NWCN E-bulletin: Community jobs, funding and opportunities
- 16 minutes ago
- 10 min read
Welcome to the new edition of the NWCN E-bulletin, the best source of community jobs, funding and opportunities in the North West of Ireland.
In this edition
The RTÉ Toy Show Appeal Grants are now open!
The RTÉ Toy Show Appeal was established in 2020 to raise funds for Irish children’s charities through the televised Late Late Toy Show. Since then, thanks to the Irish public, more than €30 million has been raised to support charities across the Island of Ireland.
Each grant round will centre around three themes below. Click the links to find out more. Addressing Essential Needs - https://bit.ly/RTE26EssentialNeeds Improving Wellbeing - https://bit.ly/RTE26ImprovingWellbeing Creativity & Play - https://bit.ly/RTE26CreativityPlay
Deadline: Friday 13th March at 1PM
Further information available here
The Cooper Richardson Fund
Created in memory of Jack Cooper and Paul Richardson, this fund honours their generosity, love of sport and deep connection to their community.
This round will support constituted organisations helping people access sport and physical activity, especially those who are most isolated. Grants of £1,000–£3,000 are available.
The Fund for this round has five main aims:
To bring people who may not usually have the opportunity to integrate and take part in activities together, e.g. from different cultural backgrounds
To improve the health and wellbeing of people in Northern Ireland and build connections in communities, particularly with those most isolated
To improve access to sport and physical activity, with a particular focus on supporting facilities in areas of economic need and for those most isolated in communities
To remove barriers to access to sporting opportunities, particularly for those who may have disabilities, financial constraints, or language barriers
To provide funding for resources, including equipment for small organisations who may have limited access to funding opportunities
If your organisation is working to bring people together through sport and activity, we’d love to hear from you.
Deadline: 20 March @ 13:00
Further information available here
The Planned Interventions Programme
This Programme is about supporting youth work interventions, on and/or near interfaces, those both physical and visible and those invisible, as well as new and emerging divisions. The reach of the Programme includes areas experiencing both inter and intra community conflict. Sectarian and non-sectarian violence has an adverse effect on our children and young people, in all aspects of their life, their well-being and development.
The programme aims to support the following Planned Intervention Programme Outcomes:
Outcome 1 – Reduction in number of crime and antisocial behaviour incidents in the areas where the young people live
Outcome 2 – Reduction in the number of young people engaging in risk taking behaviours
Outcome 3 – Increase in the % of young people who think favourably about young people in the other community
Closing Date: 6 March 2026 @ 4pm
Further information available here
New PEACEPLUS funding call aimed at underrepresented groups
SEUPB is preparing a new PEACEPLUS funding opportunity under Building Peaceful and Thriving Communities.
It will focus on increasing capacity and cooperation among organisations that work with groups which have so far not been successful in gaining funding across the Programme.
These include ex-security service personnel, new community and minority ethnic groups, those involved in traditional cultural expression and ex-prisoners and former combatants.
Ahead of the call opening, online/in person information sessions will take place from 19 to 27 February. Further details will be available shortly.
If you would like to participate, or if you need more information, please contact js.peaceplus@seupb.eu
Webinar: Unrestricted Funding for your organisation
Is your charity looking for unrestricted funding in 2026?
Come along to a short webinar to find out how you can use the free easyfundraising platform to tap into ongoing, unrestricted funds throughout 2026 and beyond.
What to expect:
A demo of how easyfundraising works and how to get started
Tips on how to make the most of it
The opportunity to ask questions and get advice and support
When:
Thursday 19th February
12.30pm - 1pm
On Zoom
Suitable for: All types of voluntary organisations and groups, CICs, social enterprises, church and faith organisations, grassroots sport organisations and charities.
Consumer Council NI Corporate Plan Consultation event
The Consumer Council for Northern Ireland is developing its new Corporate Plan and we want to hear from you. As the statutory consumer protection advocate for Northern Ireland, we are the trusted and independent consumer voice.
Our new strategy comes at a time of continued and significant pressure for many. Affordability challenges, market complexity, digital exclusion and wider questions of inclusion and sustainability are increasingly interconnected.
