Your weekly roundup of funding news and deadlines from GrantTracker.
Funding News
New PEACEPLUS funding call aimed at underrepresented groups
SEUPB has identified some sectors which have not been successful in obtaining funding across the PEACEPLUS Programme throughout Northern Ireland and the border counties of Ireland. Therefore, a new funding call specifically addressing these groups and sectors is set to open soon. The funding will be delivered through the theme of Building Peaceful and Thriving Communities, and PEACEPLUS investment area 1.2, Empowering Communities.
Extended deadline for The Bright Path Fund
The Bright Path Fund is supported by Homewards NI and Community Foundation for Northern Ireland. The Bright Path Fund is focused on utilising the Private Rented Sector (PRS) to unlock homes for young people leaving care (aged 17 to 21 years), alongside the provision of tenancy and mental health & wellbeing support.
One award of £620,000. Deadline is now 12pm(noon) on 20 February 2026.
King Charles III Charitable Fund: Small Grants
The King Charles III Charitable Fund Small Grants Programme awards UK registered not-for-profit organisations with an annual income of between £25,000 and £500,000 with small grants of up to £3,000 per year, for up to three years for projects and activities under specific themes. The theme for the next round is Social inclusion and Health and wellbeing – improving the health and wellbeing of people and communities. Application deadline is 11 February 2026 at 12pm(noon).
KFC Youth Foundation Community Grants Programme 2026
The KFC Youth Foundation’s 2026 Community Grants Programme is now open for applications. They’ve made a few changes this year to make the process simpler and more aligned with their mission with refreshed questions to help them better support small, youth‑focused organisations working with young people aged 11–25. They will make two year grants of up to £6,000 (£3,000 in year one + £3,000 in year two). Application deadline 27 February 2026 (midday).
The Arts Society: Charity Grants
This fund aims to support UK-based registered charities to deliver projects and activities that make a positive contribution to people’s lives through the arts. Funding will support projects and activities that engage young people in the arts, skills development in the arts and heritage sector, and projects that support local and regional arts organisations and museums. Grants of up to £3,000 are available. Spring Round open from 1 March until 31 March 2026.
Sasha Foundation supporting Youth Mental Health
The Sasha Foundation offers grants to established charitable bodies across the UK supporting young people with depression, mental ill-health issues, or those confronting drug issues. Funding can be used to support new, continuing, or one-off initiatives. Priority will be given to grassroots community groups and small-to-medium-sized voluntary organisations. Grants up to £10,000. Overseas projects are also supported, primarily education and healthcare projects and programs in developing nations particularly for young women. Next deadline for applications is 1 April 2026.
Upcoming Deadlines
Grow Wild: Community Project Funding
Grow Wild is the national outreach programme of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew. They contribute to Kew's mission to understand and protect plants and fungi for the wellbeing of people and the future of all life on Earth. Grow Wild is offering grants of £2000 to twenty-three groups from across the UK to transform urban spaces for the benefit of people and wildlife by planting and championing UK native plants. Apply by 3pm on 4 February 2026.
In 1987, a group of those working in the City decided to hold a fundraising dinner at The Savoy. This proved so successful that they decided it should become an annual event every October - hence The October Club. They fund small and growing charities with donations and legacies, and income arising from charitable activities, of between £750,000 and £2.5m per annum. Their funding is for a transformational project based in the UK. The funds must be used within 3 years. They support one charity each year with an average amount of £500K. £800k was raised in 2025. All completed applications should reach them by the close of business on Friday 6 February 2026.
As an IT charity, all projects they fund must make use of information technology and must relate to one or more of their priority areas - education, inclusion, IT for charities, and public understanding of IT. Grants typically up to £15,000. Revised eligibility criteria apply. The next deadline is 5pm on February 6, 2026.
Joseph Rowntree Charitable Trust Round 1 – all programmes
The Joseph Rowntree Charitable Trust (JRCT) is an independent Quaker trust which makes grants to organisations and individuals working to produce positive social change through their charitable work. Recent awards under the Northern Ireland theme ranged from £60,000 up to £140,000. Round one is open to applications for all programmes: Northern Ireland, Power and Accountability, Peace and Security, Rights and Justice, Sustainable Future. The deadline to register for an account to apply in Round 1 is Monday, February 16, 2026.
UK Government: Connect Fund
The Connect Fund awards up to £1m to strengthen civic East-West collaboration on matters of shared interest, including mutual challenges and opportunities across a range of sectors that directly affect communities in Northern Ireland. The next round of the Connect Fund opened for applications on 7 January 2026, and community groups will have until February 12 to apply. Unlike Round 1, applications will not be accepted on a rolling monthly basis. Instead, applicants will be assessed in a single window. Delivery of projects must be within the period from 1 April 2026 - 31 March 2027.
#FundingFebruary 2026
Events & Training
FREE: Enthuse's Digital Fundraising Labs series
NICVA is delighted to offer this series of free Digital Fundraising Labs in partnership with Enthuse, Europe’s number one charity first fundraising platform. Each session is designed to guide, inspire, energise, and empower your online fundraising approach.
FREE: Creating a Successful Crowdfunding Campaign
11 February 2026 - 6:30 to 8:00pm
Join Crowdfunder UK and Sport NI for an engaging free webinar designed to help you unlock the power of crowdfunding. Learn practical steps to create campaigns that inspire support and raise funds for your cause.
FREE: Maximising Contactless Donations with Give A Little
As physical cash disappears from donor pockets, charities must look beyond the traditional collection bucket to ensure their long-term survival. This webinar is designed to help Northern Ireland’s charitable organisations navigate the transition from cash to digital giving with confidence and ease. Vicky Hewlett, Head of Marketing Communications at Give A Little explains how you can work towards building a sustainable cashless fundraising strategy with their solutions.
Using AI to create Social Media Content
£75 NICVA members; £110 non-members
25 February 2026 - 9:30am to 1:00pm
This session has been designed for anyone who needs to understand how AI can support their social media efforts. It is a practical session in which you will learn how to use AI tools to brainstorm ideas, create content, and improve efficiency. It will be important also for feeling confident in incorporating AI into your social media strategy while maintaining a human touch.
FREE: Funding Fayre 2026
We're pleased to announce NICVA’s Funding Fayre returns in 2026, and we’re inviting voluntary and community organisations across Northern Ireland to register their interest in joining us. Kindly supported by the Halifax Foundation for Northern Ireland, this event is an ideal opportunity for anyone connected with raising funds for your cause. Register now for this popular event!
Guest Blogs
Ahead of their webinar for NICVA, Vicky Hewlett, Head of Marketing Communications at Give A Little updates us on their solutions.
Paul Montgomery, Operations Lead, gives an overview of the Stroke Association’s cashless donations journey, from early testing in 2024 and use at staffed events in 2025, to getting the technology in the hands of the supporter in 2026.
AI is reshaping work, but people remain the real advantage. This article explores how leaders can guide teams through disruption with clarity, soft skills and purposeful action, turning AI from a challenge into a meaningful opportunity.
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