Three new funds from the Community Foundation for Northern Ireland
The Randal Foundation will offer grants to support grassroots activity that directly save or significantly improve lives. Grants of up to £3,000 available. The Inspiring Growth Fund aims to help organisations in the community sector take the time and space needed to focus on their digital capacity including opportunities that AI (Artificial Intelligence) may bring. Grants of between £5,000 to £10,000 for up to two years available. 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. One award of £620,000. Deadline to apply is 12pm(noon) on 26 January 2026.
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Community Relations Council (CRC) – Community Relations / Cultural Diversity Small Grants Scheme
Who the Fund is For:
- Groups undertaking intentional, planned activities that directly address sectarianism and/or racism, with a clear good relations purpose.
Funding Amount:
- Up to £10,000 for project costs only.
- Average awards typically range between £2,000 and £5,000.
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Deadline:
- 4pm, 27 February 2026.
Support While Waiting Grant Scheme 2025/2026
Who the Fund is For:
- Voluntary and community sector organisations delivering community‑based support for people on Health and Social Care (HSC) waiting lists.
Funding Amount:
- Grants available between £5,000 and £30,000.
Deadline:
- 12pm (noon), 30 January 2026.
- Find out more
Creative Ireland Programme – Multiple Funding Calls
Who the Fund is For:
- Local authorities partnering with creative and community organisations across the island of Ireland.
- Programmes include Creative Health & Wellbeing in Communities, Creative Communities on a Shared Island, and the Creative Youth Nurture Fund (Shared Island dimension).
Funding Amount:
- Total funding of €4.6 million across all calls (individual award amounts vary by programme).
Deadline:
- Varies by funding call. Information sessions are being held and advance booking is required.
- Find out more
Ufi VocTech Activate
Who the Fund is For:
- Organisations and innovators testing early‑stage, novel ideas in vocational technology, including applications from Northern Ireland.
Funding Amount:
- Grants between £30,000 and £60,000 for projects lasting 3–12 months.
Deadline:
- Applications open 6 January 2026 and close 3 February 2026.
- Find out more
