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20/02/2025
£1.8m Funding Boost For Community Groups
Health Minister Mike Nesbitt has announced over £1.8 million in Core Grant funding for 25 community and voluntary sector organisations for the 2025/26 financial year.
The funding, which is subject to final checks, will support the organisations with core operating costs. Despite pressures on the health budget, the funding has been maintained at the same level as the previous year.
"I am very proud of the many capable, agile and vibrant community and voluntary sector organisations which work alongside statutory services to deliver for the people of Northern Ireland," said Minister Nesbitt.
The funding comes from a redesigned Core Grant Scheme, co-designed with the community and voluntary sector. A total of 259 applications were received.
"While I regret that the indicative Health budget allocation for 2025/26 does not permit me to offer funding to more of the 259 applicants, I am pleased to be able to announce that more than £1.8m in funding will be provided," the Minister added.
Minister Nesbitt also thanked NICVA (Northern Ireland Council for Voluntary Action) for their assistance in co-designing the scheme.
Celine McStravick, NICVA Chief Executive, welcomed the announcement but highlighted the high demand for funding. "With 259 applications submitted, it is clear that demand far outweighs the funding available," she said. "Many organisations doing vital work in our communities will be deeply concerned about their ability to continue providing essential services without this funding."
Ms. McStravick also called for longer-term funding for the sector. "While this modest, one-year funding is an important step, it does not provide the long-term sustainability that the sector urgently needs. NICVA will continue to work with the Department of Health to advocate for a longer-term, three-year core funding model," she said.
The funding, which is subject to final checks, will support the organisations with core operating costs. Despite pressures on the health budget, the funding has been maintained at the same level as the previous year.
"I am very proud of the many capable, agile and vibrant community and voluntary sector organisations which work alongside statutory services to deliver for the people of Northern Ireland," said Minister Nesbitt.
The funding comes from a redesigned Core Grant Scheme, co-designed with the community and voluntary sector. A total of 259 applications were received.
Minister Nesbitt also thanked NICVA (Northern Ireland Council for Voluntary Action) for their assistance in co-designing the scheme.
Celine McStravick, NICVA Chief Executive, welcomed the announcement but highlighted the high demand for funding. "With 259 applications submitted, it is clear that demand far outweighs the funding available," she said. "Many organisations doing vital work in our communities will be deeply concerned about their ability to continue providing essential services without this funding."
Ms. McStravick also called for longer-term funding for the sector. "While this modest, one-year funding is an important step, it does not provide the long-term sustainability that the sector urgently needs. NICVA will continue to work with the Department of Health to advocate for a longer-term, three-year core funding model," she said.
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Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A sunny but frosty start for many. However cloud increases by midday with a few showers reaching the north coast, these mostly light but spreading inland this afternoon. Chilly. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A rather cloudy evening with scattered showers. Becoming drier through the night with some good clear spells developing and a patchy frost away from coasts. Minimum temperature 0 °C.
