Community and voluntary organisations across Belfast are being encouraged to apply for a new round of funding aimed at addressing violence against women and girls, with grants available for projects that challenge harmful attitudes, behaviours and cultural norms.
The Local Change Fund, administered by Belfast City Council, forms part of the Northern Ireland Executive's Strategic Framework to End Violence Against Women and Girls (EVAWG). Belfast is one of 11 council areas delivering local funding designed to support grassroots initiatives that can drive long-term change within communities.
Lord Mayor of Belfast Councillor Roís-Máire Donnelly said:
“Is ábhar bróid é do Chomhairle Chathair Bhéal Feirste na deontais seo don Chiste Athraithe Áitiúil a thabhairt amach. Tá súil againn go mbeidh na deontais seo lárnach san fheachtas le stop a chur leis an fhoréigean in aghaidh na mban agus na gcailíní inár gcathair.
“Belfast City Council is proud to administer these local change fund grants, which we hope will play an important role in ending violence against women and girls in our city.
“This money helps community and voluntary sector organisations create effective programmes which engage whole groups of women, girls, boys and men to not only understand what this violence can look like, but give them the tools to recognise it, call it out and stop it.
“I am hopeful that the projects delivered through this fund will get people talking about EVAWG and will ultimately play a part in ending violence against women and girls living in Belfast.”
The fund is specifically aimed at projects that help prevent violence before it occurs by addressing the underlying cultural attitudes and behaviours that can contribute to abuse, harassment and gender-based violence.
Organisations are particularly encouraged to develop initiatives that engage men and boys. Projects that raise awareness of the EVAWG strategy, promote positive masculinity and encourage men to act as allies in tackling violence against women and girls are expected to be a key focus of this year's funding round.
This marks the third consecutive year that Belfast City Council has delivered the Local Change Fund. Previous projects supported through the programme have included partnerships with sports teams, educational workshops, discussion-led learning programmes, awareness campaigns, innovative educational games and the development of EVAWG ambassadors capable of leading peer-to-peer conversations within communities.
Council officials say these initiatives have helped increase awareness of violence against women and girls across Belfast while encouraging more open conversations around the issue.
Successful applicants for the 2026 funding round will be required to complete their projects by the end of March 2027.
The council hopes the latest investment will continue to strengthen community-led efforts to challenge harmful behaviours, promote respect and equality, and contribute to a safer Belfast for women and girls.
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