schools Only)
Tuesday 6 December 2022, 1-3pm Derry Youth Office
Tuesday 6 December 2022, 5-7pm Mountcollyer Youth Centre
Tuesday 17 January 2023, 11-12.30pm Online
Registration to an Education Authority Support Workshop can be made via https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/o/education-authority-funding-workshop-events-18191285824(external link opens in a new window / tab)

Applications to T:BUC Camps 2023/24 Programme can be made via: www.eanifunding.org.uk/tbuc

Sports Forum Grants are available annually to affiliated Sports Forum members. The various funding which are available includes the following:

– Anniversary (Open)
– Coaching (Open)
– Equipment (Open)
– Events (Open)
– Goldcard (Open)
– Seeding (Open)
– Club Travel and Accommodation (Open)
– Individual Travel and Accommodation (Open)

Please note: Sports Forum Grants are only available to Sports Forum members who have been affiliated for a minimum of three months prior to application. Click here for information on the forum and how to apply.

Belfast City Council has opened Support for Sport grants programme for the following areas:
– Good Relations Grant
– Park Event Grant
-Sports Event Grant
-Large Development Grant
– Small Development Grant
– Hospitality Grant
– Individuals Grant
Application closing date: 13/1/23

The Access and Inclusion Fund aims to improve accessibility for people with disabilities and increase their participation in arts, culture and recreation activities. We are administering capital grants to cultural organisations in Belfast. To apply, projects must be due to be complete by 31 March 2023. Maximum grant is £30,000.

In particular, we welcome applications for Changing Places facilities, accessible equipment for play parks and projects that will impact positively on sustainability and climate change.

Applying for an Access and Inclusion grant
Applicants must contribute 10 per cent of their total project costs. To ask for an application form and guidance notes, contact us by email culture@belfastcity.gov.uk

The closing date for applications is 12 noon on Friday 11 November 2022.

Examples of funded projects

Hundreds of schoolchildren throughout Northern Ireland are set to benefit from a funding boost with Sport NI now encouraging schools and nurseries to apply to their successful Crowdfunder project.

Sport NI’s Project Re-Boot: Activate launched last year to help sporting organisations engage and re-engage people in sport after the devastating impact of COVID. The scheme involves sporting organisations raising funds for their sporting initiative via their Crowdfunder campaign. Project Re-Boot: Activate has already helped 75 sporting clubs and organisations raise an incredible £815,196 in total with £320,336 being awarded by Sport NI thanks to funding from the National Lottery.

Sport NI has £280,000 funding available and has now widened the eligibility of the scheme to allow schools, nurseries and other organisations with Parent Teacher Associations (PTAs) to apply for funds.

reland has celebrated a summer of sporting success at national and international level, but when we look to the grassroots of our sporting heroes, we must see how much more we could achieve with investment in community facilities. That’s according to Community Finance Ireland, who today (23.09.21) launched a new €5 million fund offering social finance solutions to sports clubs across the island of Ireland.

The new fund will make flexible loans of €10,000-€500,000 available to sports organisations seeking to make a change in their local community whether that is to renovate changing or training facilities for their players and participants, or to improve local infrastructure that makes their club grounds more accessible for the local community.

Brighter communities is Power NI’s community fund donating groups across Northern Ireland with £1000 of funding.

Our Brighter Communities programme energises innovative and emerging community groups, teams and projects with £1000 of funding awarded each month. Since 2018 we have contributing over £40,000 to our communities and we are still going!

Ulster GAA is pleased to announce that applications are now open for the 2022 Ulster GAA Club Infrastructure Development Grants.

The Club Infrastructure Development Grants aim to assist clubs in the improvement and development of their physical infrastructure. This is a retrospective grant fund and only works completed between 01/11/2019 and the 30/09/2022 shall be eligible for support.

Both Ulster GAA and Central Council have contributed to this grant funding, and grants can only be awarded to clubs with vested properties in the GAA.

