NWCN E-bulletin: Funding, Jobs and News
- Kevin Burns
- Jul 3
- 9 min read
Updated: Aug 7
Central Good Relations - Small Grants Fund
Small Grants funding should be used for the delivery of projects which aim to address any of the following:
• where there is an identified good relations need and the aim is to work with those most in need of a good relations intervention within specific areas of impact;
• where there is, or potential for, heightened social unrest;
• where there has been a significant change in local demographics;
• where there has been an increase in racist/sectarian hate incidents; and
• where emerging issues within communities warrant a Good Relations intervention.
The fund supports productive, time-bound projects which contribute to the promotion of good relations up to a value of £2,000.
Applications for small grants in 2025/26 are open for projects to be delivered up to 31 March 2026. Further information available here
Money Saving Expert Charity
The MSE Charity, funded by Money Saving Expert, gives grants to not for profit organisations to fund the delivery of activities that improve people's ability to become more financially capable in their present and future circumstances.
Open to UK registered charities, community interest companies, credit unions or a not-for-profit company limited by guarantee or social enterprise company with between £10,000 and £600,000 per year and hold between one and six months running costs in free reserves, you can request a maximum of £10,000.
Their next grant round opens TODAY, Wednesday, 2 July 2025 to receive outline proposals, and will close on Thursday, 10 July 2025 at 5pm.
Check now to see if your organisation and project are eligible by completing our pre-application Eligibility Quiz
Further information available here
Vinehill Trust Grants – Funding for Music, Heritage, and Health Projects
The Vinehill Trust makes grants to charitable, educational and ecclesiastical organisations across the UK in three areas of special interest.
Music: Including projects involving children and young people that further the choral and/or organ traditions.
Heritage: Built heritage, including projects that involve training in heritage craft skills.
Health: Overlooked and underfunded health issues where projects directly benefit individuals and communities, especially those that are marginalised or under-served.
We typically award one-off grants of £10,000-£100,000.
Further information available here
Henry Smith Foundation Announces New 5-Year Strategy
The Henry Smith Foundation, formerly known as the Henry Smith Charity, has published its new strategy, Elevate Your Impact (2025-2030) which ‘reaffirms their commitment to backing people and organisations driving change in communities across the UK.’
The first three new programmes under these new funding priorities are:
• Together We Begin
• Shout!
• Domestic Abuse Fund
You can register on the links below for webinars to talk more about these programmes.
• Shout! webinar: 22nd July, from 1-2pm
• Together We Begin webinar: 30th July from 2-3pm
• Domestic Abuse Fund webinar: 12th August, from 1-2pm
Getting the most out of GrantTracker, Wednesday, 9 July - 12pm to 1pm | Online
Finding the right funder for you is crucial to the success of your programmes and organisation’s financial sustainability, so it’s essential to maximise your time and manage your fundraising efforts – GrantTracker is the perfect tool to help you achieve this. Join our webinar to find out how to make the best use of GrantTracker.This FREE webinar is ideal for new subscribers, long-term users and those considering subscribing to GrantTracker to explore all the functions it has to offer.
Social Value session with SIB, Wednesday, 10 September - 10am to 11.30am | Online
Is your VCSE organisation considering bidding for public contracts? Are you interested in partnering with suppliers to deliver Social Value requirements? This online one and a half hour session delivered by SIB Social Value Team will cover how Public Bodies score Social Value at award stage, tips to help with bid submissions and how VCSEs can partner with suppliers to deliver Social Value.
Claim Your Free Fundraising Toolkit
What if your charity could raise funds every time your supporters shop online - without them spending a penny extra?
This month only, easyfundraising are giving away 250 online fundraising toolkits to charities that register with us by 31st July. These toolkits are packed with ready-to-use resources to help you inspire your supporters and start raising funds immediately.
Why charities love easy fundraising:
Effortless Giving: Supporters shop as usual with 8,000+ retailers (like John Lewis, Tesco, eBay, and Just Eat). The retailer donates to your charity.
Unrestricted Funds: Use the donations on whatever your charity needs.
No Cost, No Catch: It’s completely free for you and your supporters.
Act now – only 250 toolkits available!
Register today and book a quick call with our friendly team (it’s free of course!) We’ll walk you through how it works and send your free toolkit right after.
