Your weekly roundup of funding news and deadlines from GrantTracker.
Funding News
The Executive Office: Planned Interventions Programme
Funding is made available for the delivery of the Planned Intervention programme by The Executive Office (TEO). The fund is designed specifically to enable organisations to work with young people living in interface areas or locations where there is the potential of heightened social unrest, or in those areas experiencing inter or intra community violence, at key times such as evenings and weekends. The Planned Interventions Programme is open for applications from Friday 10 January 2025. Applications are welcome from constituted or voluntary groups before 4pm on Friday 14 February.
The Royal Countryside Fund’s new Supporting Rural Communities opens
Their new UK-wide Supporting Rural Communities grant programme is now open for applications. Eligible organisations are able to apply for grants of up to £25,000 over two years to deliver community-led initiatives. The fund aims to support innovative solutions that will “power up, not prop up” communities, inspiring change and encouraging economic vibrancy. Deadline for Expressions of Interest is 21 February 2025.
Naturesave Trust is currently accepting applications to its Spring 2025 round. The Trust obtains 100% of its funding from the premiums generated by Naturesave Insurance and provides funding three times a year to support specific UK-based environmental, conservation and community renewable energy projects. The theme for the January - February 2025 funding window is sustainable and active travel and offers grants between £500 and £5,000. Closes 27 February 2025 (midday).
Rural Action Awards for 2024/2025
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. They are looking to support 12 projects. 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. Deadline 1 February 2025.
The World Habitat Awards, run by World Habitat in partnership with UN-Habitat , recognises some of the world’s most remarkable and innovative housing projects. For 2025, they will be presenting Bronze, Silver and Gold Awards to the most outstanding projects and programmes. The two GOLD Award-winning projects receive: a trophy in recognition of their work to develop and deliver good practice in housing; prize money of £10,000; follow-up support from World Habitat through their exChange programme; and entry to the World Habitat Awards Network, along with the Silver and Bronze winners. Entry is free. Apply by 3 March 2025, 23:59 GMT.
Upcoming Deadlines
Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council
Several schemes are closing in January and February 2025 including their Capital Grants Programme 2024-25. The Capital Grants Fund is available to local sports and community organisations for support towards the development of new or the enhancement of existing facilities to meet unmet needs. The Capital Grant Programme will only fund properly constituted not for profit community and voluntary sector organisations. Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council will consider grant aid of 80% of total evidenced capital costs up to a maximum total grant value of £120,000. Deadline 17 January 2025 (midday).
The Big Give: The Green Match Fund
The Green Match Fund is a match funding campaign for charities which are working on environmental issues as part of their core mission. All public donations made to participating charities via the Big Give’s campaign week of will be matched up to a specific amount: Charities can seek raise up to £10,000 in public donations through their 1:1 Model (to be doubled by match funds) or up to £100,000 in public donations through the Pledge Model (to be doubled by match funds). Charities can receive up to £50k in Champion funds. Deadline 17 January 2025.
NTR Wind Farm Community Benefit Funds
NTR divert funds to support communities in which they operate wind farms. Unincorporated groups may apply to the fund for up to a project value of £2,000. Larger projects can be facilitated through a multi-annual agreement, e.g. £6,000 x 4 year = £24,000. The fund supports projects and activities contributing to Health and wellbeing, Village and community enhancement, Sport, leisure and recreation, Social Inclusion, including children, youth and active retired age groups, Community infrastructure, Environmental projects, Renovation or upgrade of community buildings or facilities, Purchase of equipment for use by community groups or clubs, and Outdoor classroom or friendship gardens for preschool and school age children. Currently only the NTR Murley Wind Farm Community Benefit Fund is open. Closes 17th January 2025.
The Programme is about building positive relations and long-lasting friendships among young people across all parts of the Northern Ireland community. Camps must therefore bring diverse groups together to get to know each other, try new experiences and help build longer-term relationships between young people. Good Relations learning must be at the heart of every Camp. Funding covers the period 1 April 2025 to 28 February 2026. Eligible applicants include EANI registered youth organisations, bona fide voluntary and community organisations (including churches/faith based organisations, sports groups, arts groups etc.), schools, regional organisations that have experience in working with young people, and Councils. Completed applications must be returned to the Education Authority no later than 4pm on Friday 17th January 2025.
University of Atypical: Sounds Atypical Music
The Sounds Atypical Music Grant Scheme is a Belfast City Council funded opportunity for d/Deaf, disabled, and neurodivergent musicians to develop, promote and provide platforms for disabled musicians in performance spaces across Belfast. The fund is split into three grants schemes as follows: 2x £5000 grants, 2x £3000 grants, and 2x £2000 grants. An Access pot managed by University of Atypical will be available for successful applicants to encourage events to include access requirements for audiences including but not limited to BSL, ISL and Audio Description Advice sessions close on: Friday 17 January 2025. Deadline for applications 24 January 2025 (4:00 pm).
Fundraising Support
NICVA focuses on Funding in February | NICVA
Every day, thousands of people benefit from the vital services that the voluntary and community sector provides. Committed and skilled fundraisers, paid and voluntary, are fundamental to the sector's ability to deliver, so Funding February aims to support their needs.
We’ll be hosting a wide range of free events and resources throughout the month including our NICVA’s Funding Fayre back for 2025, 26 February 2025 from 10:00am to 1:00pm. Find out more here.
Fundraising Hub
Explore the Fundraising Hub for a wide range of articles and resources to support your fundraising journey. A few are below:
Crowdfunder UK launches Foundation to empower philanthropy
Crowdfunder UK have officially launched the Crowdfunder Foundation aimed at helping philanthropists, high-net worth individuals, trusts, and foundations maximise their charitable giving through crowdfunding.
Every year charities in the UK lose out on £564 million as in Gift Aid goes unclaimed. Find out how you can make Gift Aid work better for you.
Supporting the Planet and Your Organisation
Earth Day is celebrated annually on 22 April. But did you know you can encourage donors to support your work while taking environmental action? There are a few options out there to generate additional income for your work or save you the expense by encouraging your supporters and donors to take action on your behalf.
Get ahead with GrantTracker and access over 1000 funding schemes in NI's leading database. Just £100 a year for NICVA members and £145 for non-members. Sign up here.