The Community Awards programme is provided and administered by Belfast Harbour.

Objectives of Fund

The funding is intended to support community groups in the delivery of projects that positively impact the environment, education, skills and bringing the community together. 

Value

Grants of up to £5,000 are available.

Who Can Apply

Grassroots, community-led organisations and charities across Northern Ireland may apply.

Organisations must:

• Have charitable status or be affiliated to their governing body.
• Have been established for a minimum of 24 months and be able to demonstrate financial records for a minimum of 12 months.
• Have an organisational bank account.

Location

Northern Ireland

Restrictions

The following are not eligible for funding:

• Individuals.
• Commercial organisations or those which are working for profit.
• Organisations which have statutory responsibilities such as local authorities, hospitals, surgeries, clinics or schools, unless it is for a project which is over and above the core activities and statutory obligations.
• Salaries, overheads or recurrent expenditure/running costs.
• Purchase of land or buildings.
• General repair and maintenance of buildings.
• General funding for medical purposes.
• Retrospective costs.
• Political parties.
• Programmes with political or religious objectives.
• Programmes that denigrate, exclude or offend minority community groups.
• Programmes that may present a hazard to the community.
• Programmes that create environmental hazards.
• Programmes that may be perceived to be controversial.
• Programmes offered by advocacy, lobby or special interest groups whose mandate is to influence government policy.

Eligible Expenditure

The funding is for projects focused on the following areas and ideally based within the Greater Belfast area:

• Supporting Employability and Skills – creating a skilled workforce, both for now and the future. This may include:
  • Supporting initiatives which support skills development in NI.
  • Giving a chance to those who face significant barriers to work.
  • Digital skills.

• Supporting our Environment – supporting a sustainable environment for current and future generations. This may include:
  • Working with partners to deliver environmental education.
  • Increasing and improving the level of biodiversity activity occurring across NI.

• Building Vibrant Communities – identifying and tackling social issues key to developing local communities. This may include:
  • Supporting the empowerment of young people and isolated groups to achieve their potential.
  • Sustaining a rich and varied maritime heritage.

Preference will be given to applications and projects that benefit all sections of the community, regardless of age, race, gender, disability, sexual orientation or religion.

How To Apply

Applications must be submitted by the deadline of 20 September 2025.

Guidance notes and the online application form can be found on the Belfast Harbour website. Belfast Harbour | Community Awards