The Northern Ireland Connect Fund supports community and voluntary organisations in delivering projects that strengthen East-West collaboration across the UK. Grants promote civic engagement, cultural and sports links, leadership development, and dialogue on shared community challenges, with funding ranging from £300 to £50,000.
Overview
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Purpose: Strengthen communities in Northern Ireland while promoting collaboration with groups across Great Britain.
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Focus: East-West cooperation on shared challenges and opportunities.
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Funding Allocation: Up to £1 million over two years (£500,000 annually).
Objectives and Priorities
Projects should aim to:
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Strengthen East-West civic relationships.
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Develop original approaches to collaboration.
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Promote cultural, sports, or people-to-people links.
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Build leadership opportunities for community leaders.
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Facilitate constructive dialogue on shared community challenges and opportunities.
Who Can Apply?
Eligible applicants include:
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Voluntary and community organisations.
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Civic society groups.
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National representative bodies, including groups representing underrepresented voices.
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Statutory bodies with a not-for-profit mandate.
Organisations must be:
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Formally established for public benefit.
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Operating on a not-for-profit basis (registered charities, constituted clubs, not-for-profit companies, Community Interest Companies, or equivalent).
Funding Details
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Project Funding Range: £300 to £50,000.
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Eligible Activities: One-off initiatives or recurring projects.
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Funds can cover activities that align with East-West collaboration objectives.
How to Apply
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Confirm your organisation is eligible and formally established for public benefit.
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Define a project that meets one or more Connect Fund objectives.
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Prepare a clear project plan and budget within the funding range.
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Submit your application through the official fund portal before the deadline.
Tips for Success
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Emphasise the East-West collaborative aspect of your project.
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Highlight how the project benefits local communities and promotes shared learning.
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Showcase your organisation’s track record and capacity to deliver successful projects.
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Clearly define measurable outcomes to strengthen your application.
FAQ
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Who is eligible? Voluntary/community organisations, civic society groups, national bodies, and statutory bodies operating not-for-profit.
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What is the funding range? £300 to £50,000 per project.
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Can projects be recurring? Yes, both one-off and recurring projects are eligible.
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What sectors are supported? Civic engagement, culture, sports, leadership development, and collaboration initiatives.
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Is East-West collaboration mandatory? Yes, projects must demonstrate a clear East-West focus.
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How long is funding available? Two-year funding cycle with £500,000 distributed annually.
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Do projects need measurable outcomes? Yes, proposals should clearly define expected community impact.
Conclusion
The Connect Fund offers a vital opportunity for Northern Ireland’s community and voluntary organisations to build meaningful East-West partnerships, enhance civic engagement, and develop innovative solutions to shared challenges. By fostering collaboration and strengthening community networks, the fund promotes sustainable positive impact across the UK.
For more information, visit GOV.UK.
