Your weekly roundup of funding news and deadlines from GrantTracker.
Funding News
Ards & North Down Borough Council: Ulster-Scots Talks and Events Grants
Ulster-Scots Talks and Events Grants are available to assist Ulster-Scots heritage-based talks and events that take place in the Ards and North Down Borough between 1 October 2026 and 31 March 2027. Applications are invited from constituted historical societies and heritage-interest groups who wish to apply for funding towards the costs involved in organising a publicly accessible Ulster-Scots Heritage talk or event, within AND Borough Council area. Eligible groups and organisations may apply for funding for up to one talk and up to one event. This is a rolling grant process open from October 2026, and funding will be allocated until the grant budget is exhausted.
Health Data Research UK (HDR UK) has reopened their fund for community-led health data activities. Interested community representatives, curious about data, can become a Data Champion. And apply for £3,000 to design and deliver activities that explore how data can support better health and wellbeing in your community and build your data knowledge, confidence and connections along the way. No experience of data, research or science necessary, just a willingness to learn and support your community. Please submit your application by Monday 2 November 2026 at 12.00 GMT (midday).
The Foyle Foundation has appointed the Community Foundation for Northern Ireland to deliver a small grants fund on its behalf for community organisations in Northern Ireland. The fund aims to support ‘projects which generate income or cost savings, contributing to financial sustainability’. Grants of up to £5,000. The submission deadline is Monday 16th November 2026 at 12 noon.
Great British Energy has launched a new £20 million Community Fund to support community owned clean energy projects in England, Wales and Northern Ireland. The fund will help eligible community organisations test, develop and build community owned clean energy assets, with projects required to demonstrate community ownership and local retention of project benefits. Funding of up to £3 million available. The current application window closes on 12 November 2026 at 11:55pm.
Rosa’s Voices from the Frontline Fund
Rosa’s Voices from the Frontline Fund is now open for applications, offering grants of up to £10,000 to support campaigning and influencing work by women’s and girls’ organisations. Organisations working to amplify the voices of women and girls in the UK at a local, community or national level and to use their campaigning expertise to influence change welcomed. In Northern Ireland, they previously funded a campaign to reopen the midwife unit in a local hospital and to contribute to a new maternity strategy and a campaign to address drink-spiking in Belfast. Application Deadline: 4pm on 16 November 2026. ‘How to Apply’ webinars are being held. Register for one via their website.
Upcoming Deadlines
Go Succeed Grants for Business
Go Succeed can fund up to 50% of eligible capital costs, with a maximum grant of £4,000. This grant could support the purchase of specialist equipment to automate your production processes and boost productivity, or digital tools such as a website or software to streamline operations and enhance how you promote your business. Grant applications are open until 12noon on the 13 October 2026.
Henry Smith Foundation: Maternity Equity
The Maternity Equity Fund will support organisations delivering preventative maternity support during pregnancy and birth. It will help organisations improving access, experience and outcomes, and those that are open to learning, partnerships, and shared practice. This includes knowledge exchange with health professionals and other funded organisations. They’re committed to funding work that is rooted in communities and built on trust, shaped by lived experience, and is inclusive, accessible, and strengths based. Grant amount: £61,600 in year one and £61,700 in years two and three (£185,000 total). EOIs close 5pm on 14 October 2026.
Arts Council NI: Musical Instruments for Bands
The Arts Council has designed this programme to increase the quality of music-making in the community by helping bands to replace worn-out instruments and purchase new instruments. Particular priority will be given to applications which can demonstrate high quality musicianship; a commitment to training and musical education, particularly of young people; and a commitment to repertoire and technique development in relation to the band’s existing repertoire and technical standards. You may apply for a maximum grant of £30,000. Application Deadline: 15 October 2026 at 12 noon.
The James Kane Foundation will focus on two themes: Enabling STEM related education and career opportunities and Enabling students to make the correct choices between employment/career and higher-level education pathways. Open to education bodies including schools, colleges and third level institutions, employers including private sector companies, and charities and social enterprises. The Foundation intends to allocate approximately £400,000 per year and will consider multi-year funding. 75% of the budget will be allocated to large grants, and 25% to small grants under £25,000. Deadline for Expression of Interest forms 16 October 2026 at 12noon.
Fundraising Events & Training 2026/27
We're Supporting Good Relations Week 2026
NICVA is proud to support Good Relations Week 2026 and this year's theme of INCLUDE. We invite you to explore our upcoming events, connect with others, and discover practical ways to advance inclusion in your organisation and community.
Sign up for these learning opportunities today:
LGBTQIA+ Awareness Training with The Rainbow Project | NICVA
20 October 2026 - 10:00am to 1:00pm, FREE
The Rainbow Project invites you to attend their LGBTQIA+ Awareness Training. Offered in support of Good Relations Week 2026’s theme, INCLUDE, this in-person session will give learners opportunities to broaden their understanding, challenge perceptions, and breakdown barriers.
Unheard Voices: Young People Seeking Asylum Awareness
4 November 2026 - 10:00am to 1:00pm, £25 NICVA members; £35 non-members
Gain a deeper understanding of the asylum process and the experiences of those seeking safety in this half-day session delivered by Include Youth. Co-designed with young people seeking asylum, the session is ideal for anyone working with asylum-seekers or refugees.
Neurodiversity in the Workplace
19 November 2026 - 10:00am to 1:00pm, FREE
Join NICVA and Employers for Disability NI (EFDNI) for this practical session exploring neurodiversity in the workplace and how organisations can create more inclusive and supportive environments for neurodivergent employees.
Fundraising Training and Events Calendar for 2026/27 | NICVA
To support the voluntary and community sector, we have a wide range of opportunities to learn and develop your skills, broaden your knowledge and network with others. We also invite you to save the date for the return of NICVA's annual Funding Fayre.
Articles and Resources
Webinar recording: easyfundraising
In this helpful and informal session, Becky from easyfundraising walked us through using the easyfundraising platform to raise additional free unrestricted funding from online shopping. Read on to find out how you can get involved, download the presentation slides, watch the webinar and learn about the easyfundraising Impact Fund where you can apply for a £1000 unrestricted grant.
New £10m programme to address violence against women and girls | NICVA
UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) has announced plans for a new £10 million programme to support local projects to prevent violence and abuse against women and girls across the UK. The Violence Against Women and Girls (VAWG) Prevention Accelerator will build UK-wide capability to stop violence and abuse by funding and supporting promising grassroots initiatives.
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