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Welcome to our new website. You may still see some pages from our old site as we move things over.

Who could apply

Who could apply

You could apply if your organisation was a:

  • unregistered voluntary or community organisation

    An organisation set up with a governing document - like a constitution. But is not a registered charity or company.

    If you get funding we'd expect you to incorporate or become registered with a regulator (for example, the Charity Commission or CIC regulator).

  • not-for-profit company

    A company limited by guarantee - registered with Companies House. And might also be registered as a charity.

  • registered charity (unincorporated)

    A voluntary or community organisation that's a registered charity. But is not a company registered with Companies House.

  • Charitable Incorporated Organisation (CIO or SCIO)

    A registered charity with limited liability. But is not a company registered with Companies House.

  • Community Interest Company (CIC)

    A company registered with Companies House. And the Community Interest Company (CIC) Regulator.

You need at least 2 board or committee members who are not related.

Related can mean:

  • related by marriage
  • in a civil partnership with each other
  • in a long-term relationship with each other
  • related through a long term partner
  • living together at the same address
  • related by blood.

All companies who apply must have at least 2 directors who are not related in any of these ways. This also applies to companies that are also registered as charities.

Who could not apply

We could not accept applications from:

  • sports clubs that are affiliated with a governing body of sport (recognised by Sport Northern Ireland) – for example, the Gaelic Athletic Association (GAA), Ulster Rugby and Irish Football Association
  • individuals
  • sole traders
  • faith or religious institutions - like churches, church halls, synagogues and mosques. However, faith-based groups that are working in a community setting are eligible
  • organisations based outside Northern Ireland
  • companies that can pay profits to directors, shareholders or members (including Companies Limited by Shares)
  • statutory organisations
  • schools
  • organisations applying to more than one of our programmes for the same project over the same period. This is because you cannot get duplicate funding for something we're already funding you to do. It’s OK to apply to another programme if you've already had an unsuccessful decision though.
  • organisations that currently hold a Sustainable Community Buildings grant
  • one organisation applying on behalf of another

We do not accept applications written for you by private businesses or consultants.

Be careful of businesses or consultants who say they can support you with your funding applications. They might say they’re acting on the Fund’s behalf, or they’re a preferred supplier of the Fund. They could even offer to write an application for you.

We do not accept applications from these types of businesses or consultants.

But it’s ok to get help from support organisations - like your local council or Northern Ireland Council for Voluntary Action (NICVA). They may be able to give you support and advice on writing your application.