Health Minister opens 2025/26 Core Grant funding scheme

Health Minister Mike Nesbitt today launched the Department of Health's Core Grant funding scheme for 2025/2026.

The scheme is open to community and voluntary sector organisations and is intended to support them with core operating costs.

Announcing the launch of the scheme, the Minister said:

"I am committed to supporting the community and voluntary sector as much as possible in the knowledge that it can and already does help my Department to meet its key policy and strategic aims.

"I am pleased to say that we now have a new scheme for 2025/26 which has been co-designed with community and voluntary sector organisations and with the assistance of NICVA.

"I want to thank NICVA and all of those who participated in co-design sessions. The feedback on a range of scheme proposals was invaluable and I am confident that we now have a much better designed scheme as a result."

The total budget available for the scheme will depend on the Department's final budget allocation for next year, although it is anticipated that at least £1.8m will be made available.

Celine McStravick, NICVA CEO, said:

"The voluntary and community sector plays a critical role in improving health and wellbeing across Northern Ireland, often working with the most vulnerable in our society.

"While we recognise that this funding is modest, core support is vital to help organisations sustain their essential work and respond to the growing needs of our communities. We commend the Department for its commitment to co-designing the scheme and for valuing the input of the sector in shaping a fair and effective process.

"This is the start. We need to build on this process and aim for longer term and sustainable support."

Organisations have until 12pm on Friday 13 December 2024 to apply for funding from the scheme.

Further information, including the application form and guidance, can be found online at: https://www.health-ni.gov.uk/articles/core-grant-funding-scheme-2025-26

Notes to editors:

1. NICVA, the Northern Ireland Council for Voluntary Action, is a membership and representative umbrella body for the voluntary and community sector in Northern Ireland.
2. For media enquiries please contact DoH Press Office by email: [email protected]
3. Follow us on Twitter @healthdpt(external link opens in a new window / tab)
4. The Executive Information Service operates an out of hours service For Media Enquiries Only between 1800hrs and 0800hrs Monday to Friday and at weekends and public holidays. The duty press officer can be contacted on 028 9037 8110.

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