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E-bulletin: 17 December 2025

  • Writer: Kevin Burns
    Kevin Burns
  • Dec 17
  • 8 min read

Updated: Dec 19


In this edition


  1. The Honourable Irish Society

North West Fund


We welcome applications from individuals and local organisations – from amateur sports and senior citizens clubs; youth groups; community, residents, workers and health associations to schools and other educational bodies – across the entire County or close neighbouring areas (includes any town/village within the Causeway Coast & Glens Borough Council).


Grant Levels

  • Individuals  can apply for grants up to £250

  • Community Groups, Clubs, Associations  can apply for grants up to £1,000

  • Occasionally, exceptions are made to these amounts


Grants to any single community group/club/association will not normally be made at less than 3 year intervals and are confined to projects or causes within County Derry/Londonderry or close neighbouring areas.


Charitable organisations elsewhere within Northern Ireland (outside County Londonderry or close neighbouring areas) should apply to the Northern Ireland Fund.


The deadline for the next round of funding for the following funds in February 2026 is 31st December 2025


Further information available here




  1. The Bright Path Fund

The Bright Path Fund is focused on utilising the Private Rented Sector (PRS) to unlock homes for young people leaving care, alongside the provision of tenancy and mental health & wellbeing support. The Fund will be delivered by the Community Foundation for Northern Ireland, in support of housing projects within The Royal Foundation’s Homewards programme.


In this phase, the fund will seek to support a pilot project across Northern Ireland which is sustainable, scalable, and inspirational for third parties to adopt.


The fund is focused on care-experienced young people aged 17-21 with low support needs.


Closing Date: Jan 26, 2026 12:00


Further information available here




  1. Community Relations / Cultural Diversity

Key Principles of the Community Relations/Cultural Diversity (CR/CD) Funding Scheme


  1. The work MUST be intentional.

    Your programme must have a clear good relations purpose from the outset with deliberate and planned activities which directly address sectarianism and/or racism (the two main aims of the CRCD grant scheme).  This can be achieved in a variety of ways including facilitated workshops, discussions, Q&A, Speeches at events, showcase of cultural diversity through music, art, dance, food from different cultures, storytelling etc.  If your project does not include this learning element then it will not be considered a priority and will most likely be rejected.


  2. It must address an identified good relations need.


All applications must be able to clearly demonstrate the good relations need they want to address and how they have identified this need.


Closing date: Friday 27 February 2026 at 4 PM.


Further information available here




  1. Alliance for Youth Organising: Anchor Fund

The Alliance for Youth Organising will provide anchor grants of £40,000 a year for two years to UK-based organisations that are supporting youth organising.


The purpose of the funding is to support wider access to youth organising and strengthen the youth organising field.  Their aim is to shift power and money to young people so they can work together to create change and organise towards social, economic, racial, disability, gender, and environmental justice.


It will close at 23.59 Monday 26th January 2026


Further information available here




  1. NICVA’s Funding Fayre 2026

Friday, 27 February 2026 - 10am to 1pm | NICVA, 61 Duncairn Gardens, Belfast


NICVA’s popular Funding Fayre returns on 27 February 2026, supported by the Halifax Foundation for Northern Ireland.


This flagship event brings together funders, support agencies, and organisations from across the sector for a morning of practical advice, networking, and insight into upcoming funding opportunities. With 95% of last year’s attendees rating the event as excellent or good, this is a must-attend for anyone involved in raising funds for their organisation.





  1. 'Community Development and the All Ireland Standards in 2026' Workshop

We are delighted to invite you to this joint AIEB and CWI workshop focused on Community Development and the All Ireland Standards in 2026 on Friday, January 16th, in the Lansdowne Hotel, Belfast, 10am - 1:30pm.


This half-day workshop is an opportunity for anyone involved in Community Development in Northern Ireland to:


  • Develop your understanding of the Standards framework and AIEB's key areas of work.

  • Hear case study examples of how the Standards are being applied to support practice and policy development

  • Engage in discussion and consideration of how the Standards can directly support and enhance day-to-day Community Development practice.

  • Benefit from Continuing Professional and Practice Development (CPD) approved by AIEB.


To ensure your place, please register HERE. Registration confirmation will be sent in January.


If you would like a copy of the All-Ireland Standards to review before the workshop, you can download them here. Hard copies of the Standards and other resources will be available on the day.




  1. Free Training Opportunity: Interculturalism and Traveller Cultural Awareness

Two Online Sessions delivered by Donegal Travellers Project: Jan 23 from 10am to 1pm & Feb 13 from 10am to 1pm



 Aim:  To increase understanding of Traveller culture, history and heritage and to gain greater knowledge and understanding of the challenges and struggles experienced by Travellers in Irish society.


