Ulster GAA provides a range of ad hoc funding opportunities to support clubs in their development, participation, and community engagement efforts.
These funds are offered through various streams, including club development grants, health and wellbeing initiatives, cultural and language projects, capital works, and community partnership programmes.
Funding availability can vary throughout the year, so clubs are encouraged to regularly check communications from Ulster GAA and ensure they are registered for relevant updates. Clubs should also familiarise themselves with each fund’s eligibility criteria, deadlines, and reporting requirements, as these differ across programmes.
Early planning and alignment with the club’s development plan will help ensure readiness to apply when opportunities arise.
For further information contact Ulster GAA Club & Community Development Officer Elaine McKeown – elaine.mckeown.ulster@gaa.ie
Ulster GAA are committed to providing our clubs and counties with advice and guidance on funding opportunities.
Sport & Physical Activity
Sport NI Olympic Legacy Fund – £1,000–£50,000 for community sports equipment/facilities.
? Closes 20 Feb 2026
? sportni.net/olympic-legacy-fund
Sport NI – Creating Opportunities (Crowdfunding Match) – Up to £5,000.
? Closes 29 Jan 2026
Environment & Community Spaces
Community Gardens Award (National Garden Scheme) – £1,500–£5,000 for sustainable gardening.
? Closes 20 Oct 2025
? ngs.org.uk/who-we-are/community-garden-grants
Windfarm Community Benefit Funds (NI) – £2,500–£5,000 depending on location.
? Various deadlines (most 23 Oct 2025)
Fermanagh Trust Wind Farm Funds – Up to £3,000 for local communities within 7km of wind farms.
? Closes 02 Nov / 12 Nov 2025
? Cornavarrow & Slieveglass Wind Farms Funds
Older People & Social Isolation
Homestead – Up to £500 for community events for people aged 55+.
? October annually (awards in November)
Arts Council NI – Arts & Older People – £1,000–£10,000.
? Closes 16 Oct 2025
Community Infrastructure & Poverty Reduction
NI Community Infrastructure Fund – Small capital grants for improving community buildings.
? Closes 29 Oct 2025
? communities-ni.gov.uk/articles/northern-ireland-community-infrastructure-fund
Rural Micro Capital Grants (DAERA) – £500–£2,000 for rural voluntary/community organisations, with 15% match funding.
? Closes 20 Oct 2025 (12pm)
? daera-ni.gov.uk/publications/rural-support-network-contact-details
Micro / Community Investment Fund (CFNI) – Up to £2,000, rolling.
? community-relations.org.uk/events/micro-community-investment-fund-now-open-grant-ps2k
Peace & Community Relations
PEACEPLUS Changemaker – Partnership projects for cross-community & cross-border collaboration.
? Rolling
? seupb.eu/peaceplus/change-maker-funding-programme
Community Relations Council – Cultural Diversity Grants – Up to £10,000.
? Closes 16 Jan 2026
? community-relations.org.uk/funding-scheme/community-relations-cultural-diversity
W A Cadbury Charitable Trust – Peace, penal reform, Quaker causes, community.
? Closes 20 Oct 2025
General Community Grants
National Lottery Awards for All (NI) – £300–£20,000 for community projects.
? Rolling
? tnlcommunityfund.org.uk/funding/programmes/awards-for-all-northern-ireland
Dormant Assets for All (NI) – £300–£20,000, open until 2027.
? tnlcommunityfund.org.uk/funding/programmes/dormant-assets-for-all
Connect Fund – £300–£50,000, monthly rounds.
? Final round 10 Feb 2027
? supportingcommunities.org/funding-news-1/2025/6/24/connect-fund
Blackburn Trust – Small grants for families, women, children under 16.
? Closes 31 Oct 2025
? Apply via email: trusts@cfrlaw.co.uk
