Funding News – 04 July 2022

Your weekly funding news and deadlines update from GrantTracker.

Funding News

DAERA Environmental Challenge Fund

Environment Minister Edwin Poots MLA has launched this year’s Environmental Challenge Fund Competition which will provide funding to projects led by local stakeholders to help improve our aquatic environment. The grant scheme will be running from 24 June 2022 until 31 March 2023. The funding is for constituted not for profit organisations and councils. The grant will cover up to 85% of funding for projects costing £5,000 to £30,000. The closing date for applications for the 2022/23 Water Quality Improvement Strand of the Environmental Challenge Fund Competition is 23:59 h on 26 of July 2022.

Lisburn & Castlereagh City Council: ‘Keep the Ball Rolling’ Fund 2022

Lisburn & Castlereagh City Council has launched a small grants fund for constituted Sports Clubs and other voluntary groups, to support an area of development within your club.  Projects must take place between October 2022 and March 2023. The maximum amount that any group will be awarded is £3,000. Any money granted is for costs incurred.

Arts Council of Northern Ireland: Rural Engagement Arts Programme

The purpose of the Rural Engagement Arts Programme (REAP) is to provide an integrated, cohesive approach to the needs of local rural communities as they emerge from the global Covid pandemic, recognising the specific issues they face as a result. The overarching theme is combatting isolation and loneliness, and promoting social inclusion. Deadline for applications: Thursday 28th July 2022 at 12pm.

AIB Community Fund

As part of the AIB Community Strategy they have launched a €1 Million AIB Community Fund to demonstrate their commitment and support for local charities. The fund will divided out amongst charitable organisations throughout the UK & Ireland and they are asking you to nominate charities that mean the most to you. The promoter is Allied Irish Banks Plc. Nominations will close on 14th July 2022.

Sea-Changers Innovation Fund 2022

The fund's unique emphasis is on supporting ideas that are new and/or experimental solutions in the field of marine conservation. In 2022, the Innovation Fund totals £30,000 to be split as: £10,000 will be awarded to projects based in / taking place in Scotland – supported by The William Grant Foundation; £10,000 will be awarded to projects that are aimed at preventing or addressing the issue of plastics in the marine environment, anywhere in the UK – supported by LIGA; and £10,000 is for projects anywhere in the UK in any area of marine conservation innovation. Also see their general Grants Programme.

The Pink Ribbon Foundation Grants

The Pink Ribbon Foundation provides grants of up to £6000 for practical projects and initiatives, which aim to help registered charities to deliver good physical and mental health to individuals with and recovering from breast cancer.  They expect projects that receive funding to be delivered within 12 to 18 months.

Upcoming Deadlines

Update from The Northern Ireland Area Team for the Levelling Up Fund (July 1st, 2022)

There has been a delay to the opening of the application portal. Work is ongoing to open the online portal for the second round of the Levelling Up Fund. The application portal will be opened as soon as possible and, once open, will be live for 2 weeks for applicants to put forward their bids. They will update GOV.UK and this distribution list with the planned date for the portal’s launch at the earliest opportunity.

Arts Council NI: Arts and Older People

The Arts & Older People Programme aims to strengthen the voice of older people and promote positive mental health and emotional wellbeing through the arts. In conjunction with the delivery partners the priority areas for this next round of funding are projects being delivered within care homes, carers and people living with dementia. The proposed projects should reflect the partnership approach with the care homes and have the support from them in the delivery.

Application deadline noon, 07 July 2022.

Covid Recovery Small Settlements Regeneration Programme: Strategic Capital Grants

Fermanagh and Omagh District Council wishes to invite applications from community groups for strategic capital projects within the district which can be delivered by 31 March 2024.

Application deadline noon, 08 July 2022.

Social Enterprise NI: Social Enterprise Awards

The annual Awards promote and showcase some of the best examples of social enterprise across Northern Ireland. Each year the Social Enterprise Awards attract a diverse range of applications from organisations tackling some of society’s biggest challenges. The awards recognise and celebrate the excellence in social enterprise and the outstanding achievements using trade to deliver social impact.

Submit your nominations to the 15 award categories by midnight 8 July 2022.

The Hospital Saturday Fund

The Hospital Saturday Fund aims to provide assistance for registered health charities, hospices, medical organisations and individuals with a medical condition or disability. They can provide grants for medical projects, care, research or support of medical training within the United Kingdom and Republic of Ireland. The Hospital Saturday Fund has two grant categories: - Standard grants of up to £2,000 or €3,000 OR - Large grants to up to £10,000 or €13,500.

Standard Grants application deadline 5pm, 13 July 2022.

Articles and Resources

Guest Blogs for the voluntary and community sector

Our goal is to help the voluntary and community sector to innovate, develop and improve to meet the needs of the communities it serves. To do this, NICVA works with a diverse range of organisations to provide information, guidance, and resources. Click link to view a few of the recent Guest Blogs from local, regional and national organisations including Friends of the Earth, Fundraising Regulator, Chartered Institute of Fundraising, and many more.

Other articles & resources

Upcoming Fundraising Training

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  • Getting the most out of GrantTracker

14 September 2022 - 11:00am to 12:00pm

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  • Free Fundraising Clinics for NICVA Members

Free, one-hour fundraising advice clinics for NICVA members to discuss their fundraising needs. These monthly events occur on the last Tuesday of each month from 10am until 4pm. You can book your slot here Events and Training | NICVA. If these times are not suitable, please contact Jocelyn at [email protected] to arrange a different date and time.

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