The following areas of Club Expenditure may be considered for support:

• Purchase of Grounds
• Pitch Development
• Spectator Accommodation
• Pavilion Development
• Additional Infrastructure Development

Please find below the following documents which will assist clubs when making their application:

• Updated 2022 Guidance Notes – Ulster GAA Grant Application Procedures 2022
• 2022 Grant Scales – Club Infrastructure Grant Scales 2022
• 2022 Application Form (For reference before using the link below) – (Sample) Ulster GAA Club Development Grants Application Form 2022
• Euro (€) Grant Expenditure Template – 2022 EURO Grant Expenditure Template
• STG (£) Grant Expenditure Template – 2022 STG Grant Expenditure Template

Clubs must apply using the following link:

Ulster GAA Club Development Grants Application Form 2022 

N.B – Please ensure to read the Ulster GAA Grant Application Procedures 2022 prior to using the application link (The form must be submitted by an officer (Chair, Secretary or Treasurer) of the club using an official GAA email address)

The closing date for applications is 18th November 2022.

For further information and clarification regarding the grant process, please contact grants.ulster@gaa.ie.

Sport NI’s Project Re-Boot: Activate launched last year to help sporting organisations engage and re-engage people in sport after the devastating impact of COVID. The scheme involves sporting organisations raising funds for their sporting initiative via their Crowdfunder campaign. Project Re-Boot: Activate has already helped 75 sporting clubs and organisations raise an incredible £815,196 in total with £320,336 being awarded by Sport NI thanks to funding from the National Lottery.

Sport NI has £280,000 funding available and has now widened the eligibility of the scheme to allow schools, nurseries and other organisations with Parent Teacher Associations (PTAs) to apply for funds.

Click here to apply.

Email projectreboot@sportni.net for more information.

The deadline for applications for Project Re-Boot: Activate is March 20, 2023, if funding isn’t exhausted before. The project is part of Sport NI’s Build, Back, Better campaign that was launched to deliver funding to sporting clubs and organisations in the wake of COVID. It’s thanks to National Lottery players that Project Re-Boot: Activate can deliver its financial, community support.

The Community Relations Council, with the support of Government, has established a fund to spend each year on community relations projects. This funding is intended to help community/voluntary groups throughout Northern Ireland develop their capacity to engage in community relations work and to enhance the community relations potential of projects they undertake.

T:BUC Requirement

Applicants are required to outline the outcome in Together: Building a United Community (T:BUC) to which the proposed project will contribute.

Rural Micro Capital Grants Scheme 2022 

Micro Capital Grants of between £200 and £1,500 are available to rural community-led voluntary organisations for projects tackling issues of local poverty and/or social isolation. The total project cost must not exceed £3,000. 
Projects must clearly address an issue of rural poverty and/or social isolation and applicants must provide a minimum of 15% match funding. 

Funding applications close 12 noon Friday 30th Sept 2022. 

All applications this year will be online. Application form and guidelines are available by registering here.

Information Sessions:

Tuesday 13th September 2022
11am via Zoom Meeting 
Click here to join
Meeting ID: 898 9011 4106 
Passcode: 653607

Thursday 15th September 2022  
7pm at Fermanagh House, Broadmeadow Place, Enniskillen, BT74 7HR 

Monday 19th September 2022
7pm at Omagh Community House, 2 Drumragh Avenue, Omagh, BT78 7HR 

Tuesday 20th September 2022
7pm via Zoom Meeting 
Click here to join 
Meeting ID: 881 0549 2374 
Passcode: 809226 

For further information, please do not hesitate to contact grants@omaghforum.org 

The Reconciliation Fund awards grants to organisations working to build better relations within and between traditions in Northern Ireland, between North and South, and between Ireland and Britain. The Reconciliation Fund operates two main funding rounds each year (in spring and autumn) for 12-month grants. A Strategic Partnerships stream for 3-year funding was also launched in summer 2021.

Autumn 2022 Funding Round (for 12-month funding)

The autumn funding round will open on Tuesday 6 September 2022 at 11am. The round will remain open for 2 weeks, closing on Tuesday 20 September 2022 at 12pm.

Applications may be made only through the online grant application portal: https://onlinefunding.dfa.ie/ 

NOTE: Any application submitted before the opening time of 11am on the opening day of an annual funding round will be regarded as invalid and will not be accepted.

A number of local sports clubs and organisations have received awards in previous allocations.

Full information is available below.

Elevate provides a unique opportunity for community organisations to put their collective learning on health inequalities into practice in a supportive and encouraging environment. One of the elements of Elevate is the Community Mentoring & Grants programme.

