As we move forward with our new strategy, It starts with community, we have an update for you about our funding programmes in Northern Ireland.

As part of our review, we will be closing two grant programmes – People and Communities and Empowering Young People to new applications on Monday 13 May 2024 at 5pm, to prepare for the opening of our new grants programme in the Autumn.

Each year, we award nearly £30 million to communities across Northern Ireland. This is not going to change. Our team will continue to assess applications and make decisions to ensure that National Lottery funding keeps flowing out to communities where it is needed most.

How will this affect me?

If you already hold a grant with us, things won’t change and everything will continue as normal. You don’t need to do anything.

If you have already submitted an application to any of our programmes, the application process will continue as normal and nothing will change.  

What if I want to apply?

If you are thinking of applying for funding, we will no longer accept new applications for People and Communities and Empowering Young People from 5pm on Monday 13 May 2024.

We are asking potential applicants to read the website guidance carefully before they apply. We expect that demand will be high so groups should ensure that their project idea strongly fits with the criteria of the People and Communities or Empowering Young People, before they complete and submit an online application form.

Only those applications that strongly meet the programme criteria will be considered.

As always, our team are available to chat so contact us if you are unsure.

Our other funding programmes, including National Lottery Awards for All, will still be accepting applications. Groups can continue to apply to these as normal and the process will not change.

See video from our NI Chair with more information on the future of our funding in Northern Ireland:

What happens next?

If you apply to People and Communities and Empowering Young People before 13 May, you will hear from us within around six weeks of submitting your completed online application.

We will let you know if:

• We are unable to fund your project 

or

• We need more information to progress your application to the next stage. You will have to provide this within 30 days and it will include completing a more detailed application form and providing other supporting information.

What will your new programme look like?

Our new programme will align with the missions set out in our new strategy, to help communities to: 

• Come together
• Be environmentally sustainable
• Help children and young people thrive
• Enable people to live healthier lives.

Our focus will be on tackling inequalities and people who are in greatest need, i.e. those who are experiencing poverty, discrimination and disadvantage. 

We will continue to fund community-led projects, which are well connected with other services and organisations in their community.

There will be a greater focus on impact and evidence of the difference that a project will make.

The new programme will continue to offer grants from £20,001 up to £500,000. We will also continue our commitment to offer longer term funding, so grants will still be available for up to five years.   

Where can I get help?

Start off by reading the guidance on funding available on our website and if you would like advice on applying, contact your Funding Officer or our enquires team on 028 9055 1455 or email enquiries.ni@tnlcommunityfund.org.uk.