As community transport providers, you play a pivotal role in ensuring the accessibility, well-being, and inclusivity of your communities through the transport you provide but none of it can be done without proper funding.
The National Lottery
The National Lottery is a major investor in community projects throughout Northern Ireland, providing grants ranging from £300 to over £500,000 to support organisations from small local groups to large national charities. The National Lottery offers several funding programmes, including:
- Awards for All: A simple and accessible way for community groups to secure small grants between £500 and £10,000. This open programme has no application deadlines and focuses on projects that enhance community activity, such as improving physical and mental health, creating safer communities, and increasing participation. More information can be found here.
- People and Communities Fund: Offering grants between £30,000 and £500,000, this programme supports social enterprises, co-operatives, and mutuals. The fund operates year-round, and further details are available here.
Motability – Community Transport Grant Programme
Large providers should consider the Motability Community Transport grant if they provide services that benefit disabled people. Organisations can apply for funds from £100,000 to £4million to improve the impact of community transport for disabled people.
Closing date for this programme is the 8th October 2024 for new applications.
To apply your organisation must have an income of over £250,000. If your organisation’s income is lower than £250,000, you might want to consider a consortium bid with some other organisations in your area. Further information can be found here.
BBC Children in Need
BBC Children in Need provides both "Main Grants" and "Small Grants" to organisations that support disadvantaged children and young people across the UK. More information on how to apply can be found here.
Comic Relief
Comic Relief has been a significant supporter of Northern Irish organisations such as Action Mental Health, Age NI, Include Youth, and Women's Aid. Information on their grants, including how to apply, is available here.
Joseph Rowntree Charitable Trust
The Joseph Rowntree Charitable Trust provides grants to projects working on peace and security, power and accountability, rights and justice, sustainable futures, and Northern Ireland. The trust focuses on funding initiatives that tackle the root causes of issues such as violence and injustice. It is particularly interested in projects that other funding sources might overlook. Learn more here.
Halifax Foundation for Northern Ireland
This foundation supports underfunded charities with annual incomes under £1 million, particularly those helping disadvantaged people or those with special needs to become more integrated into their communities. Further details are available here.
Northern Ireland Electricity Networks Charities Fund
Funded by contributions from NIE staff, this charity fund raises £100,000 annually to support local charities such as women’s groups and playgroups. Find more information here.
Santander Foundation
The Santander Foundation’s "Discovery Project" offers grants up to £5,000 to initiatives that foster knowledge, skills, and innovation to help disadvantaged people discover new opportunities. Further information is available here.
The Ireland Funds
The Ireland Funds is a global philanthropic network supporting peace, culture, education, and community development throughout Ireland. They offer two competitive grant rounds annually:
- Small Grants: Up to £7,000 for smaller community organisations or those receiving funding for the first time.
- Flagship Grants: Up to £50,000 for piloting or expanding successful programmes.
More information can be found here.
Enkalon Foundation
Focused on County Antrim, the Enkalon Foundation funds various organisations, including cross-community groups and unemployment assistance programmes. Typical grants range from £500 to £1,000. Further details can be found here.
The Fermanagh Trust
An independent organisation supporting communities across County Fermanagh, the Fermanagh Trust offers a broad range of funding programmes, including support for community wind farms, young talent in sports, music, and the arts, as well as voluntary work overseas. More information is available here.
For further assistance and advice on accessing these or other funding streams, contact the CTA Northern Ireland team on [email protected]
