NWCN E-bulletin: Community jobs, funding and opportunities
- 12 hours 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
New Good Relations Funding Programmes
Derry City and Strabane District Council has launched 2 Good Relations Funding Programmes:
Good Relations Strategic Priority Fund This fund closes on Wed 22 April at 3.00 p.m. This fund has grants of up to £10,000 and it is for proposals that operate at a city and district wide level. It is to support organisations that are good relations practitioners to address good relations issues at a strategic level across the council area. Funding is intended to support organisations who are core good relations practitioners and for strategic projects that can make a measurable contribution to good relations.
This is a competitive fund with a limited budget. For more details visit: www.dcsdcgrantaid.com
Good Relations Safer Communities Fund This fund closes on Wed 22 April at 3.00 p.m. This fund has grants of up to £10,000 This fund is to support strategic projects that can make a measurable contribution to making communities safer. This fund is not intended to bolster PCSP funding. It is standalone funding. Funding for bonfires will not be considered under this fund.
This is a competitive fund with a limited budget. For more details visit: www.dcsdcgrantaid.com
Please note the PCSP Small Project Support Programme 2026/2027 is also open Small project support – projects must be delivered across all DEAs
DCSDC Funding for Sport now open
The Support for Sport Grant Aid Programme and Sports Committee maintenance Fund 2026/27 are now open and available to local sports clubs.
Sports Committee Maintenance Fund Following the completion of the Playing Pitch Strategy, Derry City and Strabane District Council's Sports Committee has invested in a new Maintenance Fund that will provide financial assistance towards clubs who own and maintain their facilities and in particular playing pitches.Be Active Support for Sport Programme 2026-2027
Be Active Support for Sport Be Active Support for Sport is a small grants programme primarily aimed at grassroots sports. The programme aims to prioritise investment in sports clubs, especially those based in areas of greatest need that will deliver demonstrable increases in sports participation amongst identified target groups.
For more details and how to apply please visit https://www.derrystrabane.com/.../sports-development/funding
Closing Date: Wednesday, 22nd April 2026 at 3 PM
Small awards for programming to support Heritage Month
Derry City & Strabane District Council (DCSDC), Tourism department is delivering a month-long programme of heritage animation throughout June 2026.
Please note deadline for applications for support (up to £500) has been extended
Detail & Application form can be found here, please return to tourism@derrystrabane.com by 12noon Thursday 26th March 2026
Climate Action Seed Fund
The Climate Action Seed Fund has been developed to empower grassroots, community-led environmental initiatives by providing small, flexible grants that support immediate, local impact. The fund is designed to lower barriers to funding for groups and individuals driving creative, sustainable, and community-centred environmental solutions.
We will prioritise projects that:
Are community-driven and locally focused
Address environmental justice, climate resilience, or conservation
Encourage education, engagement, or action at a local level
Have clear, achievable outcomes within a short time frame (3–12 months)
Ongoing - No Deadline
Further information available here
BBC Make a Difference Awards
Nominations for the BBC Make a Difference Awards close in at 5:00pm on Tuesday 31 March 2026.
Please take a moment to consider whether there’s someone in your community who deserves recognition in one of the following categories:
The Make a Difference Awards are a wonderful opportunity to celebrate and thank the unsung heroes who make Northern Ireland a better place - whether that’s through caring for others, being a brilliant neighbour, or inspiring young people.
You can submit nominations and find full terms and privacy details at bbc.co.uk/makeadifference.
NICVA Webinar - Civic Threads
30th March 2026 - 12md to 1pm
Do join us and our colleagues, for a dynamic UK-wide online session exploring how government and the voluntary and community sector work together across the four nations.
Hear insights from partners including WCVA Wales, NCVO England and SCVO Scotland as we unpack key frameworks like the Third Sector Scheme (Wales), the UK Covenant, the NI Partnership Agreement, and Scotland’s evolving approach.
This is your chance to build understanding, strengthen connections, and learn how to apply these frameworks in practice, boosting capacity and impact across the sector.
Secure your place today and join a focused, forward‑looking discussion that’s helping shape the future of the sector. Spaces are limited, reserve your spot now and make sure your voice is part of the conversation.
Register here - Civic Threads Webinar | NICVA
For any further queries please contact Edwina Crummy, Executive Assistant, edwina.crummy@nicva.org
Social Investment Workshop (online)
Ready to grow your organisation's impact? Join the North West Community Wealth Building Partnership for an essential workshop on the world of social investment.
Whether you are curious about how social investment differs from traditional grants or you're ready to prep a lending proposition, these sessions offer expert-led guidance to help you navigate the landscape.
