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Connect Fund

Grants for not-for-profit companies and organisations delivering impact across Northern Ireland and the UK.

The closing date is 5pm on Wednesday 10 February 2027.

Who it is for

Applications are open to:

  • not-for-profit companies
  • Community Interest Companies (CIC)
  • registered charities
  • statutory bodies
  • voluntary or community groups
  • constituted clubs or groups

Projects must focus on East-West collaboration and meet at least one of these objectives:

  • build lasting relationships between groups in Northern Ireland and the rest of the UK
  • propose an original approach to developing East-West connections
  • support the development of cultural, sports and people-to-people links
  • develop leadership skills for community leaders
  • facilitate positive and constructive dialogue on shared opportunities and challenges facing communities in the UK

Support you can get

The Connect Fund offers up to £1 million to support partnerships between Northern Ireland and the rest of the UK. It aims to tackle shared challenges and create new opportunities that benefit communities in Northern Ireland.

Applicants can bid for projects from £300 to £50,000. Funding can be provided for both standalone projects and for a more recurrent project.

  • Round 1 will run from 12 June 2025 to 31 March 2026
  • Round 2 will run from 1 April 2026 to 31 March 2027

Support organisers

  • Cabinet Office

Email

ggms_connectfund_nio@cabinetoffice.gov.uk

Next Steps

Find out more
on the GOV.UK website
Published 11 September 2025
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