Institutional Capacity Development Programme under PEACEPLUS

Deadline: 03-Jun-2026

The PEACEPLUS Programme Strand 2 Call provides funding to strengthen institutional capacity and promote peace and reconciliation across Northern Ireland and border counties of Ireland. With a budget of €5 million, the program supports collaborative, cross-sector initiatives focused on leadership, governance, and sustainable community development. Grants can cover up to 100% of project costs.

Overview

The PEACEPLUS Programme has launched its second call under Strand 2: Institutional Capacity Development.

The initiative supports organizations across Northern Ireland and the border counties of Ireland to strengthen institutions and foster long-term peace and reconciliation.

Programme Structure

The program operates under three strands:

• Strand 1: Empowering Communities (Small Grants)
• Strand 2: Institutional Capacity Development
• Strand 3: Community-Based Safety Interventions

This call specifically targets Strand 2, aligned with:

• Investment Area 1.2: Building Peaceful and Thriving Communities

Key Objectives

The program aims to:

• Strengthen institutional capacity across sectors
• Promote peacebuilding and reconciliation
• Enhance leadership and governance
• Improve trust between institutions and communities
• Support innovative service delivery models

Key Focus Areas

1. Institutional Capacity Development

• Leadership training and development
• Governance improvement
• Strengthening decision-making frameworks

2. Skills and Workforce Development

• Workforce planning
• Marketing and communication
• Project management

3. Financial Sustainability

• Financial management and budgeting
• Investment readiness
• Costing services for funding and procurement

4. Growth and Funding Access

• Business planning support
• Access to social finance and public funding
• Procurement readiness

5. Collaboration and Partnerships

• Cross-sector collaboration
• Cross-community engagement
• Knowledge sharing and networks
• Integrated planning frameworks

Funding Details

• Total budget (Strands 2 & 3): €5 million
• Typical project size: Around €1 million
• Funding coverage: Up to 100% of eligible costs
• Flexible funding depending on project scope and outputs

Who is Eligible?

Eligible Applicants

• Public authorities
• NGOs and civil society organizations
• Educational institutions
• Development agencies
• Community organizations
• Private sector entities (including SMEs)

Priority Groups

The program encourages participation from:

• Minority ethnic communities
• Ex-prisoners
• Traditional cultural groups

Why This Programme Matters

This initiative addresses:

• Historical divisions and trust deficits
• Weak institutional capacity in community development
• Barriers to inclusive growth and collaboration

It helps:

• Build stronger, more resilient institutions
• Promote inclusive and peaceful societies
• Enable long-term economic and social development
• Strengthen cross-border cooperation

How the Programme Works

Project Requirements

Projects must:

1. Demonstrate collaboration across sectors
2. Address peacebuilding and reconciliation
3. Strengthen institutional capacity
4. Deliver measurable community impact
5. Align with Investment Area 1.2 objectives

Expected Outcomes

• Improved leadership and governance structures
• Enhanced organizational capacity
• Stronger partnerships and networks
• Increased access to funding and procurement opportunities
• Sustainable peacebuilding initiatives

How to Apply

Step-by-Step Process

1. Review eligibility and program guidelines
2. Develop a collaborative project concept
3. Identify partners across sectors
4. Prepare application including:
   • Project plan
   • Budget and funding justification
   • Expected outcomes
5. Submit through the official PEACEPLUS application system

What to Emphasize

• Strong cross-sector partnerships
• Clear peacebuilding impact
• Capacity-building outcomes
• Sustainability and scalability
• Inclusion of underrepresented groups

Tips for a Strong Application

• Build diverse and credible partnerships
• Align clearly with peace and reconciliation goals
• Provide strong evidence of need
• Include measurable indicators of success
• Demonstrate long-term impact and sustainability

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Weak collaboration or isolated projects
• Lack of clear peacebuilding focus
• Overly broad or unclear objectives
• Insufficient planning or budgeting
• عدم alignment with program priorities

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What is the PEACEPLUS Programme?

A funding initiative supporting peacebuilding and cross-border cooperation.

2. What is Strand 2 focused on?

Institutional capacity development.

3. How much funding is available?

€5 million across Strands 2 and 3.

4. Who can apply?

Public, private, and nonprofit organizations.

5. What percentage of costs are covered?

Up to 100% of eligible costs.

6. What types of projects are supported?

Collaborative projects focused on capacity building and peace.

7. Why is collaboration important?

It strengthens trust, impact, and sustainability.

Conclusion

The PEACEPLUS Programme Strand 2 Call represents a major investment in building stronger institutions and fostering peace across Northern Ireland and Ireland.

By supporting collaboration, capacity development, and inclusive participation, the program lays the foundation for sustainable peace, resilience, and shared prosperity.

For more information, visit Special EU Programmes Body.