NWCN E-bulletin: Funding, Jobs and News
- Kevin Burns
- Aug 6
- 9 min read
Updated: Aug 7
EPIC Futures NI Phase 2 Policy Commissioning Call
EPIC Futures NI aims to contribute towards a prosperous and sustainable future for Northern Ireland. With a ‘place-based’ focus the partnership brings together academia, policy makers, business, community, and voluntary sector to jointly co-design policy and programmes that will help improve equitable access to skills and employment opportunities.
The overall aim of the Phase 2 EPIC Futures NI Policy commissioning call is to build a robust evidence base around key themes that contribute to a more inclusive and sustainable labour market in Northern Ireland, particularly for people who are not in, or do not have access to, suitable paid employment or self-employment. It seeks to fund innovative projects that provide insights to advance theory, policy, and practice.
Phase 2. This funding award will range from £10,000 to £100,000 from a budget of £750k. Small awards of up to £30,000 must be completed by 30th June 2026. Large awards of up to £100k must be completed by 30th September 2026.
Call closes: Tuesday 9th September 2025, 5pm
Further information available here
The Robert McAlpine Foundation
The Foundation was established by the family of Sir Robert McAlpine and gives grants to support small charities situated throughout the UK that fall within specific categories - namely children, youth, the elderly, social and medical research.
Your appeal should meet the criteria as set out out on the Contact page and consist of a maximum of two A4 pages outlining:
Who you are
Your charity number
What work your charity does
Details of the specific project for which you require funding
The amount of funding you are looking for
Your contact details, together with website address if you have one
Please enclose a copy of your most recent signed accounts.
The Trustees meet annually in November to approve grants. An application must be received no later than 15 August in order for it to be considered for inclusion in the next meeting.
Further information available here
Parkinson’s UK: New Grant Programmes
Parkinson’s UK has launched two new grant programmes aimed at supporting local communities and encouraging inclusive activity.
Physical Activity Grants – Open to local community groups and activity providers to support people with Parkinson’s to be more active.Apply here: https://www.parkinsons.org.uk/.../grants-physical...
Marginalised Communities Grants – Designed to support projects that engage people from underrepresented or marginalised groups who are living with Parkinson’s.
Funding Futures Programme - online information session
Are you a young social entrepreneur with ideas about how to overcome financial exclusion?
UnLtd’s Funding Futures Programme could be for you.Led by UnLtd, in partnership with Co-op Foundation, the programme funds and supports social entrepreneurs aged between 16-30 with the most impactful ideas to help those side-lined by the financial system - giving them the tools they need to build financial resilience in their communities, so they become fairer places to live, with opportunities for all.
Through the Funding Futures Programme, you’ll gain access to:
Funding
Peer-to-Peer Learning
Tailored Support
Financial Literacy & Resilience Resources
Upskilling Workshops … and much more!
Does this sound like the programme for you?
Applications are open year-round and reviewed on a quarterly basis, supporting start-up and scale-up ventures. https://www.unltd.org.uk/awards/funding-futures-programme
Sign up for our online information session here - Funding Futures Information Session Tickets, Wednesday 13 August 2025 at 1pm | Eventbrite
Art Bites: Finding Funding
Arts and Business NI are planning our next Arts Bites session in September. Arts Bites are 45 min approx., 'in-conversation' online webinars about various topics. The September edition would be about researching and finding funding opportunities with others whose role consists of finding funding opportunities and compiling them for e-zines, newsletters etc.
Attendees will –
Get bite sized information of various topics each month
Be able to gain ask questions and engage with others on the call
Upskill or share knowledge on topics whilst having their lunch
In this edition we will be talking all things about researching for suitable funds for your organisation and how funding officers with various backgrounds research for funding opportunities. We will be discussing where they look for funds, what current trends they are sending within the funding landscape and more about them and the organisations they represent!
For further information or to register interest please contact Holly -h.foskett@artsandbusinessni.org.uk
CFNI Tender Opportunity: Causes of Recent Racist Violence
The Community Foundation is seeking a suitable individual or organisation to conduct research on the Causes of Recent Racist Violence in Northern Ireland.
Recent months have seen a disturbing rise in racist violence across Northern Ireland, including targeted attacks, community unrest, online incitement, and increased reporting of hate crimes.
These events have caused fear and disruption within affected communities and raised significant concern within CFNI and the organisations and partners that it works with.
