Rural Action Awards are now open

The Rural Action Awards offer grants to rural groups, including social enterprises, for volunteer-led projects

The Rural Action Awards provide an opportunity for rural community-based organisations in Northern Ireland and the border region of Ireland to apply for funding of £1,000 or €1,000 to support a volunteer-led community action project.

This year, 12 projects will be supported up to March 2026. The scheme is open to constituted rural organisations, including social enterprises, charities, not-for-profit groups, sporting and cultural bodies, heritage organisations.

Three funding calls will run, with four projects selected at random after each round to receive £1,000/€1,000 following verification.

Apply now to the Rural Action Awards.

First published 25 July 2025