Get up to £5,000!

Project Re-Boot: Activate is the next phase of funding to help clubs and community groups Build Back Better. This investment programme has been set up to support the sports sector through the ongoing coronavirus crisis in Northern Ireland. You need a crowdfunding project to apply for funding. Start creating your campaign project at Start crowdfunding | Crowdfunder UK and, if eligible, you’ll be prompted to apply. Have a look at the videos below which will explain the process in more detail. This investment aims to support projects and initiatives that are creative and innovative and will engage or re-engage people back into sport, specifically those who have been most adversely affected by the pandemic. Applications should focus particularly on people from at least one of the following priority groups:

Women & girls;
People with disabilities;
People with long term limiting illness;
Children & young people – especially those aged between 11-18 years;
Older people aged over 50;
Ethnically diverse communities;
People on a low income;
Families;
People living in areas of greatest need.
People living in rural areas
Our match investment, of up to £5,000, aims to help the sports sector on the road to recovery.

All applications/campaigns must be submitted for review by 5pm on Monday 20th March 2023 (unless the funds are exhausted before this date).
All projects must be completed by 30th June 2023.

Full links and guidance can be found on the SportNI page

National Lottery funding can help you to make a difference in your community. We offer funding from £300 to £10,000 to support what matters to people and communities.

We’re open to all applications for community projects that meet our criteria. This includes support responses to the COVID-19 pandemic.

We’re looking for ideas that:

• bring people together and build strong relationships in and across communities
• improve the places and spaces that matter to communities
• help more people to reach their potential, by supporting them at the earliest possible stage

Contact us if you have an idea on 028 9055 1455 or at enquiries.ni@tnlcommunityfund.org.uk.

Area

Northern Ireland

Suitable for

Voluntary or community organisations, Public sector organisations

Funding size

£300 to £10,000

Application deadline

Ongoing

The Community Development Venues / Facilities Reopening Grant

The Community Development Venues/Facilities Reopening Grant Support Programme is specifically designed to assist local community groups to open up their community development venues and facilities to support a safe recovery and return of normal activities similar to those pre-Covid 19 pandemic.

The grant will provide funding across three threshold levels £3,000, £2,000 and £1,000, which will support capital, large equipment and key maintenance spend to groups for venues and facilities to support community development activity across community engagement in arts, culture & heritage and sports

 The application form is in Microsoft Word and can be obtained by emailing communitydevelopment@midulstercouncil.org completed forms are to be emailed back to this address before 3pm Friday 5^th November 2021.

SPORTS RECOVERY AND PITCH MAINTENANCE FUNDS

PITCH MAINTENANCE FUND:

Providing financial assistance to ensure that clubs have the opportunity to maintain their playing surface to the highest level, therefore enabling greater usage on a more regular basis. Applicant clubs can apply for up to £2,000.

SPORTS RECOVERY FUND:

Grants of £500 to £4,000 available to help local sports clubs respond to the immediate challenges of returning to play in a coronavirus-safe way,  covering costs such as additional sports equipment, signage, sanitation and safety equipment for clubs in areas of high deprivation.

If submitting your application via email, send to sportsdevelopment@derrystrabane.com only. 

Deadline is 3.00pm on Friday 22^nd October 2021. 

FODC Capital Programme is available to groups and community organisations within the fields of; community development, sports, arts and culture and social economy. The purpose of the Capital Grant, is to enable groups to deliver high quality capital projects, or to enhance, or complement existing facilities that will bring significant benefit to the District.

Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon Borough Council are running the Large Capital Project Fund for the purpose to enable high quality capital projects that could bring significant benefit to the Borough. Fund- up to £20,000 (50% max rate)

DEADLINE- 29th October 2021 (12 Noon)

The Community Facilities Fund (CFF) is a grant scheme to support minor capital works, repairs and/or implementation of digital solutions to enable groups and organisations to improve income opportunities, make changes to the facility use and/or make the facility more accessible and inclusive to further engage the local community.

Lisburn & Castlereagh City Council recognises the vital role that community facilities play in providing local access to a range of important services in communities, hence the inclusion of this Fund as an integral part of the council’s District Electoral Area (DEA) Investment Plan. 

The closing date for receipt of applications is 1.00pm on Friday 9 July 2021.

