More than 70 community and voluntary (C&V) sector
organisations across Northern Ireland are anticipated to receive
Core Grant funding in 2026/2027, subject to final checks, the
Health Minister has announced.
This is a marked increase from the 26 organisations which were
awarded funding in 2025/2026.
The increase was made possible by a restructuring of the scheme
to ensure that the £1.8million available could be spread further
to support a greater number of eligible organisations.
Health Minister said: “I am delighted that
more than 70 community and voluntary sector groups have
progressed to Stage 2 of the Core Grant funding process. Subject
to financial viability checks, these organisations together will
receive £1.8m in funding to support them with their core costs.
That is more than double the number supported in 2025/2026.
“While the financial pressures facing my Department meant I was
unable to devote more funding to the scheme, I was determined to
ensure a larger number of C&V bodies could benefit from it,
particularly those smaller organisations which struggle the most
to cover their costs.
“With 247 applicants, however, I acknowledge that there will
still be many commendable groups who will be disappointed by the
outcome. I deeply value the work of all organisations within the
community and voluntary sector as they make a vital contribution
in communities right across Northern Ireland.
“In the coming weeks, my officials will begin contacting those
applicants who have been unsuccessful to offer feedback, which it
is hoped will be of assistance in applying for future funding
rounds. At this stage, it is anticipated that another open call
for applications will be issued this Autumn, for funding from
April 2027.”
Under the 2026/2027 scheme, eligible organisations were invited
to apply to one of four policy funds, each totalling £450,000.
The policy funds were:
- Public health, including reducing health inequalities;
- Supporting adults, including those with disabilities, to live
independent, healthy and inclusive lives;
- Supporting children and young people, including those with
disabilities and vulnerabilities, and their families;
- Improving the mental health and wellbeing of the population.
Following the completion of Stage 1 of the assessment process, 70
organisations scored highly enough to be funded in full and six
will receive partial funding, subject to final financial checks.
Michelle Bolton, Chief Executive of Belfast-based Engage with
Age, said: “We are absolutely delighted to receive this news
about our Core Grant funding application. As a small charity,
Engage with Age works to reduce social isolation and loneliness
among older people in Belfast.
"This investment in our work and in the wellbeing of the older
people we serve is invaluable.”
Caroline Temple, Manager of Youthlife in Derry/Londonderry, said:
“Youthlife is delighted with this news. Core Grant funding will
enable us to continue providing vital counselling services for
children and young people aged five to 25 who have experienced
bereavement, separation, or the loss of a significant
person.”
Notes to editors:
- The purpose of the Core Grant scheme is to cover core
organisational costs and is not intended to cover the full cost
of service delivery. It is a small part of the total health
service expenditure which goes to the Community and Voluntary
Sector, as most money is for the direct provision of services.
- The Department has invited the highest-scoring applicants to
submit documentation which will allow officials to carry out
financial viability checks and finalise letters of offer.
- To ensure a greater number of organisations would be able to
receive support under the scheme in 2026/2027, the maximum bid
per eligible organisation was capped at £50,000.
- The full list of successful applicants for the 2026/27 Core
Grant scheme (subject to final checks) can be read in full here:
Outcome of Stage 1 of the
Application Process for 2026 Core Grant funding | Department of
Health
- A fact file on Core Grant funding can be read here Core Grant - Updated Fact File
| Department of Health
