Lyons – US/NI 250 funding programme will open for applications

Tuesday, 21 October 2025 11:53

Communities Minister Gordon Lyons has announced that applications are to open for the US/NI 250 Funding Programme. In April the Minister announced funding of £250,000 for organisations to mark the 250th anniversary of the US Declaration of Independence in 1776. Applications are now open for £150,000 of this funding to support organisations and individuals across Northern Ireland to celebrate the anniversary next year. Minister Lyons said: “This is a great opportunity...Request free trial

Communities Minister Gordon Lyons has announced that applications are to open for the US/NI 250 Funding Programme.

In April the Minister announced funding of £250,000 for organisations to mark the 250th anniversary of the US Declaration of Independence in 1776.

Applications are now open for £150,000 of this funding to support organisations and individuals across Northern Ireland to celebrate the anniversary next year.

Minister Lyons said: “This is a great opportunity for Northern Ireland to celebrate the strong and enduring links that connect us with the United States and have shaped both our countries in lasting ways.

“This is an open call for applications from groups and individuals for activities which will commemorate events or people from here who were involved in this period of American history.

“This initiative, delivered through the Ulster-Scots Agency, will enable local organisations and individuals to tell their stories and celebrate the deep historic connections that exist, ensuring that Northern Ireland's role is marked.”

The fund will be administered by the Ulster-Scots Agency on behalf of the Department for Communities and will provide financial support for a wide range of projects. This includes community events, cultural exhibitions, educational programmes, storytelling that reflect the shared history and links between Northern Ireland and the United States

Minister Lyons concluded: “I would encourage organisations individuals to apply for funding to highlight the unique contribution that people from here made to the story of America and to celebrate the friendships that connect us across the Atlantic.”

Applications will open on Monday 20 October and for more information please visit: www.ulsterscotsagency.com/

A series of information events will be held for anyone wishing to find out more. Details below:

21 October, 2pm – Roe Valley Hotel, 10 Lisnakilly Road, Limavady, BT49 9FB
22 October, 7.30pm – Armagh City Hotel, 2 Friary Road, Armagh, BT60 4FR
28 October, 7.30pm – Silverbirch Hotel, 5 Gortin Road, Omagh, BT79 7DH
29 October, 2pm – Ramada Encore, 20 Talbot Street, Belfast, BT1 2LD
30 October, 7.30pm – Dunsilly Hotel, 20 Dunsilly Road, Antrim, BT41 2JH

A further online information event will be available soon, details to follow.

Notes to editors:

On 3 April 2025, Communities Minister Gordon Lyons announced £250,000 for organisations to mark the 250th anniversary of the US Declaration of Independence. £100,000 of this funding is to be used for specific interventions by a range of public organisations and which will be announced in due course. The remaining £150,000 is being allocated toward this open call for applications from groups and individuals.