Three community projects in Northern Ireland have been awarded a total of nearly £64,000 in the latest round of funding from the Northern Ireland Office’s Connect Fund. The funding aims to support local initiatives addressing social, economic, and cultural challenges.
Castle Community Trust to Support Veterans
The Castle Community Trust in North Belfast will receive over £60,000 to fund its ‘Veterans and Volunteers Project’. This initiative focuses on reducing social isolation among Northern Ireland veterans by fostering connections with fellow veterans in Great Britain. The programme includes workshops and exchange visits, bringing together more than 20 veterans from Belfast and Shrewsbury to encourage shared learning, collaboration, and collective action on legacy, wellbeing, and reconciliation.
Matthew Patrick, Parliamentary Under Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, visited the Castle Community Trust and commented on the project:
Once again Connect Fund support is flowing directly into communities in Northern Ireland and across the UK, delivering positive change by supporting veterans in need, amplifying communities’ voices to ensure they are heard, and combatting gender economic inequality. Ahead of Remembrance Sunday, I was particularly moved to meet with the Castle Community Trust, and to hear about the positive impact the project is making to curb social isolation amongst veterans who have done so much for us.
Jim Crothers, Chief Executive Officer of Castle Community Trust, added:
We are delighted that the Castle Community Trust has secured funding from the Connect Fund. This will support our veterans’ group (Old Comrades Group) to undertake a process of engagement and development with their counterparts in Great Britain. We believe this project will enable participants to come together to share experiences, develop positive relationships, and promote understanding of their service in Northern Ireland.
Other Projects Promoting Equality and Community Links
The second recipient, JoinHER Network CIC based in Newtownabbey, will use the funding to support underrepresented individuals from African, Caribbean, and other minority communities. Their project will host a fellowship for emerging leaders across Belfast, London, Chelmsford, and Austell in partnership with ACSONI, Action for Race Equality, and the National Black Police Association. Additionally, the initiative will create a civic and cultural dialogue series and launch a ‘Digital Bridge Platform’ to share learning, stories, and tools with other civic organisations.
The third successful applicant, the Northern Ireland Women’s Budget Group, will organise a Four Nations Summit with Women’s Budget Groups from Northern Ireland, England, Scotland, and Wales. The summit will develop a cross-nation strategy to advance gender economic equality in the UK.
About the Connect Fund
The Connect Fund was launched by the Northern Ireland Office at the East West Council in June 2025. With a total funding pot of up to £1 million, the initiative supports community projects that strengthen East-West connections, promote civic and cultural engagement, and build leadership capacity. To date, twelve projects have been awarded almost £400,000 across Northern Ireland, Scotland, Wales, and England.
Round 1 of the Connect Fund is accepting applications under £9,999 until 10 February 2026. Applications are considered on a rolling monthly basis after the 10th of each month, with rounds closing early if funding is fully allocated. The fund focuses on objectives such as developing lasting civic relationships, supporting cultural and sports links, building leadership skills, and fostering constructive dialogue on shared opportunities and challenges affecting UK communities.