This research tender seeks to commission an evidence-based study to analyse and understand the underlying causes and triggers of racist violence in Northern Ireland.
To find out more, click the link below:
Mother and Baby Institutions, Magdalene Laundries and Workhouses in NI
The Northern Ireland Assembly’s Committee for the Executive Office has begun its work on scrutinising the Inquiry (Mother and Baby Institutions, Magdalene Laundries and Workhouses) and Redress Scheme Bill. The Bill will see the establishment of a formal Inquiry into Mother and Baby Institutions, Magdalene Laundries and Workhouses in Northern Ireland between 1922 and 1995. It will also set up a Redress Scheme for the victims and survivors of these institutions.
Hearing from those who will be directly affected by the Bill and the schemes it creates is key to the Committee’s work. The Committee wants to hear from as many people as possible. You can have your say using the online survey: Inquiry (Mother and Baby Institutions, Magdalene Laundries and Workhouses) and Redress Scheme Bill - Page 1 of 51 - Northern Ireland Assembly - Citizen Space
The Committee will also hold a number of Familiarisation Sessions to help stakeholders understand the legislative process of the bill, and in particular the Committee Stage. These sessions will take place:
Tuesday 9 September in Wave Trauma Centre
Thursday 11 September online/virtual.
If you would like to attend, or for more information, please email cteotrconsultation@niassembly.gov.uk
SBNI Consultation for children, young people, parents, and carers
On behalf of the Safeguarding Board for Northern Ireland (SBNI), Barnardo’s NI is carrying out a series of consultations for children, young people, parents, and carers. We are seeking to gather their opinions and views on what the SBNI should concentrate and focus on in terms of its aims, goals, and priorities in its new strategic plan for 2026-2030.
The purpose of this exercise is to ensure that the views and voices of children and young people, parents and carers are heard and responded to in relation to the safeguarding and child protection system in Northern Ireland.
Consultation sessions:
Strabane, 11 August 25, Riversdale Leisure Centre
10:00 AM – 12:00PM | Parents / Carers
1:00PM- 4:00 PM | Children / Young People
Online Session, 18 August 25
10:00 AM – 11:00AM | Parents / Carers
7:00 PM – 8:00 PM | Parents / Carers
Further information available here
LMP Kickstart Your Career
Free training courses available for those who reside in Derry City and Strabane District Council, and that are currently unemployed with the right to work in Northern Ireland. Derry and Strabane Labour Market Partnership (LMP) wish to help you step into work with the skills you need. Boost your employability, confidence, and qualifications by availing of any of the below courses.
SECURITY & EVENTS TRAINING
Accredited Marshal Training (NI): a one-day course to be delivered in Strabane and Castlederg. Courses to be delivered the week commencing 11 August.
OCN NI Level 2 Award in Stewarding at Spectator Events: a three-day course to be delivered in the Strabane Enterprise Agency on 30, 21 and 22 August.
SIA Door Supervisor Training and Licence: a seven-day course being delivered in Iona Business Park on 22, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29 August (7th day to be confirmed for first aid)
ESSENTIAL SKILLS (LEVEL 2) – Fast Track
Essential Skills Level 2 in Literacy: a 13-week course being delivered in Derry Youth Community Workshop, starting 2 September.
Essential Skills Level 2 in Numeracy: a 10-week course being delivered in Innovation Centre (Bay Rd), starting in September.
Essential Skills Level 2 in ICT: a 10-week course being delivered in Innovation Centre (Bay Rd), starting in September.
For further information, please visit www.derrystrabane.com/kickstart
Upcoming Féile Derry events at Holywell
Causes and Consequences of Toxic Masculinity
Tuesday 12th August 1pm @ Holywell
Dr Paul Caplat from QUB will explore the economic and social impact of toxic masculinity - traditional masculine norms that promote violence, self-harm, and restrict emotional expression. A 2017 study, The Man Box, shows young men often feel pressured to live by harmful stereotypes, causing real harms like suicide, violence, and binge drinking. This talk will call for a cultural shift towards inclusive, support ways of leading beyond gender roles to improve mental health and society.
View from the Frontline: The local Impact of Global Conflict
Wednesday 13th August 7pm @ Holywell
Brian Dooley is an Irish human rights author and activist, and Senior Advisor at Washington DC based NGO Human Rights First.For over 30 yrs Brian has worked with other human rights activists in war and conflict zones including Lebanon and Gaza on behalf of Amnesty International, engaging with governments and others to end threats to human rights rights activists. Since 2022, Brian has made 20 trips to Ukraine reporting on behalf of Human Rights First.
