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Funding News
The National Lottery Community Fund: Climate Action Fund - Energy and Climate
This funding aims to inspire and support communities across the UK to address the energy and climate crisis. They’re looking for projects that show how communities can address climate change while tackling the energy challenges through community-led climate action. Projects can apply for up to £1.5 million over 2 to 5 years, with most projects over £500,000. Minimum grant £500,000. They aim to fund around 8-12 projects.
Community Foundation Northern Ireland: The Community Solutions to Housing and Homelessness Programme
You are invited to register your interest and your ideas to be considered as a participant on the Community Solutions to Housing and Homelessness Programme. This form should be submitted with reference to the Community Solutions to Housing and Homelessness Programme Guidance notes. The aim of the Programme is: “To contribute to reducing and preventing homelessness in Northern Ireland through supporting projects that address root causes of housing stress and homelessness, amplifying the voices of people with lived experience.” Deadline for EOIs is 23 March (4pm).
Margaret Dobson Further Education Trust
The Margaret Dobson Further Education Trust focus is support of organisations for young adults with learning disability, after leaving school, with the aim or giving them practical skills to prepare them to be able to lead independent lives. Grants can only be made to institutions or organisations who are registered Charities, Charitable Incorporated Organisations or Community Interest Companies. The Trust is not large and grants of up to £5,000 are given.
National Churches Trust: Large Grants (formerly Cornerstone Grants)
The National Churches Trust is the national, independent charity dedicated to supporting and promoting places of worship of historic, architectural and community value used by Christian denominations throughout the UK. The Trust does this through the provision of grants for repairs and modernisation, support, advice and information and campaigning to highlight the cause of church buildings and the value they provide to communities. Large grant size: Up to £50,000.
Heart Research UK and SUBWAY® Healthy Heart Grants
Heart Research UK and SUBWAY® Healthy Heart Grants of up to £15,000 are available for original, innovative projects that promote a healthy heart and help reduce the risk of developing heart disease in your area and across the country. They will award up to five grants at £15,000 in each region of the UK. Northern Ireland window opens 17 August 2023.
Upcoming Deadlines
Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade: Reconciliation Fund
The Reconciliation Fund is an initiative of the Government of Ireland. The Reconciliation Fund awards grants to organisations working to build better relations within and between traditions in Northern Ireland, between North and South, and between Ireland and Britain. From 2023 the Reconciliation Fund will be moving to one annual funding application round only. The single window for applications to be submitted will open in the spring and decisions will be issued in the summer. Deadline 14 March 2023 (Noon).
Freelands Foundation: Spring 2023 Fund - Open Call
Freelands Foundation works to broaden access to art education and the visual arts across the UK. Through their education programmes, they work with teachers and educators to develop diverse and ambitious approaches to art education and support teaching as artistic practice. A range of eligible art organisations can apply for grants of up to £25,000 per year for projects over one or two years. Expression of Interest deadline 15 March 2023.
Help The Homeless' main funding remit is the regular allocation of grants (generally up to £5,000) for capital costs to small and medium-sized registered charities only (those with a turnover of under £1m per annum). All applications must relate to projects that assist individuals in their return to mainstream society, rather than simply offer shelter or other forms of sustenance. Deadline 15 March 2023 (5pm).
Due to the success of last year’s £100,000 Community Cashback scheme, leading convenience symbol group SPAR is launching a second £100,000 Community Cashback scheme, giving away thirty grants to local voluntary or community organisations and charities. Deadline 15 March 2023 (23:59).
Mid Ulster District Council: Strategic Community Development Grants
The Strategic Community Development Grants scheme is one of a number of grant schemes run specifically to support the voluntary and community sector in the Mid Ulster District Council area. Grants are available up to a maximum of £8000. It aims to provide Grant Aid to those organisations that provide a direct support role to community development across the area to address issues arising and activities through a capacity building approach. The fund will also support organisations that play a lead role in the provision of focused community support which addresses social issues. Deadline 16 March 2023 (23:55).
Fundraising Clinics & Training
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5 April 2023; 12:30pm to 1:15pm
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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.
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:
- Guest Blogs for the voluntary and community sector
- BBC Children in Need's publish new Grantmaking Strategy 2022-25
- Charities and the cost-of-living crisis
- #DigitalFundraising Webinar Series
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