Meet Your Speaker We are thrilled to be joined by Niamh Goggin, a Social Investment Specialist with global experience across Central America, the EU, and the UK. As the former Regional Manager of Charity Bank in Northern Ireland and a consultant for major institutions like the Joseph Rowntree Foundation and Barclays Bank, Niamh brings a wealth of practical knowledge to the table.
What to Expect
Context: Explore the long history of social investment in Ireland.
The Basics: Learn exactly what social investment is and how it functions.
Pros & Cons: A deep dive into the costs, benefits, and how it differs from grant funding.
Success Stories: See examples of successfully funded projects.
The "Pitch": Learn what makes a good lending proposition and how lenders assess them.
Insider Tips: Understand common reasons for rejection and how to maintain a strong relationship with your lender.
Don't miss this opportunity to gain technical insights from one of the industry's leading experts.
Date: Thursday 26th March Time: 1000-1300 Venue: Online (link will be shared once registered) Email brian@enterprisenw.com or call 02871 352693 to register and to receive the workshop link.
Widening Participation Stakeholder Engagement Event - Online
The Department for the Economy (DfE) has launched a public consultation on the Review of Approach to Widening Participation in Higher Education.
As part of this consultation process, we would like to invite you to attend an online Widening Participation Stakeholder Engagement event taking place on Thursday 26 March from 6.30pm – 8pm.
The purpose of this session is to provide a structured and inclusive forum for stakeholders to share their views, experiences, and insights on the consultation proposals.
We are particularly keen to hear from stakeholders working directly with, or representing, groups that are currently under‑represented in higher education.
If you are interested in attending this event, we would be grateful if you could confirm by emailing wideningparticipation@economy-ni.gov.uk
Interculturalism and Equality Free Training
Through Donegal Traveller's Project Diversity and Decision-Making PEACEPLUS programme,we are providing free training in April on Interculturalism and Equality for people in Northern Ireland.
Thurs 16th April: 9am-12:45pm Thurs 23rd April: 9am-12:45pm Thurs 30th April: 9am-12:45pm Thurs 7th May: 9am-12:45pm Thurs 14th May: 9am-12:45pm Maldron Hotel Derry
The training is designed to support groups working with new and existing ethnic minority communities in the North West.
The training sessions are open to any community and frontline staff and volunteer groups working with new and existing minority ethnic communities who would benefit from Intercultural awareness and Intercultural competency training.
Book by contacting freya@donegaltravellersproject.ie or call 0868257836
The Power of Humour: Mental Wellbeing's Secret Weapon
What connects Ruby Wax, Jo Brand, Stephen Fry and Jason Manford? Answer: comedians that have all struggled with their mental health.
Contrary to popular belief however, humour is much more than comedians doing stand-up, but it is a medium that can address mental health.
Humour is an incredibly powerful tool that practitioners have at their disposal. It’s also free, natural, we all possess it, and it promotes health and well-being in ways that people barely realise.
It has an innate ability to transform perspective, perception, and possibility and if used effectively, it leads to change and transformation. It has unlimited potential and is arguably the only medium that can address any subject, no matter how difficult or sensitive.
If you are a practitioner working in role that involves supporting those struggling with mental health, then, The Power of Humour – Mental Wellbeing's Secret Weapon is for you.
This workshop will transform your understanding of humour and how it can be used to support and promote good mental health.
It will provide you with an overview of humour, its many benefits and how it can be used to support and enhance your everyday practice.
You will learn a little about the origins and history of humour, its unique selling points, the many physical, emotional, and social benefits to be enjoyed, the different types of humour that exist, theories that underpin it as well as the ‘Four Secrets’ of Humour.
Participants will also get a chance to put their learning into practice, discover their own ‘Humour personality’ while developing their ‘Humour lens’ and begin to appreciate how simple tasks using humour can create new possibilities.
Background reading: https://www.docdroid.com/rsBx8g9/the-power-of-humour-pdf
Food Services Workshop
Tuesday 31st March At Women’s Centre, Derry 10am – 12pm
Women’s Centre Derry is hosting this workshop to facilitate women accessing support with Food Support needs. We understand that these are difficult times and that accessing support can be difficult, therefore we are partnering with The Foyle Foodbank to bridge the gap.
To access any of these services contact Rayna on 02871 267672
Free Age Friendly Awareness Training
The Public Health Agency is planning a number of Age Friendly Awareness Training courses for any local community groups, businesses and statutory organisations interested in creating more age-friendly organisations and communities.
This engaging and thought-provoking training will explore the experiences of older people and highlight practical ways we can make our organisations and communities more inclusive. The session is underpinned by the principles of the World Health Organisation's Age-Friendly framework.
