£4 million to strengthen Voluntary, Community and Social Enterprise sector

Finance Minister, John O’Dowd and Alison Fraser, Senior Head of Funding at The National Lottery Community Fund, have launched the third phase of Dormant Assets funding in Northern Ireland.

The new programme, called ‘Dormant Assets for All’ will open for applications on 18 June 2025 and will provide grants of between £300 and £20,000 to the voluntary, community, and social enterprise (VCSE) sector in Northern Ireland.

Groups can apply for a wide range of organisational development activities to help build their capacity and long-term sustainability. Activities could include building digital skills, improving financial management, enhancing governance and leadership, tracking and measuring impact, and increasing volunteer engagement.

The Dormant Assets for All funding, which has been raised from dormant UK bank and building society accounts, is being delivered by The National Lottery Community Fund with the Department of Finance.

Finance Minister John O’Dowd MLA, said: “The launch of the new “Dormant Assets for All” programme builds on the success and good work of the previous funding programmes. I am pleased that over £25 million has been awarded from Dormant Assets funding to date, under the policy directions set by my department, to provide long term sustainability in the voluntary, community and social enterprise sector.

“This sector is at the core of our communities and does incredible work in improving the lives of some of our most vulnerable people. Programmes like “Dormant Assets for All” will support small groups to grow, become stronger and more resilient. I would encourage all those who are eligible to apply.”

Alison Fraser, Senior Head of Funding at The National Lottery Community Fund, said: “We’ve already invested over £25 million in Northern Ireland through Dormant Assets NI and this new round of funding builds on this foundation.

“We used insights and learning from the previous phases to develop this programme and the application process is simple and accessible. We want to ensure that the money can reach more of the smaller, grassroots voluntary and community organisations which provide vital support to Northern Ireland communities.

“We look forward to seeing the impact Dormant Assets for All will have in building a stronger, adaptable and more resilient VCSE sector.”

Dormant Assets for All is open for applications for the next two years, with no fixed deadline, giving eligible organisations the flexibility to apply when the time is right for them.

Each organisation can only hold one grant under this programme so applicants are advised to consider their options carefully before applying.

For more information and to apply, visit www.tnlcommunityfund.org.uk/funding/programmes/dormant-assets-for-all