Northern Ireland community and voluntary organisations will be able to bid for an additional £1.5 million in grant funding
Northern Ireland community and voluntary organisations will be able to bid for an additional £1.5 million in grant funding, as the Northern Ireland Office (NIO) extends its successful Connect Fund programme for a further two years.
It comes as the NIO awards £550,000 to 22 organisations, strengthening East-West relations by bringing together community and voluntary organisations in Northern Ireland and Great Britain this year and next year through round two of the Connect Fund.
Funding has been awarded to projects improving older people and people who have dementia’s access to the arts, as well as projects championing community cohesion.
The Connect Fund supports work in sectors directly affecting Northern Ireland communities, encouraging east-west collaboration across the UK, and equipping local groups to tackle challenges and access opportunities.
One example is the Belfast organisation Arts Care, whose partnership with Equal Arts in Newcastle, England, will increase the range of arts and creative activities for those with dementia in care homes. This will include creating cross-community ceilidh events for care homes and supported living residents, their families and carers. During the visit, the Minister met with Arts Care CEO Barry Macaulay and staff, and enjoyed a ‘crankie box’ storytelling performance on Belfast’s history accompanied by local music, illustrating how the arts can be used to bring back memories and create joy.
Parliamentary Under Secretary of State Matthew Patrick visited Arts Care to discuss their new initiative. He said:
Arts Care CEO Barry Macaulay said:
Another organisation that will benefit is Belfast youth charity Springboard, whose project will explore community cohesion strategies for Northern Ireland by learning from organisations in Manchester, London and Bradford.
Executive Director of Springboard Opportunities Steph O’Rourke said:
The latest announcement of a further £1.5 million will enable round three to open for applications later this year, with £500,000 in grant funding available in the 2027/28 financial year, and £1 million for round 4 available during the 2028/29 financial year.
Notes to Editors
The full list of 22 organisations receiving funding in the latest award from round two of the Connect Fund are:
The Connect Fund has so far awarded £1m in grants to 46 projects, directly benefiting organisations across Northern Ireland and Great Britain. A full list of the 46 organisations who have so far benefitted from the Connect Fund is here.