In his talk Brian will share his first hand account from Ukraine, and outline his perspective on how global conflict can have profound local impacts.
He will detail his observations of humanity in action, with examples of local people meeting the humanitarian needs of their citizens. Brian will also share his views on the state of human rights generally as global tensions are at an all time high. Has the world abandoned Human Rights? And what issues and behaviours should we be concerned about here?
Both events are free and do not require registration in advance.
Féile events coming up at the Museum of Free Derry
Féile Derry, the city’s largest community arts festival, returns this August with a powerful programme of events. Solidarity with the people of Palestine and the ongoing genocide in Gaza is a central theme of Féile 2025 - reflected in screenings, talks and exhibitions hosted by the Bloody Sunday Trust at the Museum of Free Derry.
All events at the Museum of Free Derry are free, open to the public, no booking required, and the venue is fully accessible.
Wednesday 6th August - 1pm Shoot to Kill
Wednesday 6th August - 7:30pm Charles English: A Bogside Freedom Fighter - A Short Film
Saturday 9th August - 2pm The Emperor Is Naked
Thursday 14th August - 7pm
Moon Tell Me Truth – Exhibition Launch
Further information on all the above events available here
Leap for Life – Charity Bungee Jump
Always wanted to tick a bucket list activity off your list? Now’s your chance!
Leap for Life – Charity Bungee Jump - Leap for a cause and support those around you!Saturday 20th September, Ebrington Square from 10am to 6pm!
Spots are filling up fast - if you have any questions, feel free to get in touch.
Ready to jump? Register here: https://forms.gle/4Lic2rsdVet4QM2b9
Amazing Opportunity
Would you like to host a UU student who is skilled in Computer Software Development and programming such as Java and Python. He can also design and build websites!
The placement would be for 10 months from September 2025 to June 2026.
For more information please email – lukewilmaxnoel@gmail.com
Latest Offers from Salto Youth
Please see attached document for the latest offers from Salto Youth, including:
Exploring Gender Identity Through Art
It's My Nature 2025
Mental Health Crash Course for Youth Workers
Safeguarding: a shared responsibility
Webinar | Refashionized: Learning Resources to Change the Game
Foyle JBO Upcoming Events
Disability Action Foyle Jobs & Benefits Office, Wednesday 6th August, 10am-12pm
Barclays Local Specialist Foyle Jobs & Benefits Office, Wednesday 6th August, 10am-12pm
First Housing Aid & Support Services Foyle Jobs & Benefits Office, Tuesday 19th August, 11am-1pm
Cedar Foundation Foyle Jobs & Benefits Office, Wednesday 20th August, 11am-12.30pm
Now Group Foyle Jobs & Benefits Office, Thursday 21st August, 2pm-3:30pm
Cedar Foundation Foyle Jobs & Benefits Office, Wednesday 27th August, 12pm-1.30pm
21 Training GROW programme Drop In Foyle Jobs & Benefits Office, Thursday 28th August, 11am-12:30pm
Employability & Job Support Session Shantallow Library, Tuesday 2nd September, 1pm-3pm
Employability & Job Support Session Creggan Library, Wednesday 3rd September, 10am-12pm
Cedar Foundation Foyle Jobs & Benefits Office, Wednesday 3rd September, 11am-12:30pm
Employability & Job Support Session Central Library, Wednesday 3rd September, 1pm-3pm
Derry & Strabane Job Fair Foyle Arena, Tuesday 9th September, 11am-2pm
Cedar Foundation Foyle Jobs & Benefits Office, Wednesday 10th September, 11am-12:30pm
Condition Management Programme Drop In Foyle Jobs & Benefits Office, Tuesday 16th September, 11am-1pm
For further details on all the above click here
NEW Habitat for Humanity Restore Gearing Up to Open
Habitat for Humanity Ireland is delighted to announce that they can now accept donations at the newest ReStore in Lisnagelvin, as they will be opening very soon!
If you, your company or organisation is having a clear-out or has surplus materials, why not see if you could donate to ReStore, instead of heading for the skip? You can drop donations into Unit 15 Lisnagelvin Shopping Centre from 9.30am-5pm, Monday-Friday.
Check out their website to learn more, or email if you have any questions: info@habitatireland.org