Funding News

Your weekly funding news and deadlines update from GrantTracker.

Asda Foundation’s goal is to build resilient communities by empowering local groups to make a positive difference, addressing local challenges and social needs. We aim to achieve this by provide funding to local grassroots community groups to enable them to meet the diverse needs of their community and to help them thrive and grow. Current schemes open include Empowering Local Communities, Cost of Living, U18 Better Starts, and Investing in Spaces and Places Grants. Apply via your nearest store’s Community Champion by 21 April 2023 except Investing in Spaces and Places (19 March 2023).

NIHE: Social Enterprise Plus Programme

The Social Enterprise Plus Strategy aims to stimulate economic activity among people living or working in Housing Executive communities. wo types of award: Building Capacity Award – awards up to £10,000 and Get Going Award – Award up to £1000. Applications, where possible, should demonstrate these priority areas: Reduction of negative effects of the cost of living crisis, Energy and net carbon / environmental impact, Preparing social enterprises for social clauses within Government contracts including Housing Executive maintenance contracts, and COVID-19 recovery.

Community Foundation NI: The Gill’s Charity Fund

The Gill’s Charity Fund is open to fully constituted voluntary organisations and community groups based within Northern Ireland, although the project must be strictly aimed at older people resident in the Borough of Carrickfergus only. Applying organisations should provide, promote, maintain or manage or organise amenities and facilities for the promotion of welfare or recreational or cultural activities of a charitable nature. Eligible applicants are organisations with an income level of below £100k.

Volunteero Dragons Den for Good offers £10k grant & free licence

Charities are invited to pitch at Volunteero’s Dragons Den for Good event for the chance to win a £10k grant and a 2-year free licence for Volunteero (a volunteer management system). Three charities will pitch at the event, which takes place at the Volunteero Summit on 27 Apr, in the Crowne Plaza Nottingham. Deadline of 16 March. Your pitch must cover the organisation and mission, the story behind it, the problem it is trying to solve or reduce and how, progress so far, and plans for the next year.

Veterans' Foundation Grants

The Veterans’ Foundation has established a substantial grants’ programme to support charities and organisations that provide support to those in need among serving armed forces personnel, veterans, operationally qualified seafarers and their immediate families. All registered charities and other organisations that support the armed forces community (veterans, those serving and immediate dependants), including seafaring veterans who have served on operations, may apply. Grants up to £40,000.

Upcoming Deadlines

Community Foundation for Northern Ireland

The following funds close at 1pm on the respective dates:

Keadue Community Grants Fund 6 March 2023
RTÉ Toy Show Appeal Community Grants Fund 10 March 2023
Carer’s Support Fund 13 March 2023

Sport NI: Athlete Award 2023-24

In this investment where applicable, Sport NI will contribute to the essential personal living costs of an athlete. Governing Bodies of sports will be responsible for nominating athletes for the Athlete Awards. Applications submitted directly from athletes will not be considered. There are three levels of Athlete Award available: £7,500- £9,000, £4,000- £5,000, and £2,000- £2,500. Deadline 10 March 2023 (4pm).

W G Edwards Charitable Foundation

The W G Edwards Charitable Foundation is an independent grant-making charity, which assists with the provision of care for older people. The Foundation assists with capital projects, refurbishment and equipment in addition to innovative schemes for ongoing care. Grants usually between £1,000 to £3,000, with the average grant being £1,700. Deadline 10 March 2023.

LSE: 100x Impact Accelerator

100x Impact Accelerator, a new £50m global initiative dedicated to shaping a new generation of “social unicorns” aiming to nurture high-potential social enterprises and enable them to achieve positive impact on the scale of billions. Each social enterprise selected for 100x Impact Accelerator will receive a £150,000 grant and access to the School’s world class expertise. Deadline 10 March 2023.

Plan for Peace: Changemakers in Turbulent Times

Changemakers in Turbulent Times is designed to support people working for social change, to foster connections and encourage creative responses to the challenges of our times through a unique 10-week programme in six pilot cities including Belfast. Running in two cohorts from March 2023 it includes an opportunity to apply for seed grants of up to £2,000. Cohort 2 applications open 13 March 2023.

Fundraising Clinics & Training

Getting the most out of GrantTracker - Online

5 April 2023; 12:30pm to 1:15pm

Free lunchtime online session for NICVA members to explore GrantTracker and all its functions – suitable for subscribers and those interested in subscribing to learn more about this local funding database.

Fundraising Articles & Resources

Guest Blog: The Chartered Institute of Fundraising in Northern Ireland | NICVA

Paul Montgomery, Chair of the Chartered Institute of Fundraising Northern Ireland gives an overview of the work they do and how you can get involved. Plus, Paul details of their spring Fundraising Forum in Lisburn.

Guest Blog: The National Lottery Community Fund - remember to consider your environmental impact when applying for funding

Mark Creaney, from The National Lottery Community Fund (NLCF), talks about how the largest community funder across the UK is supporting communities who are seeking to minimise their impact on the environment.

Guest Blog: Fundraising Regulator builds on its presence in Northern Ireland | NICVA

The Fundraising Regulator gives an overview of their work in 2022 including its commitment to strengthening its presence in Northern Ireland.

Making a Sustainable Difference in your Organisation

The environment affects all aspects of our lives and there are numerous benefits for organisations to address environmental issues such as improved finances and greater appeal for employees, supporters, and funders. Find out more here including potential funders.

Fundraising Hub

NICVA Fundraising Advice has a range of articles from contributors supporting fundraising. Explore our Fundraising Hub for advice and information:

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