Your weekly roundup of funding news and deadlines from GrantTracker.
Funding News
Forte Charitable Foundation funds charitable organisations (including social enterprises, not-for-profit registered companies and voluntary organisations) across the UK with a demonstrable, successful track record of addressing local issues in communities of extreme urban deprivation and deprived rural districts. Organisations with an income of less than £250,000 can apply for small grants of £2,000 to £10,000. Organisations with annual incomes of up to £500,000 can apply for major grants of £10,000 and £50,000. Funding covers revenue costs including core, salaries, running and project costs. No deadline.
Honourable The Irish Society’s Charitable Grants
The deadline for the next round of funding for the following funds in February 2026 is 31st December 2025. North West Fund - The Honourable The Irish Society’s traditional programme open to community groups/clubs/associations or individuals across County Londonderry / Derry, awarding grants up to £1,000 from its own funds and on behalf of The Drapers’ Company. Northern Ireland Fund - In association with The Clothworkers’ Foundation offers a number of grants between £1,000 and £2,000 to smaller charitable organisations elsewhere in Northern Ireland (outside County Londonderry / Derry) with an operating income below £250,000 per annum.
Community Foundation for NI: The Bright Path Fund
The Bright Path Fund is supported by Homewards NI and Community Foundation for Northern Ireland. The Bright Path Fund is focused on utilising the Private Rented Sector (PRS) to unlock homes for young people leaving care (aged 17 to 21 years), alongside the provision of tenancy and mental health & wellbeing support.
In this phase, the fund will seek to support a pilot project across Northern Ireland which is sustainable, scalable, and inspirational for third parties to adopt. One award of £620,000. Deadline to apply is 12pm(noon) on 26 January 2026.
Paul Hamlyn Foundation: Arts-based Learning Fund
They support arts and cultural organisations to work in partnership with schools, colleges, and other formal education settings. Organisations can apply for grants of between £30,000 and £300,000 (£100,000 per year); the majority are in the region of £150,000 to £250,000 over two to four years. On average they fund around 24% of the applications received. Rolling programme - no deadlines.
CRC Community Relations/Cultural Diversity: Small Grants Scheme
The Community Relations Council, with the support of Government, provides funding for intentional work with a clear good relations purpose and that is deliberate and planned activities directly addressing sectarianism and/or racism (the two main aims of the CRCD grant scheme). Funding of up to £10,000 is available for project costs only. Average grant typically between £2,000- £5,000. Closing date 27 February 2026 at 4pm.
Upcoming Deadlines
National Churches Trust deadlines
The Wolfson Fabric Repair Grants are awarded towards essential fabric repairs at UK churches usually up to £10,000. Their Medium Grants programme offers grants of up to £10,000 towards urgent and essential maintenance and repair projects costing up to £80,000. Also project development and investigative work up to RIBA planning stage 1, to support churches preparing for a major project, and in developing their project to the point at which they can approach a major grant funder. Grants will never exceed 50% of the net project costs (for this phase). Deadline 16 December 2025.
The Paddle Trust is awarding grants of between £500 to £10,000 to projects across the whole of the UK that will improve accessibility for paddlers, and/or protect waterways and oceans. Exceptional projects over £10,000 will be considered. Applications welcome from Paddling clubs, Community groups, Parish Councils, Local Authorities, any UK resident with an active interest in improving access to water and protecting the environment, and organisations or partnerships with local paddlesport groups. Deadline 17 December 2025.
A seven-day online match funding campaign supporting arts and culture charities working to achieve societal impact across the UK, run in partnership with Figurative Philanthropy for Arts & Culture (FPAC). Arts charities apply and select either the 1:1 and receive at least £1000 and up to £7,500 in public donations (to be doubled by Big Give’s Champion partners. Or select the Pledge Model and receive up to £30,000 in public donations; then doubled by match funds provided by Big Give’s Champion partners and the charity’s own pledge funders. Deadline 17 December 2025.
1001 Critical Days Foundation: Charity Grants
They partner with charities who share their passion for improving outcomes for babies during their first 1001 critical days. Open to UK registered charities delivering work that supports babies during the 1001 critical days – from pregnancy to the age of two, they prioritise projects and initiatives delivering the greatest impact and outcomes for babies. Charities can apply for up to £100,000 per year for up to five years and grants will typically range from £20,000 - £80,000 per year. Deadline is 5pm on 19 December 2025.
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 £500,000 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. Next deadline 5pm on 20 December 2025..
Events & Training
FREE: Enthuse's Digital Fundraising Labs series
NICVA is delighted to offer this series of free Digital Fundraising Labs in partnership with Enthuse, Europe’s number one charity first fundraising platform. Each session is designed to guide, inspire, energise, and empower your online fundraising approach.
FREE: Creating a Successful Crowdfunding Campaign
11 February 2026 - 6:30 to 8:00pm
Join Sport NI and Crowdfunder UK for an engaging free webinar designed to help you unlock the power of crowdfunding. Learn practical steps to create campaigns that inspire support and raise funds for your cause.
Using AI to create Social Media Content
£75 NICVA members; £110 non members
25 February 2026 - 9:30am to 1:00pm
This session has been designed for anyone who needs to understand how AI can support their social media efforts. It is a practical session in which you will learn how to use AI tools to brainstorm ideas, create content, and improve efficiency. It will be important also for feeling confident in incorporating AI into your social media strategy while maintaining a human touch.
FREE: Funding Fayre 2026
We're pleased to announce NICVA’s Funding Fayre returns in 2026, and we’re inviting voluntary and community organisations across Northern Ireland to register their interest in joining us. Kindly supported by the Halifax Foundation for Northern Ireland, this event is an ideal opportunity for anyone connected with raising funds for your cause. Register now for this popular event!
Latest Articles
**UPDATED** AI a powerful force for good?
The growing role of AI in our lives and workplace and the opportunities it presents in improving both accessibility and efficiency for organisations is apparent to many including funders. We highlight the position of some local funders and provide a list of useful resources.
A blog from Aaron Johnson, ICO Lead Policy Officer
Struggling with data protection? Our research has shown you’re not alone. Our new Data Protection Fundamentals series is here to make compliance simple, practical and affordable. We’re delighted to undertake this project partnership with NICVA to help the community and voluntary sector in Northern Ireland with its data protection awareness and confidence.
Bank account availability for voluntary organisations
NICVA has produced an updated comparison table of some of the main current accounts available to voluntary organisations in Northern Ireland in response to issues that some organisations have experienced with opening or maintaining a bank account. Updated 27 November 2025 with new information regarding Ulster Bank, Santander, Bank of Ireland and AIB.
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