Our draft 2026-2032 Corporate Plan is ambitious, shaped by what consumers tell us they need, and resolute in raising their lived experiences through: represented lives, affordable lives, inclusive lives, sustainable lives, and empowered lives.
RSVP here for Derry-Londonderry on Tuesday 10 March Please RSVP by Wednesday 25 February 2026
12 days left – be part of What We Carry Forward
Thursday 5th March 2026, 10am - 1pm, St Columb's Hall
This campaign offers women and girls a safe, reflective way to share something of what they carry – experiences, memories, strength, grief, learning, or hope – and to recognise the resilience that exists across our communities. Letters might be written to a future self, a younger self, to something they have survived, or simply words they want to put down without ever needing to send. By contributing anonymously, participants can have their voice included without pressure, expectation, or judgement.
We’ve already received many powerful and moving letters, and we would love the exhibition on to be as far-reaching and representative as possible. It would be wonderful to have your group involved.
If it would help, Tessa can come out and facilitate a gentle, supported writing workshop to guide participants in shaping their letters. Current availability: Monday mornings, Wednesdays, Thursday afternoons, or Friday afternoons.
Please let me know if you’d like to take part or arrange a session: tessa.king@extern.org / 07825 102865
UN Year for Volunteering for Sustainability
As part of the UN Year for Volunteering for Sustainable Development, the NI UN Year Group will host its first meeting to explore what volunteering involvement means for individuals and organisations, and where we go from here.
Our first workshop will hear from:
The NISRA statistics on volunteering and latest trends
Your own experiences/data on trends, motivators and barriers to involvement
Your views on the future state of volunteering
Where do we go from here?
This interactive event will take place on: Date: 19th February 2026 Venue: Guildhall, Derry/Londonderry Time: 10:00am to 12:30pm
Further information available here
New Service: Cancer Champions Drop-Ins
The Rainbow Project introduce their new Cancer Champions Drop-In Service, a support space for LGBTQIA+ people who have had a cancer diagnosis, as well as for those who support a loved one through cancer.
The drop-ins run on the 1st and 3rd Monday of each month from 12:00–1:30pm in our Foyle office (Waterloo House, Magazine Street, Derry/Londonderry BT48 6HH).
The sessions are very informal, friendly and relaxed. We encourage people to call in for a cuppa and a chat, with no appointment needed.
During the drop-ins, people can:
Have a conversation with a Macmillan professional in a safe and welcoming environment
Talk through any worries or questions they might have around their cancer experience
Get practical guidance and be signposted to relevant local services and organisations if helpful
Our aim is to make support feel approachable and accessible, and to offer a space where LGBTQIA+ people affected by cancer can feel comfortable dropping in, asking questions, or just taking a bit of time to talk things through.
Pathways to Education Programme – Nominate Adult Participants
We are inviting your organisation to nominate participants for the Pathways to Education Programme: Exploring College and University Options, a free and supportive initiative delivered in partnership by North West Regional College (NWRC) and Ulster University. The programme is designed to support adults who may be considering returning to education, changing career, or upskilling. It offers an informal and welcoming introduction to both college and university environments, helping participants explore options and build confidence around next steps. Participants may attend one or both, free on-campus events outlined below.
Option 1: Campus Experience Day - Tuesday 24 February or Tuesday 3 March | 10:00am – 1:00pm; North West Regional College & Ulster University
Option 2: Insight Night - Wednesday 19 March | 6:00pm – 7:30pm, Ulster University
Further information available here
Inclusive Employment Academy
After our successful launch, we’re delighted to announce the start of the Inclusive Employment Academy — a new, supportive training programme designed to help residents across Derry & Strabane who consider themselves to have a mental or physical disability, build skills, confidence, and clear pathways into employment.
Our first sessions are about to begin, and we’d love for you to join us!
Upcoming Training Schedule:
OCNNI Level 1 in Employability Skills 23rd – 25th February | 9:30am – 4:00pm
World Host Ambassador Training 27th March | 9:30am – 4:00pm
Location: Verbal Arts Centre, Bishop’s Street, L/Derry Lunch will be provided each day
This is a fantastic opportunity to gain recognised qualifications, explore exciting career paths in I.T., Finance, and the Creative Industries, and connect with local employers who believe in inclusion and potential.
