Your weekly roundup of funding news and deadlines from GrantTracker.
Funding News
PEACEPLUS: Investment Area 1.2 Empowering Communities
SEUPB has identified some sectors which have not been successful in obtaining funding across the PEACEPLUS Programme throughout Northern Ireland and the border counties of Ireland. A new funding call specifically addresses these groups and sectors. The funding will be delivered through the theme of Building Peaceful and Thriving Communities, and PEACEPLUS investment area 1.2, Empowering Communities. Key outputs include increasing organisational capacity and joint organisational working in the pursuit of peaceful community cooperation. The funding is designed to specifically address groups which are so far underrepresented within PEACEPLUS, namely: Ex-Security Service Personnel, New Community/Minority Ethnic Groups (inc. Roma & Traveller), Traditional Cultural Expression, and Ex-Prisoners and Former Combatants. An online information session (MS Teams) will take place on Thursday 26 February 2026. It will take place at 1pm and will be recorded for those who cannot attend. The link to join the meeting can be found here. A SEUPB Team will also be at the NICVA Funding Fayre on Friday 27 February.
The easyfundraising Impact Fund offers 20 unrestricted grants of £500 to UK not-for-profit organisations to help them continue or enhance their work. The grant is unrestricted and can be used where it’s needed most. Grants will be awarded to the causes that best show how they will use the grant. Causes will be selected across a range of categories and geographical areas. The Impact Fund is open to causes of all sizes and structures including UK-based Registered charities, Other not-for-profit organisations, Sports clubs and teams, Schools and education settings, Social enterprises and CICs, After-school and youth groups, and Churches and religious organisations. The application window is 23 February to 5 April (midnight).
Creative support from Belfast City Council
The Bank of Ideas has reopened - a way for the people of Belfast to propose and collectively decide on local creative projects for the city. The Bank of Ideas supports individuals and groups to bring their ideas for their local area to life with up to £2,500 per project. All creative ideas are welcome- the theme for this year is ‘Celebrating Together’. Application deadline 5pm on 23 March 2026. Belfast Learning Festival 2026 takes place from 8 to 14 June 2026. It will showcase Belfast as a City of Learning - a place where learning happens everywhere. You can get involved either by submitting an existing or planned event or apply for a small grant. Email [email protected] for guidance notes and to apply. Deadline for all submissions is 12 noon on 2 March 2026. The new Belfast Stories Community Grant has been launched to support cultural heritage projects across Belfast. Grants are open to not-for-profit Belfast-based community groups and cultural organisations (formally constituted and bank account in their name). Applications from collaborating groups are welcome. Ten small grants of up to £10,000 and five project grants up to £30,000 are available. Closing date 14 April 2026 at 4pm.
Creative Ireland: Creative Climate Action Fund III
The Creative Ireland Programme is delighted to announce a new €6.5 million Creative Climate Action Fund III (2026–2029), to support large-scale creative projects to engage communities in climate action. They are seeking proposals that respond creatively to Ireland’s key national climate priorities, including those set out in the Climate Action Plan 2025, the National Dialogue on Climate Action, and the work of the Just Transition Commission. Each project can get between €400,000 and €750,000. €1 million of the total funding is part of the Shared Island initiative. Around two projects can be funded through this part of the programme. Applications open on February 16, 2026. Applications can be made by completing the online application form at https://creativeireland.submit.com no later than 3pm on Wednesday 15th April 2026.
Community Foundation Northern Ireland: The Cooper Richardson Fund
Jack Cooper and his son-in-law Paul Richardson both died in 2022. This fund was set up by their family to honour Jack and Paul and the generous nature that they shared. This round of funding will support constituted organisations with funding that enables sporting activity and building new connections for those most isolated. Applicants can apply for a grant ranging from £1,000 to £3,000. Deadline 1pm on 20 March 2026.
Upcoming Deadlines
Four Nations International Fund
The Four Nations International Fund supports individuals and organisations in developing international partnerships and co-creation projects. Specifically, the Four Nations International Fund helps artists and creative practitioners from England, Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales collaborate with each other and with partners around the world. You can apply for up to £7,500 for projects with partners. The budget for this third round is £335,000 - they anticipate making 40-50 awards in total across the nations. Application deadline 2pm on 25 February 2026.
The 2026 Better World Books Literacy Grants
Better World Books donates a proportion of its profits from the sale of new and used books into literacy and education initiatives. Their Literacy Grants Programme, guided by the theme Libraries & Literacy Access, it supports libraries, schools, nurseries, and community centred projects that strengthen library programs and create new ways for readers to access books and learning opportunities. Funding levels are varied based on size and scope of project. Application deadline 5pm ET on 28 February 2026.
The Fermanagh Recreational Trust supports the organisation, development and funding of sporting activities and facilities in Co. Fermanagh with particular emphasis on young people and youth development. Constituted Sporting and / or Arts based Organisations or Individuals based in County Fermanagh can apply. Application deadline 5pm on 28 February 2026.
Planned Interventions Programme in Northern Ireland
Funding is made available each year from The Executive Office (TEO) for the provision of the Planned Interventions Programme. This Programme is about supporting youth work interventions, on and/or near interfaces, those both physical and visible and those invisible, as well as new and emerging divisions. Applications are invited now for the 2026-2027 programme period for Planned Interventions being delivered from the 1 June 2026 until 6 November 2026. Each successful application will receive a maximum of £6,000. Closing date 6 March 2026 at 4pm.
Ulster Scots Agency: Community Festivals Programme
The Ulster-Scots Agency has opened its Ulster-Scots Community Festivals Grant for 2026/27. The funding stream will support the delivery of community festivals throughout Ulster from 1 June 2026 to 31 May 2027. The maximum grant available for a major festival is £20,000. The maximum grant available for a minor festival is £8,000. Deadline 3pm on 9 March 2026.
#FundingFebruary 2026
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.
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 – Registrations close Wednesday!
27 February 2026 - 10:00am to 1:00pm
We have reopened for registrations again for a short time due to additional capacity. Register by Wednesday!
Kindly supported by the Halifax Foundation for Northern Ireland, this event is an ideal opportunity for anyone connected with raising funds for your cause.
Guest Blogs
#FundingFebruary Guest blog: How Northern Ireland Charities Can Thrive in a Cashless Society
Vicky Hewlett, Head of Marketing Communications with Give A Little updates us on their fundraising solutions.
#FundingFebruary Guest blog: Growth in contactless donations at the Stroke Association
Paul Montgomery, Operations Lead, gives an overview of the Stroke Association’s cashless donations journey, from early testing in 2024 and use at staffed events in 2025, to getting the technology in the hands of the supporter in 2026.
#FundingFebruary Guest blog: How Leaders Can Turn AI Disruption into Direction
AI is reshaping work, but people remain the real advantage. This article explores how leaders can guide teams through disruption with clarity, soft skills and purposeful action, turning AI from a challenge into a meaningful opportunity.
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