Community groups across Ireland secure €1 million in grants

By Claudia Savage, Press Association

Funding of €1 million has been announced for 13 community and voluntary organisations across the island of Ireland.

The Special EU Programmes Body (SEUPB) has confirmed the awards totalling more than £850,000, through the PeacePlus Change Maker Funding Programme.

The 13 newly funded initiatives cover a broad range of themes, including youth development, arts and cultural exchange, environmental stewardship and sport.

In Northern Ireland, funded projects include environmental restoration along Lough Neagh and Inishowen rivers, cross‑community youth programmes through sport in Antrim, and arts initiatives in Londonderry tackling racism and social inclusion.

In the Republic of Ireland, projects range from community integration programmes in Monaghan to digital and creative skills for young women in Dundalk, and intergenerational nature‑based initiatives linking children and older people in Donegal.

SEUPB chief executive Gina McIntyre said: “I want to congratulate all 13 organisations receiving support through the PeacePlus Change Maker Funding Programme.

“Each has developed a thoughtful, community‑centred proposal that places cross‑community and/or cross‑border engagement at its core.

“These projects reflect the leadership, resilience and creativity that exist across our region, and address a local need identified.

“I encourage other groups to explore this opportunity and apply before June 30.

“The Change Maker fund is designed to be flexible, accessible and well‑supported, empowering grassroots organisations to help build relationships, confidence and connection where it is needed most.”

The Change Maker Funding Programme provides flexible grants of up to 100,000 euro designed to support people‑to‑people projects that build meaningful relationships, strengthen local connections and encourage co-operation across traditional community divides.