 Course Content:


  • Exploring Diversity & Interculturalism

  • The Irish Traveller Community

  • Traveller Health and Wellbeing

  • The impact of Racism and Discrimination

  • Developing Cultural Competency skills and inclusive practices to work with and for the Irish Traveller community

 

Target Audience: Open to everyone interested in learning more about Travellers and their culture.


 Click on the above links to book your place




  1. Upcoming Training Opportunities with CDHN's Elevate Programme

Elevate provides a fantastic opportunity for participants to develop skills and knowledge in community development as a way to tackle health inequalities.


You do not have to work within the health sector to take part. Elevate focuses on the ‘bigger picture’ of health inequality and how health is impacted by wider societal factors, such as your income, where you live, your gender identity, sexuality, and socioeconomic status.


This free training is for staff and volunteers in voluntary organisations, community groups, councils, health and social care and government agencies.


Click here for a full list of all training dates and further information 




  1. The Saltways Free Workshops

We're running free monthly workshops throughout the year covering everything from creating video content on smartphones to using video for major donor relationships, legacy giving, and navigating AI-generated imagery in the sector.


Here's what's coming up:


  • Jan 29: How to use video to nurture major donor relationships (ft. Deana Selby from Royal Free Charity)

  • Feb 12: Getting started with legacy and in memory programmes (ft. Katie of Octopus Legacy & Emily from Legacy Futures)

  • Feb 26: AI Generated Images: Guidelines and Panel Discussion

  • Mar 12: How to create effective video content using your phone for charities

  • Plus sessions throughout the year on authenticity, TikTok/Reels, and content beyond case studies


All sessions are free and run online. The full schedule is here: www.thesaltways.com/training


We're also offering one charity the chance to win £3,000 worth of bespoke video training. This is a full training package to help a charity learn how to create professional video content in-house using just their smartphones. Perfect for smaller organisations who want to build their capacity but don't have the budget for professional training. The application deadline is 15th January 2026, and any UK non profit can apply. Here is the link to sign up: https://mailchi.mp/thesaltways.com/freetraining




  1. Free OCN Level 1 - Community Development Practice

Start Date: 13th January 2026 Time: 10-12 noon (fortnightly) Duration: 8 weeks (4 sessions) Location: The Churches Trust Office, Limavady Road


For more information or to register, please email margaretbonner@thechurchestrust.org.uk




  1. Applications are open for Acorn Farm NI's 'I Can Grow' Programme

The ‘I Can Grow’ Programme is back for 2026! This fantastic initiative helps people and families in the Derry/Londonderry and Strabane areas grow their own fresh, healthy vegetables at home. 





  1. Men Into Healthcare or HerFuture programmes

Are you ready to level up your future? Join our Men Into Healthcare or HerFuture programmes and take the next step in your career!


Men Into Healthcare Gain your Level 2 Health & Social Care qualification and start making a real impact in the industry!For more information, please visit: https://www.nwrc.ac.uk/.../business.../men-into-healthcare


HerFuture Boost your leadership journey with a Level 3 Business Administration qualification designed to help you thrive.



You will also receive weekly training allowance and support with travel and childcare costs* (subject to eligibility) Funded by the Skills Fund, delivering the Minister’s Economic Vision. If you're currently receiving benefits, please speak to your Job Coach before applying.




  1. Latest Offers from Salto Youth

Please see attached document for the latest offers from Salto Youth, including:


  • Mindful Connections – Training of Youth Workers for Wellbeing and Balance

  • Voices to Inspire

  • GLOW – Growing Leaders of Wellbeing

  • Facts For Future: countering climate disinformation in youth work

  • Call for Trainers




  1. NWMF AGM

The North West Migrants Forum will hold its Annual General Meeting on: 


Date: Friday, January 23 2026 Time: 2.30pm Venue: NWMF Offices, Embassy Building, 3 Strand Road, Derry, BT48 7BH




  1. The 2026 Age Friendly Calendar is now available to order

This free annual resource supports the wellbeing of older people across the Western Trust area, offering practical information, uplifting messages, and stunning local photography from Caroline Doherty, Gemma Harkin and Pam Hardeman.


Individuals, families, carers and community groups can request copies directly from Council. Calendars can be posted to individuals or delivered in bulk to community centres and organisations.


To order your calendar or request a box for your group, email agefriendly@derrystrabane.com




  1. Individual puzzle packs for older people

Ally Foyle have a limited number of individual puzzle packs available for older people in the BT47 /BT48 area for use over the Christmas period, last date for orders is Friday 19th December.


They may contain some word search, puzzle, crossword books, cards, dominos, colouring books / pencils, etc.


To avail of one for an older person in the BT47 / BT48 area, please ring / WhatsApp 07419 987095 for delivery or collection of a pack.




  1. Hints and tips for an inclusive Christmas

Christmas is a magical and joyful time but for many autistic people the Christmas period can be very challenging.  


Here are some hint and tips that may help you plan for your Christmas celebrations! Click here to download our Hints and Tips for an autism inclusive Christmas resource




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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.

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