Northern Ireland Office Opens Engagement for Change Fund

Support for capacity building and policy engagement in Northern Ireland

The UK Government’s Northern Ireland Office has opened applications for the Engagement for Change Fund, which will provide support to build the capacity of voluntary and community organisations operating in Northern Ireland.

The funding is intended to strengthen inclusive democratic participation and improve the ability of community and voluntary sector bodies to engage with public policy processes.

One grant with a total value of £100,000 is available over a three-year period.

Applications are open to voluntary and community sector organisations, civil society bodies and national representative organisations based in Northern Ireland. Eligible applicants must be formally established, not-for-profit organisations set up for public benefit, with an appropriate governing document, a minimum of three unrelated trustees or directors and their own bank account requiring two signatories.

The grant may be used to deliver activity across several areas of support. These include helping women engage in public policy forums, improving understanding of government policymaking, developing effective communication and advocacy skills and supporting networking and partnership working. The funding may also support training in media and digital engagement, along with evidence and data collection to inform policy positions.

Organisations already providing support to the community and voluntary sector may apply, provided the activities funded are specific to the aims of this grant.