Deadline: 20 November 2025
The Rural Action Awards scheme aims to empower rural communities by supporting volunteer-led initiatives that strengthen local engagement, preserve cultural identity, and enhance community wellbeing through practical and timebound projects.
The focus of the scheme is to support 12 volunteer-led community action projects up to March 2026. The scheme is open to constituted rural community-based organisations including charities, not for profit community groups, sporting and cultural organisations, heritage groups, Parent Teacher Associations, youth groups/clubs and social enterprises. It seeks to support practical, tangible and timebound projects where the project must complete within 12 weeks.
Through this initiative, rural community-based organisations in Northern Ireland or the border region of Ireland have the opportunity to apply for and secure £1000 or €1000 towards their volunteer-led community action projects. The funding aims to provide meaningful support for grassroots efforts that directly benefit local people, foster social connections, and encourage volunteerism as a cornerstone of rural resilience.
By enabling local groups to implement short-term but impactful initiatives, the Rural Action Awards programme helps strengthen rural communities, preserve shared spaces, and inspire collaboration among residents and organisations. Each supported project represents a step toward sustaining the vibrancy and inclusiveness of rural life across Northern Ireland and the border regions.
For more information, visit Rural Action.