Places are limited — don’t miss out! Register today: People 1st Inclusive Employment Academy - Google Forms DCSDC https://forms.gle/8Xg5VJ8MyzHjWEHj9
We look forward to welcoming you on this journey towards new opportunities and success.
Level 2 Award in Community Development- FULLY FUNDED PLACES
Course details OCN NI Level 2 Award in Community Development Start date- Friday 27th February Time- 9.30am - 12.45pm Location- Northwest Regional College- Strand Road Tower Building Duration- 16 weeks with 1 class per week every Friday The eligibility criteria for any applicants are they must have turned 16yrs by July 2025.
All applicants should scan the QR code to apply directly to secure their place!
This is a PEACEPLUS Project, and all places are fully funded. A great opportunity for anyone interested in a career in the community sector and upskilling themselves in 2026! Any other questions please contact Denise at- inspire.enthuse.equip@nwrc.ac.uk
Latest Offers from Salto Youth
Please see attached document for the latest offers from Salto Youth, including:
Rhythms of Movement: Dance and Embodied Learning in Youth Work
Beyond Mobility - Expanding the Impacts of Volunteering
Level Up: Raising Quality in Youth Projects
Harnessing Digital and AI Tools for Youth Mental Health – Project Results Webinar
Call for Trainers
Job Opportunities with Donegal Local Development CLG
Two Opportunities: Employment & Enterprise Team Manager and Volunteer Placement Officer
DLDC is a community led local development company covering the Donegal catchment area. We work to reduce poverty, promote social inclusion and equality through supporting communities and individuals using community development approaches, engagement and collaboration.
Employment & Enterprise Team Manager An opportunity has arisen for a Team Manager to lead a team of established Employment Project Officers and Enterprise Project Officers who deliver supports under Goal 2 of the Social Inclusion and Community Activation Programme (SICAP). The team focus on supporting individuals who have experienced disadvantage to progress into employment or self-employment. This is a full time fixed-term role funded under SICAP programme, currently running until 31 December 2028.
A recognised relevant third level qualification and/or a minimum of three years’ experience in community development within the areas of employment or enterprise. A minimum of 2 years’ experience in managing people in a working environment. ‑level qualification and/or a minimum of three years’ experience in community development within the areas of employment or enterprise.
Volunteer Placement Officer An opportunity has arisen for a Volunteer Placement Officer to join the Donegal Volunteer Centre team and help coordinate the Centre’s activities, promote volunteerism throughout the county, and provide support to both volunteers and volunteer-involving organisations. This is a full time fixed-term contract funded through New Arrivals funding, available until 31 December 2026.
A recognised relevant Third Level qualification and / OR a minimum of three years’ relevant working experience in the community/voluntary sector.
To apply for the positions: Please submit by email a Letter of Application together with current Curriculum Vitae to: HR Department, clearly outlining how you meet the criteria including requirements for own transport and which position you would like to apply for to HR Department at: vacancies@dldc.org.
The closing date for receipt of applications is end of day Thursday 26th February 2026 and no applications will be accepted post deadline.
Interviews are likely to take place between 4th and 11th March 2026
We reserve the right to enhance the shortlisting criteria. A panel may be formed from which suitable positions will be filled.
DLDC is an equal opportunities employer and welcomes applications from all suitably qualified applicants. We have measures in place to ensure that no job applicant receives less favourable treatment on the grounds of race, gender, civil status, family status, age, disability, religion, sexual orientation or membership of the Traveller Community. If you require any accommodations during the recruitment process, please let us know, and we will work with you to meet your needs. Canvassing will disqualify.
DAERA Launch Public Appointment Process - CNCC Vacancies
The Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA) is seeking to appoint a new Chair and up to 18 members to the Council for Nature Conservation and the Countryside (CNCC). The CNCC provides independent, specialist advice to the Department (DAERA) on matters affecting the countryside and nature conservation and Areas of Special Scientific Interest (ASSIs) with due regard to matters affecting agriculture, forestry and inland fisheries.
The closing date for applications is 12 Noon on Thursday 5 March 2026.
Further information available here
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