Sessions are being delivered regionally in Ballymena, Omagh, Lisburn and Derry.
Refreshments and lunch will be provided.
The session in the DCSDC area will take place on: Date: Friday 27th March Time: 10am-2pm Venue: Leafair Well-Being Village
To book please visit www.dotsni.co.uk/events or telephone Rebecca or Joanne on 028 2568 9830 directly.
Health Fest NW
Whether you’re looking for a quick health check or information and support, everyone is welcome.Take a positive step for your health and join us for the Health Fest NW at the Millennium Forum on Wednesday 22nd April, 10am–2pm
This event is a day dedicated to your wellbeing, with free health checks and support services, including:
Blood Pressure, Cholesterol, BMI, Height, Weight & Body Composition
Mental Health Services
Addiction Services
Physical Health Support
Education & Employment Guidance
Housing & Benefit Advice
Fitness Advice
#RewriteTheStory is about taking control of your journey, your health, and choosing a new path forward. It’s a call to break the stigma, seek support, and embrace the strength found in community.
Erasmus Plus survey
The UK will re-enter the Erasmus+ Programme this year and our survey "Erasmus Plus: Are You Ready?" will enable us to find out how well informed or prepared people are.
This is absolutely vital to the successful promotion of the programme. The survey is aimed at absolutely anyone working in the education, youth, sports, cultural and social fields, and across the public, private and 3rd sectors. It takes about 5 minutes to complete.
The survey link is: https://bit.ly/intercom2601
For further information contact Fergal on thekingisalive@hotmail.com
Latest Offers from Salto Youth
Please see attached document for the latest offers from Salto Youth, including:
Moving Together: Sport for Youth Empowerment
SEEDS: webinar series - Empowering Youth to Grow with the Earth
“Voices & Verses 2026: Youth Policy Debate”
Who am I? 2.0
New Tools
Volunteer opportunities for spring/summer 2026
North West Volunteer Centre are currently updating our volunteering Ezine. Please fill in the link below if you have any volunteering opportunities for your organisation that you would like us to include in our upcoming Ezine:
Job Opportunity with The Junction
FINANCIAL ADMINISTRATOR - with Programme support (PT 20 hours) The Junction, Bishop Street, Derry Londonderry. NJC Scale 5-Scale 6 (Pt 12-22) PRO RATA PER ANNUM (20hrs per week) £26,421-£31,364 Application Forms to be submitted to Info@TheJunction-ni.org NO LATER THAN: 4pm 30th March 2026.
Job Description and Application Form available to download here
Contact Details: Info@TheJunction-ni.org
Historic Buildings Council - Member competition
Are you looking for an opportunity to use your skills and experience to make a contribution to the protection and development of Northern Ireland’s unique and important historic environment? If so, applications are sought for the appointment of Members to the Historic Buildings Council (HBC).
The Council acts as a statutory advisor to the Department for Communities (DfC) covering historic buildings. This supports the work of DfC in treasuring the past and thereby enriching the future, recognising the multiple ways in which the historic environment can support our prosperity, strengthen our society and shape our character
Further details can be found at DfC public appointments | Department for Communities, by e-mailing publicappointments@communities-ni.gov.uk or telephoning 028 9081 9417.
The Closing date is: 12 noon on Monday 13th April 2026.
Launch of the Art On Your Doorstep project
Join us at the Tower Museum as we launch the National Gallery 'Art On Your Doorstep' exhibition.
Derry City and Strabane District Council Museum team has partnered with The National Gallery to print eighteen artworks at six sites across the council district. It's an outdoor exhibition.
Free to view 31 March - 30 September 2026.
The six sites are: Tower Museum, Acorn Farm, St Columbs Park House, NI Library Strabane, Newtownstewart and Castlederg.
Meet the artist who will be working onsite on a new 'masterpiece' to add to the collection! 11am - 31st March 2026. RSVP tower@derrystrabane.com or 028 7137 2411
For further details contact: www.towermuseumcollections.com
Submit an article - Email info@nwcn.org. Please note that the e-bulletin goes out once per week on a Wednesday, please have your article for inclusion with NWCN by Tuesday afternoon
When submitting an article for inclusion in this E-Bulletin, please conform to the following guidelines:
As far as possible, do not use images - information is best received when it is concise and straightforward.
Include reliable contact information: named contact, organisation, telephone number, email address &, where appropriate, web address.
Please check that all details are correct when submitting as we will presume they are.
The information in this E-Bulletin has been collated from a range of sources. NWCN does not however accept responsibility for any third party content or for any of the opinions expressed.
