Up to £50,000 for Community Projects and UK Collaboration – Connect Fund 2026

The UK Government's Connect Fund has opened its third funding round, offering grants of £300 to £50,000 to support community organisations, charities and not-for-profit groups developing stronger connections between Northern Ireland and Great Britain.

With a total funding budget of £2.55 million, the programme aims to encourage collaboration, strengthen community relationships and support innovative projects addressing shared challenges across the United Kingdom.

Funding is available for one-off activities and longer-term initiatives that bring communities together, develop leadership opportunities and create lasting partnerships.

Who Can Apply?

The programme welcomes eligible organisations, including:

• Registered charities and voluntary organisations.

• Community groups and constituted clubs.

• Community Interest Companies (CICs).

• Not-for-profit companies.

• Civic society organisations.

• National representative bodies.

• Eligible statutory organisations.

Applicants must:

• Be formally established for public benefit and operate on a not-for-profit basis.

• Demonstrate how their project directly benefits communities in Northern Ireland.

• Establish relevant partnerships between Northern Ireland and Great Britain.

• Have appropriate governance arrangements and financial controls.

• Meet the programme's organisational eligibility requirements.

Important: Organisations based in Great Britain must collaborate with a partner in Northern Ireland. Northern Ireland applicants generally need a partner in Great Britain, although exceptions may apply for certain standalone activities.

Individuals, sole traders and profit-distributing companies are not eligible.

What Can the Funding Support?

1. Community Collaboration and Partnerships

• Building connections between organisations in Northern Ireland and Great Britain.

• Establishing long-term community partnerships.

• Developing collaborative networks and forums.

• Sharing knowledge and practical solutions to common challenges.

2. Cultural, Sports and Community Activities

• Community events and cultural exchanges.

• Sports and recreational initiatives.

• Activities encouraging participation and inclusion.

• Projects strengthening relationships between communities.

3. Leadership and Skills Development

• Training and development opportunities for community leaders.

• Leadership programmes involving organisations across the UK.

• Knowledge-sharing workshops and networking events.

• Activities strengthening community organisations' capabilities.

4. Events, Conferences and Engagement

• Organising or attending relevant conferences.

• Facilitating visits between community organisations.

• Hosting exhibitions and collaborative events.

• Supporting discussions on shared community challenges.

Funding can support eligible project delivery costs, travel and directly attributable staffing costs. Staffing must not exceed 20% of the total project cost.

Core operating costs and capital expenditure are not eligible.

Funding Available

Grant Amount: £300–£50,000 per project.

Total Funding Budget: £2.55 million.

Funding Type: Community collaboration and project funding.

Eligible Locations: United Kingdom, with a requirement to directly benefit Northern Ireland communities.

Application Status: Open.

Application Deadline: 18 December 2026 at 5pm UK time.

Project Delivery Period: 1 April 2027 – 31 March 2028.

Key Dates

Applications Open: 2 November 2026.

Applications Close: 18 December 2026 at 5pm.

Expected Funding Decisions: Beginning of March 2027.

Project Delivery Starts: 1 April 2027.

Project Delivery Ends: 31 March 2028.

How Are Applications Assessed?

Applications should demonstrate how the proposed activities contribute to the fund's objectives, including:

• Collaboration: Strengthening relationships between Northern Ireland and Great Britain.

• Community Impact: Delivering meaningful benefits for Northern Ireland communities.

• Innovation: Introducing original approaches to building connections.

• Feasibility: Providing a realistic project plan, budget and delivery timeline.

• Long-Term Benefits: Creating opportunities for continued engagement and collaboration.

How to Apply

Interested organisations must complete the official Connect Fund application form before the deadline.

Applicants will need to provide:

• A summary of their proposed project and objectives.

• Details of participating organisations and delivery partners.

• A project plan outlining activities, milestones and timescales.

• A detailed budget and proposed payment schedule.

• Information about expected participants and community benefits.

• Details of how project outcomes will be monitored and evaluated.