Your weekly funding news and deadlines update from GrantTracker.
Funding News
They support projects that help make communities fairer for everyone. You can apply if you're a not-for profit group, wanting to fund a specific project that benefits your local community. If your funding application is successful, they'll work with you for 12 months which is also the period of giving for their members. The more members that shop with Co-op and choose to support your project, the more funding you will receive. Apply by 11 June 2023 (midnight). To estimate how much funding you could receive, enter the postcode on their website.
CRC Community Relations/Cultural Diversity: Small Grants Scheme
The Community Relations Council, with the support of Government, provides funding intended to help community/voluntary groups throughout Northern Ireland develop their capacity to engage in community relations work and to enhance the community relations potential of projects they undertake. Funding of up to £10,000 is available but it is more typical for £2,000- £3,000 for first application.
Arts Council NI: Rural Engagement Arts Programme
The purpose of the Rural Engagement Arts Programme (REAP) is to provide an integrated, cohesive approach to the needs of local rural communities such as combatting isolation and loneliness and promoting social inclusion. Closing early July, groups can apply for one-off projects or for a programme of events. Projects do not have to be new - existing, successful programmes which meet the strategic themes of REAP, are also eligible for support. You can apply for an award between £500 and £10,000 for a project.
Armed Forces Covenant Fund launches two schemes
The Reaching and Supporting Armed Forces Communities programme will offer grants up to £100,000 for three-year projects that clearly address hidden or compelling needs identified in Armed Forces communities. Deadline 3 July 2023 (5pm). The Force for Change programme will now offer grants up to £15,000 for one-year projects. This is in recognition of the increased cost of living, and the Trust will focus funding on vulnerable Armed Forces communities who are being most impacted. Deadline 17 July 2023 (5pm).
National Express Foundation: Community Grant Scheme now UK wide for 2023
Young people across the UK face new challenges, particularly those associated with daily living. And as the cost of living has increased, key youth services, such as local community centres, continue to reduce in numbers. To help groups that support young people continue to build back from the pandemic, the trustees of the Foundation have chosen to make their 2023 funding UK wide. They are asking community groups to apply for specific sums of money, saying what they could deliver for either £1,000, £2,500 or £5,000. Your application should clearly set out what you could achieve if you were awarded the money.
Upcoming Deadlines
Leeds Building Society Charitable Foundation
Leeds Building Society Charitable Foundation makes donations of up to £1,000 to UK registered charities. As of July 2022, they're shifting their focus to supporting those in need of a safe and secure home. Small grants up to £1,000. Deadlines for 2023 are 15 May, 14 August, and 23 October.
Social Entrepreneurs Ireland: The Ideas Academy
Through The Ideas Academy they support a new generation of social entrepreneurs by supporting people to move from idea to action. Funding, peer support, networking opportunities, and training and support available. Deadline 16 May 2023. You can also apply to their Impact Programme (deadline 30 May 2023).
Leathersellers Company Charitable Fund: Main Grants
The Leathersellers’ Company Charitable Fund provide a wide range of funding to UK registered Charities, Educational Institutions and University Students. The Main Grants programme supports organisations to tackle Adverse Childhood Experiences, a term used to recognise traumatic events that occur during childhood that can have a significant impact on a person’s physical, emotional and mental health throughout their life. Organisations can apply for an unrestricted grant (core costs) of between £20,000 – £25,000 per year for a period of up to four years. Expression of Interest deadline 19 May 2023 (23:59).
Allen and Overy Foundation: Northern Ireland Grants
Allen & Overy’s Belfast Grants Committee offers grants of up to £100,000 for charities working in Northern Ireland that promote access to justice, the advancement of education and/or employment. Charities interested in applying for funding should email [email protected] requesting an application form and outlining how their work meets the criteria of increasing access to justice or the advancement of education or employment. Completed application forms should be returned by 19 May 2023 (5pm).
Newry, Mourne and Down District Council: Sports Facility Capital Grant
Newry, Mourne and Down District Council provide contributions of up to 75% matched funding to support and maintain the capital infrastructure of a Sports and Recreation facility. There are two strands - Minor Threshold: £10,000 - £50,000 (75% match funded). Major Threshold: £50,000 - £150,000 (50% match funded). Deadline 22 May 2023 (noon).
Fundraising Training
Cost of Living Fundraising Series for May and June – FREE
NICVA's Fundraising Advice is delighted to be able to offer a wide range of FREE training sessions as part of our response to the Cost of Living Crisis throughout May and June. With a wide range of topics and a variety of trainers, you can sign up to any or all of the sessions and enhance your fundraising knowledge. One person per organisations (additional people will be added to the reserves list).
- Meet the Funder: The Pilgrim Trust and their Young Women's Mental Health programme - 16 May 2pm-3pm ONLINE with Sonja Forbes, Grants Manager, Pilgrim Trust
- Developing Corporate Partnerships - 25 May 10am-1pm ONLINE with Denise Cranston, Head of Partnerships Advisory Practice, 2into3
- Introduction to Social Enterprises - 31 May, 12pm-1:30pm ONLINE with Stephen McGarry from Work West
- Meet the Funder: Benefact Trust - 1 June 10am-12pm ONLINE with Andrew Bass, Grants Officer, Benefact Trust
- Developing a Case for Support - 8 June 10am-1pm In-person at NICVA with Jocelyn Horton, Fundraising Advice Officer, NICVA
- A Practical Guide to Completing Funding Applications - 14 June 1pm-4pm ONLINE with Jocelyn Horton, Fundraising Advice Officer, NICVA
Fundraising Hub
NICVA Fundraising Advice has a range of articles from contributors supporting fundraising alongside a range of topics. See a few below:
Guest Blogs
Celia Currie, Stakeholder and Policy Manager for Northern Ireland, reflects on the importance of volunteers in fundraising and why it's important for charities to understand what type of fundraising is being carried out.
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 invites you to celebrate and recognise the incredible work of local fundraisers in the Northern Ireland Fundraising Awards 2023.
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.
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