Community and voluntary organisations across Northern Ireland will soon be able to bid for a further £1.5 million in grant funding, following the Northern Ireland Office’s (NIO) decision to extend its successful Connect Fund programme for an additional two years.
The announcement comes alongside the award of more than £550,000 to 22 organisations through round two of the Connect Fund, supporting projects taking place this year and next year. The funded initiatives aim to strengthen East–West relations by bringing together community and voluntary organisations in Northern Ireland and Great Britain.
The Connect Fund supports collaboration in sectors that directly affect communities in Northern Ireland, helping local organisations build partnerships across the UK, tackle shared challenges and access new opportunities. This latest round of funding includes projects focused on community cohesion, as well as initiatives improving older people’s and people with dementia’s access to the arts.
Arts Care partnership showcases creative health impact
One organisation benefiting from the funding is Belfast-based Arts Care, which has partnered with Equal Arts in Newcastle to expand creative activities for people living with dementia in care homes.
The project will increase the range of arts and creative experiences available, including cross-community ceilidh events for care homes and supported living residents, their families and carers.
During a visit to Arts Care, Parliamentary Under Secretary of State Matthew Patrick met with CEO Barry Macaulay and staff, and attended a ‘crankie box’ storytelling performance exploring Belfast’s history through local music. The visit highlighted how creative arts can help stimulate memory, reduce isolation and create moments of joy.
Speaking during the visit, Matthew Patrick said:
“The £1.5 million which we have just announced will be hugely beneficial for many community and voluntary organisations, enabling them to launch and develop projects to benefit communities.
Congratulations also to the 22 fantastic projects which will be separately awarded over £550,000 funding through round two of the Connect Fund.
I am so pleased to hear how this Connect Fund grant will enrich the lives of older people and those with dementia through art, and hope this project brings joy to participants while combatting isolation.”
Arts Care CEO Barry Macaulay said:
“Arts Care are delighted to be a recipient of the NIO Connect Fund. The funding allows us to work closely with Equal Arts, a similar Creative Health Charity to ourselves, who operate in the North East of England.
Through the project we will host a series of reciprocal visits of staff, artists and participants from both organisations, to share mutual expertise in providing creative health to older people in hospital, residential and community settings with a particular focus on music and dance.
Opportunities to share practice with colleagues and participants in England in this way are very rare and we are very excited at the prospect.”
Youth and community cohesion projects also supported
Another organisation receiving funding is Belfast youth charity Springboard, which will explore approaches to community cohesion in Northern Ireland by learning from organisations in Manchester, London and Bradford.
Executive Director of Springboard Opportunities Steph O’Rourke said:
“We are delighted to have been awarded support from the Connect Fund, which will enable us to strengthen partnerships and enhance our practice in ways that directly benefit grassroots communities across Northern Ireland and Great Britain.
This investment will make a significant and lasting difference to the young people we work with.”
Future funding rounds confirmed
The newly announced £1.5 million extension will allow further investment through upcoming funding rounds:
- Round three will open later this year
- £500,000 will be available in 2027/28
- £1 million will be available in round four during 2028/29
The extension reinforces the NIO’s commitment to long‑term East–West collaboration and sustainable community development across the UK.
Image credit: iStock