CSCS Reform Programme Surveys
There are currently two surveys open from Reset and Rebalance and the Family Support Workstream and we are asking for your help in reaching more children, young people, and parents/carers to ensure their voices are heard in shaping services that affect them.
Children and Family Charter ConsultationThis consultation is open to anyone who may have a view — including children, young people, parents, carers, staff, professionals, and policymakers.We particularly encourage you to share this with children, young people, and parents/carers.
Survey link: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/ChildrenandFamilyCharterMay252.
Focusing on Families SurveyThis survey will inform the family support strategy in Northern Ireland, and we want to hear the views of children, young people and parents/carers as well as practitioners. This short, anonymous survey covers five key areas:
Purpose of family support services
Core values
Most valued types of support
Future service models
Making a difference to families
Survey link: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/FocusingonFamilies25
Both surveys take less than 10 minutes to complete. For any queries, feel free to contact Dr Donna Kernaghan at donna@statsandstories.co.uk
Summer Coffee Morning
You are invited to North West Methodist Mission's Summer Coffee Morning You're officially invited to our Coffee & Kindness Coffee Morning. We're brewing up good vibes, tasty treats, warm cups, and even warmer hearts - all for a great cause - Brew-tiful morning alert!
Friday 4th July, 10:30am The Men's Hostel, Crawford Square
Bring your mug, your friends and your spare change - lets raise funds one sip at a time!
River Rush Raft Race
Get ready to paddle, plunge, and make a powerful splash for mental health!
Foyle Search and Rescue & Aware NI are thrilled to invite you to don your waterproof gear and dive into the River Rush Raft Race along the River Foyle!
When: Saturday 13 September, from 9 am
Start Line: Foyle Search & Rescue HQ
Team Size: 4 - 6 people
Entry: £50 per team | Minimum sponsorship £450
(Aged 15+; under 18s must be accompanied by an adult)
Plus! There’ll be a Family Fun Day packed with activities, food, and entertainment for all ages.
In honour of World Suicide Prevention Day, AWARE NI and Foyle Search and Rescue have teamed up for this fantastic, fun-filled team challenge - all to raise vital funds for mental health services support and rescue services benefiting people across Derry/Londonderry.
Gather your crew, build your raft, and join us in making a real difference.
Sign up here https://aware-ni.org/events-2/river-rush
Nerve Centre Games Jams - August 2025
We have now released applications for our Summer 2025 Games Jam to be held over five days commencing on Monday 4th August.
We have two Games Jams running simultaneously - one in Nerve Centre in Belfast and one in Nerve Centre in Derry/Londonderry.
These are aimed at young people aged 15-19 with an interest in learning more about Games design.
No prior experience is required.
Over the course of the week our participants will work with our staff, but also with Students and staff from local Third Level games Design courses, and with industry professionals, to bring their ideas to life.
Participants do not necessarily need to know how to Code.
If prospective applicants are great at art, animation, storytelling or simply want to know more about how a game goes from the first few sketchy plans scribbled on a blank piece of paper to a realised level...this is their chance to work with other like minded participants to bring their imagination to life on screen.
Participants can work individually or in groups to develop their ideas over the course of the week.
If you want to learn more details or indeed have someone who wishes to apply for a place you can find details and a link to the application form for both events here:https://nervecentre.org/whats-on/games-jam-summer-school
Be sure to check which Games Jam location you have selected - remember we have two running together in Derry and Belfast so choose the link to the location that suits you!
Applications close on 28th July.
Any queries contact Barry on b.brennan@nervecentre.org
The SKY project
The SKY project is a one stop shop which will provide a safe welcoming space where participants will take part in a programme of regular activities, group events and be supported through practical mentoring and guidance.
• 16-25 year olds
• Safe Welcoming Space
• Citizenship
• One Stop Shop
• Drop in Hub
• Social Activities
• Mentoring
• One to One Support
SKY Project, 6 Society Street, Derry, BT48 6PJ
Contact: Rosemary / Eleanor - Tel: 028 7126 8891 Mob: 07871391607
See attached poster for QR code.
Latest Offers from Salto Youth
Please see attached document for the latest offers from Salto Youth, including:
• Relational hygiene, peer pressure and decisional autonomy
• Introduction training for newcomers to Youth Exchanges
• The Power of Preventive Education
• Call for Trainers
Foyle JBO July Events
Barclays Local Specialist
Foyle Jobs & Benefits Office, Wednesday 2nd July, 10am-12pm
The Barclays Local Specialist can provide support with managing money, banking, setting up bank account, financial and mental wellbeing.
