Ministers Launch Minority Ethnic Development Fund

A new Minority Ethnic Development Fund (MEDF) 2022-25 has been announced by the First Minister and deputy First Minister.

Paul Givan and Michelle O’Neill have urged eligible groups to apply to the fund, which provides support for voluntary and community organisations working with minority ethnic communities.

In line with a recent review of the Fund this will be a three year funding stream to provide successful groups with stability going forward and enable longer term planning and support.

First Minister Paul Givan said: "We are delighted to invite applications to our new three-year Minority Ethnic Development Fund, which aims to assist minority ethnic and local community organisations to promote good relations between people of different ethnic backgrounds.

"The MEDF provides vital assistance on the ground, which is helping to deliver our strategic racial equality goals, as well as enabling individuals to achieve their personal goals.

"I would encourage all those who work with minority ethnic people and groups, and those who have projects that will impact on the sector, to apply to the Fund."

The deputy First Minister, Michelle O’Neill said "We are proud to have a diverse, multi-cultural society and we want everyone here to feel welcome and supported.

"The MEDF has been a key mechanism to support delivery of our Racial Equality Strategy, which is helping to promote good race relations and social cohesion across our community. It has helped hundreds of projects to provide vital support which is making a positive difference in the lives of many minority ethnic people.

"This improved three-year funding scheme will allow for enhanced security for those working with minority ethnic people and I would encourage applications to the Fund."

MEDF funding is available for projects of various sizes – from £100 - £75,000 per annum.

Potential applicants are being invited to learn more about the MEDF process by taking part in an online funding seminar on 20th December – full details can be found on the TEO website.

The deadline for receipt of completed applications is 2pm on 27th January 2022.