Your weekly roundup of funding news and deadlines from GrantTracker.
Funding News
European City of Sport 2026 Try It Grants
Belfast has been named a European City of Sport for 2026. As part of their celebration of the award, they are launching a Small Grants Programme to support local sports clubs and community organisations in delivering activities that encourage participation in sport and physical activity in Belfast. Grants of up to £1,000 are available to constituted sports clubs and community organisations. Awarded on a first come, first served basis, the programme closing once available funding is allocated.
Amazon: Regional Creatives Fund
The Regional Creatives Fund offers grants for charities in the UK who upskill people for careers in the Creative Industries. Grants are available for charities with existing programmes aimed at boosting skills and increasing access to Creative Industry careers. Apply by 2 August, midnight for grants of up to £30,000 if you are an individual organisation that meets eligibility criteria; consortium applications could secure up to £100,000.
AI and Social Mobility Challenge Prize
The AI and Social Mobility Challenge Prize is a collaborative programme focused on how AI and emerging technologies can improve social mobility for young people from lower socio-economic backgrounds. Delivered by EY Foundation and Social Tech Trust in partnership with the Social Mobility Commission and supported by Microsoft, HSF Kramer, EY, Fieldfisher, and LinkedIn, the programme uses a challenge prize model to identify and support innovative ventures. Applications are open until 20 July 2026 with the Challenge Prize winner receiving £10,000, runner-up £5,000, and all eight shortlisted ventures receiving £3,125 non-dilutive grant at a public showcase event in Parliament this autumn.
The Fore offers unrestricted funding to small charities and social enterprises with a turnover under £500,000. They offer a maximum grant size of £45,000 which can be spread over three years. It is designed to have a transformational impact on your whole organisation, supporting growth, structure, sustainability or efficiency; The Fore also provides additional support to support organisations further. There are three funding rounds per year (Spring, Summer and Autumn) which open for registration for one week only. Registration for the Autumn 2026 round will open on 8 July (noon) and close on 15 July 2026 (noon).
Upcoming Deadlines
Youth volunteering has an important role to play as part of society’s response to helping communities in need. The Trust welcomes applications for up to £500 from UK-based volunteering or community service projects, organised and run by people aged 30 years old or under. Apply by 5pm, 01 July 2026.
The Big Give: Christmas Challenge
The Big Give runs the UK’s biggest match funding campaign, The Christmas Challenge. Their flagship seven-day online match funding campaign supporting a diverse array of charities working across all charitable sectors within the UK and overseas. Charities seeking to raise at least £2000 and up to £50,000 in public donations (to be doubled by match funds provided by Big Give’s Champion partners and the charity’s own pledge funders) should apply by 03 July 2026.
GOT BAG: The Care Collective Fund
The Care Collective Fund is delivered by GOT BAG, a Germany-based sustainable brand creating create minimalist bags with recycled materials. Eligible applicants with projects that are practical, on-the-ground action addressing climate and ocean challenges can apply for grants of €10,000 for projects lasting up to 12 months. Funding will cover project delivery costs. Applications must be submitted by the deadline of 5 July 2026 (23:59) CEST.
International Fund for Ireland: Crossing the Threshold
Applications for funding under their new ‘Crossing the Threshold’ strategy are now open. They are offering support ranging from £30,000 to £150,000/ €35,000 to €170,000. The IFI wants to work with projects that challenge division and contribute to economic and social advancement in areas experiencing disadvantage or legacy impacts of conflict and sustained barriers of division. Creative and innovative approaches to peacebuilding through sports, arts and culture are also welcome alongside those who wouldn’t traditionally consider themselves as peacebuilders. Deadline 6 July 2026, 12noon.
Fundraising Events & Training
Did you know that NICVA members can access a FREE one-hour fundraising advice clinic to discuss your specific fundraising needs? These popular, free clinics allow you to discuss your most pressing funding needs and receive follow-on support. These can be arranged by contacting Jocelyn Horton, Fundraising Advice Officer or book one of the slots available on the dates below:
- 29 July 2026 - 10:00am to 1:00pm
- 30 September 2026 - 10:00am to 1:00pm
- 25 November 2026 - 10:00am to 1:00pm
- 20 January 2027 - 10:00am to 1:00pm
- 31 March 2027 - 10:00am to 1:00pm
It’s easy to become a member, just click here for more information. If your income is less than £20K per year you can join for free!
Meet the Funder: easyfundraising
- 6 September 2026 - 6:00 to 7:00pm
- Online
If your community organisation is in need of additional funds, come along to this online session to find out how you can receive free unrestricted funding via funding platform easyfundraising. This free one hour webinar is delivered by Becky Coleman, Senior Community Manager at easyfundraising.
Fundraising Articles and Resources
Erasmus+ for the UK - how to access life-changing opportunities
The United Kingdom (UK) and the European Union (EU) have agreed for the UK to associate to the Erasmus+ programme from 2027. From November 2026, Erasmus+ opens new opportunities for UK individuals and organisations working in education, training, youth and sport.
Guest Blog: Prizefunder - a Collaborative Approach to Strengthen Grassroots Funding
Lawrence O’Kane, founder and CEO of Prizefunder explains how this Northern Ireland community fundraising platform could help communities to work together, raise funds, strengthen local services and build lasting support for the causes they care about.
Guest Blog: Latest news from the Fundraising Regulator
Gráinne Mathews, Stakeholder and Policy Manager – Northern Ireland updates us regularly on the latest news and resources from the Fundraising Regulator.
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