They can offer free learning resources and support to help build confidence in areas including digital skills and being online.
There is also a range of support for those on self-employment journeys.
Disability Action
Foyle Jobs & Benefits Office, Wednesday 9th July, 10am-12:30pm
Maura will be discussing the empower programme which is a comprehensive programme designed for individuals aged 16 and above who have not worked in the last 4 weeks due to disabilities or health conditions.
The programme is delivered with a strengths-based focus, providing tailored guidance, and holistic support.
What empower Offers:
Personalised Job Search
CV Enhancement
Job Application Assistance
Interview Preparation
Boosting Self-Confidence
Qualification Opportunities
Work Experience Placement
Pathways to Employment
You are welcome to call in on the day to have a chat with Maura.
Now Group
Foyle Jobs & Benefits Office, Thursday 10th July, 11am-12:30pm
The organisation offers a range of services that support people with learning difficulties and autism. Their services focus on supporting people into employment, training, transition, and volunteering. They also offer a family service to support new and expectant parents with a learning difficulty or autism.
If you would like to find out more about the organisation, please call in.
Adapt NI
Foyle Jobs & Benefits Office, Thursday 24th July, 11:00am to 12:30pm
Are you Deaf, Hard of Hearing, or have Tinnitus and looking for work, training, or volunteering opportunities?
A representative from Adapt NI will be available to discuss how they may be able to help you find a job and achieve your goals. Their staff are deaf-aware and can communicate using sign language, ensuring that you feel supported every step of the way. A BSL interpreter will be available on the day.
At Adapt NI, they offer a free service to help you find the right job. Alternatively, if you are interested in attending a course or college, they can assist in ensuring the right support is in place to help you succeed in your studies. Adapt NI’s goal is to give you the confidence and tools you need to find the right job, course, or business opportunity.
You are welcome to call in on the day to find out more.
Job Opportunities with Cultúrlann Uí Chanáin
Director of Cultúrlann Uí Chanáin
The successful candidate will lead a motivated and energetic team across four departments; all of whom are responsible for driving forward our educational, cultural and artistic, cross-community and youth activities. They will deliver the board’s strategic aims, manage the organisation’s budget and resources, and lead new initiatives and fundraising activities to encourage the further growth and development of Irish language activities across the country.
Contract: Full-time
Working hours: 37.5 hours
Salary: £38,000
Muintearas Project Officer
The Muintearas Project Officer will be responsible for the delivery of the PEACEPLUS Muintearas programme, supported by PEACEPLUS, a programme managed by the Special EU Programmes Body (SEUPB) and funded through Derry City and Strabane District Council’s PEACEPLUS Local Co-Designed Action Plan.
This role is an opportunity for someone with an interest in and commitment to innovative and collaborative working approaches to challenge prejudice and promote positive attitudes towards other cultures and identities and promote sustainable and inclusive social engagement and peace-building.
Contract: Part-time
Hours of work: 30 hours
Salary: £22,560 (£28,226 FTE)
IPH seeks applications for position of IPARC Coordinator
IPH will host the coordinator role for I-PARC for a 3-year term.
Established in 2018, the Irish Physical Activity Research Collaboration (I- PARC) involves multiple stakeholders, across policy, practice and research, who work together to apply insight, intelligence, and innovation to the challenge of getting more people to become more active, more often in Ireland.
The role will report into and be overseen by I-PARC Steering Group.
The person will coordinate the work of I-PARC and facilitate the development and implementation of the physical activity research agenda in Ireland and Northern Ireland.
This role involves organising workshops, facilitating stakeholder discussions, analysing and translating research into policy and practice, fostering collaborations, and supporting and coordinating the operations of the I-PARC group.
To apply please visit https://www.publichealth.ie/vacancies
Energy Strategy E-Bulletin
Please find below link for the 31st edition of the Energy Strategy E-Bulletin, which aims to keep stakeholders informed about progress on the Energy Strategy for Northern Ireland.
In this edition:
Minister Archibald attended the RSPB Northern Ireland event in Belfast and Global Offshore Wind 2025 Conference in London
Energy Ireland Conference
Green Skills Action Plan Launch
Publication of Energy Research