Grants for community projects – to make a change

Simple application, eased requirements and enhanced one-to-one guidance when applying: The new PEACEPLUS Change Maker Small Grants Programme offers community and voluntary groups simple and accessible funding.

The programme provides grants of up to €100,000 for each project, supporting people-to-people projects that encourage cross-community and cross-border co-operation. The focus lies on joint actions, linking up small organisations across the border that work directly with citizens, including community groups (for example, sports clubs, cultural organisations), schools, SMEs, and organisations in the social economy sector. The first round of general funding is open until June 30, 2026.

In the past, projects such as the Monaghan Special Olympics Sports Club and Newry Allstars Special Olympics Club joining up to create a cross-border programme of inclusive activities received just under €40,000. Voices Across Borders, a digital storytelling and inclusion project, delivered by West Fermanagh Farmers Cluster and Leitrim Sustainable Agriculture Group, was supported as well.

Projects utilising sports to create shared, meaningful contact between participants, fostering cross-community relationships have also been awarded funding. The scope within the programme is wide.

SEUPB Chief Executive, Gina McIntyre said: “The Change Maker Funding Programme is an essential element of PEACEPLUS, delivering transformational impact at grassroots level throughout our region. We designed this funding to make it more accessible and simplified for groups who may not previously have directly engaged with our programmes. There is no restriction on the nature of activity as long as the project is building relationships on a cross-community and/or cross-border basis. We look forward to exciting, innovative and impactful projects coming to life in the months ahead.”

Grants are open to local community groups, associations (e.g. social inclusion, ex-offenders, sports, arts, history, cultural bodies), voluntary sector organisations, traveller and migrant organisations, disability support organisations, NGOs and non-profit social enterprises as well as universities, schools, colleges, higher education and research institutions.

The Change Maker Programme is delivered by Pobal on behalf of SEUPB, with Co-operation Ireland, Rural Action and East Border Region offering practical, direct support to applicants.