Lisburn & Castlereagh City Council has opened a new funding opportunity called ‘Keep the Ball Rolling’ for local sports clubs and voluntary groups.  Up to £3,000 is available to eligible organisations that require help to meet sports costs associated with their development.

The ‘Keep the Ball Rolling’ Fund will help cover costs with tangible benefits including PPE equipment, sports equipment, small scale improvements to grounds, specialised equipment, club development officer funding, one off sports festival events and coach education training.

The closing date for applications is Friday 13 August at 4.00pm

Belfast City Council have released the COVID-19 Community Recovery Support Fund for community groups who can deliver projects in one of the following priority areas:⁠ ⁠

– Improved health and well being⁠
– Improved attitudes towards different backgrounds and cultures⁠
– Better connections with support networks and communities⁠ ⁠

Fund– up to £5,00                       DEADLINE– 2nd July 2021 (12 Noon)

The Poundland Foundation supports organisations working to transform communities and change lives across the UK. Our first grant window is Kits 4 Kids.

If you’re a local sports club or organisation looking for support for your team, then we’d love to hear from you. Use this application form to apply for a grant of up to £750 to provide kit or equipment for your team.

A £950,000 fund to support the voluntary and community sector has been launched by Communities Minister Deirdre Hargey. The Small Capital Grants Programme, which is delivered by Co-operation Ireland, is aimed at assisting voluntary and community organisations purchase items of equipment to enhance and sustain the activities and services they provide to the community.

Number of external funding opportunities either currently open or on the horizon which might be suitable for applications from your organisations: Check out the PowerPoint presentation below for full details

Rural Affairs Minister Edwin Poots launches the £1m Rural Halls Refurbishment Scheme

The pilot scheme will provide capacity building training and a grant to rural community and voluntary organisations to deliver capital refurbishment works to rural halls, with the intended aim of keeping community facilities viable and to support existing rural organisations to remain sustainable and identify new volunteers.

Funding up to £25,000

This stream supports all non-EA registered voluntary and community organisations in Northern Ireland who work with children and young people aged between 4-25 year olds in an informal setting to re-connect, re-energise and re-engage children and young people throughout the summer months.

Funding up to £2,000

New Community Investment Fund launching, with support from Bank of Ireland UK, Community Giving Fund.

We are excited to be launching a new Micro-Community Investment Fund providing valuable funding for smaller, grassroots organisations delivering great work across Northern Ireland.

Applications to the Fund will open on Monday 17th May as a rolling call for applications through our website www.communityfoundationni.org

Funding between £300 and £10,000

For further details on the programme, including the type of projects that might be considered, visit: www.tnlcommunityfund.org.uk

Dormant Accounts Fund NI will support the voluntary, community and social enterprise (VCSE) sector in Northern Ireland to be more resilient and prepared for the future by funding activity that increases capacity and sustainability.

Sport NI launches £5m National Lottery investment: Supporting Sport to Build Back Better, starting with Project Re-Boot:

7^th JANUARY 2021: Sport NI’s ‘Supporting Sport to Build Back Better’ programme has been launched to strengthen the sports sector as we emerge from COVID19.

Covid-19 Tranche 3 Grant Aid Programme

This is a grants fund to support local communities during the current pandemic under the three themes of Food Distress, Financial Distress and Connectivity. All funding awarded must be spent between 1 February – 31st March 2021. Up to £2,000 is available.

Covid-19 Community Support Fund 

Department for Communities funded, the COVID-19 Community Support Fund is to provide small grants to local community and voluntary organisations to deal with emerging issues in local communities as a result of the continuing threat of coronavirus.  Local community/voluntary sector organisations can apply for grants of up to 100% of costs up to £4,000.

Covid-19 Community Support Grants Scheme 

Lisburn & Castlereagh City Council funded through the Department for Communities (DfC) Covid Response Fund, has launched a second grants scheme for constituted community/voluntary and faith-based organisations.

COVID-19 Community Support Grants Scheme (Call 2)

This scheme aims to offer Community and Voluntary Organisations funding to aid them in rebuilding, reconnecting or returning to operation during the recovery phase of the coronavirus pandemic. 

COVID-19 Community Support Grants Scheme

Community Support Fund

Small and Medium Grants

Funding between £300 and £10,000

Coronavirus Community Support Fund