Lightnews — Scholar-powered news

NICVA @nicva.org · 10h

Grants up to £25k from the James Tudor Foundation for Physical Health or Mental Health work.

Supports therapeutic interventions, direct healthcare, and trauma-informed support around ACEs.

📝 EOIs open 1 Oct–5 Nov 2025

More info & apply 👉 tinyurl.com/24w3jrfy

#GrantTracker

NICVA @nicva.org · 12h

We've been awarded funding through the Connect Fund to launch Civic Threads, helping community organisations across the UK work together & strengthen their collective voice.

Delighted to be working @scvo.scot, @wcvacymru.bsky.social and @ncvo.bsky.social on this project!

Read more 👉 bit.ly/3WgsCb3

NICVA @nicva.org · 1d

Up to £70k funding for small charities making a big difference!

Open to projects that:
• Provide shelter & safety
• Support physical &/or mental health
• Develop life skills
• Reduce isolation/ improve inclusion

EOI deadline: 4pm, 14 October 2025

🔗 www.makesomenoise.com/charity

#GrantTracker

NICVA @nicva.org · 1d

Free Cyber Security Webinar – 9 Oct

Join our free session to learn how to protect your charity from cyber attacks and manage risks.

Part of Cyber Awareness Month 2025: “Secure Our World.”

👉 Book your place + explore resources: bit.ly/42W3HNm

#CyberAwarenessMonth

NICVA @nicva.org · 2d

📢 New funding opportunities this week:

– Community relations (up to £80k)
– Festive intergenerational projects (£125)
– Environmental projects (£5k)
– Arts for conversations about death (£10k)
– IT for social good (£15k)
– Core costs (£200)

More info 👉 tinyurl.com/4k4w2d7u

#GrantTracker

1

Reposted by NICVA

Volunteer Now @volunteernow.bsky.social · 2d

The Kings Award for Voluntary Service is the highest award given to local volunteer groups across the UK - it is the MBE for volunteer groups! Join us for a short online info session to hear about the nomination & assessment process, benefits to volunteers & more!

➡️https://ow.ly/9GNV50X6UHp

1

NICVA @nicva.org · 2d

We recently submitted our response to the draft Anti-Poverty Strategy. The draft falls short, lacking ambition, clear targets, resourcing & a rights-based framework.

We urge the Executive to make bold decisions & deliver a credible roadmap to end poverty in NI.

Read our response 🔗 bit.ly/4gW8vYQ

Blue graphic with white text that reads: 'Poverty is not inevitable - it is the result of political choices and policy decisions.'

1

NICVA @nicva.org · 6d

📢 New Fund for NI charities & community projects!

The Foundation Fund offers 25 days of free creative support to help boost your impact - from campaigns to branding.

Open to projects focused on:
👥 People | 🌍 Planet | 🏘️ Place

🗓️ Deadline: 31 Oct 2025

Details & apply 👉 bit.ly/4nQ9ddb

#GrantTracker

1

Reposted by NICVA

Volunteer Now @volunteernow.bsky.social · 6d

The latest edition of VTraining is out now! Check your inbox or download your copy here 👉 mailchi.mp/volunteernow... We have FREE online capacity building volunteer management trg for grps in the Belfast City Council area - but hurry! Places are filling up fast! There's an article about the...1/2

1 1

NICVA @nicva.org · 6d

We’re working with the ICO to understand data protection support needs in NI’s voluntary & community sector.

Your input will help shape future training, resources & guidance.

👉 Have your say by 5pm tomorrow (3 Oct): tinyurl.com/2s4b56bd

#DataProtection #NICVAtraining

NICVA @nicva.org · 7d

🚀 Our Digital Capacity Building Series continues this October with practical sessions for VCSEs:

📅 Here's what's coming up:
8 Oct – Digital Strategy
9 Oct – Cybersecurity
16 Oct – Workflow Automation & AI
21 Oct – Podcasting

Don’t miss out - book now 👉 bit.ly/3Hsuh9w

#NICVAtraining

NICVA @nicva.org · 7d

🔐 It’s #CyberAwarenessMonth! Cyber security is everyone’s responsibility – staff, volunteers & trustees.

We’ve pulled together key tips, free tools & training to help keep your charity safe online.

👉 Read more & book for our FREE webinar: bit.ly/42W3HNm

#CyberAwarenessMonth

Reposted by NICVA

National Energy Action NI @neanireland.bsky.social · 7d

Join us for breakfast in the Long Gallery, Stormont on 3 Nov, as we launch the findings from our latest annual poll with @lucidtalk.bsky.social. We will provide an up-to-date picture of #FuelPoverty in Northern Ireland and the pressures facing households.

To book, go to tinyurl.com/NEANIBreakfast

1 1

Reposted by NICVA

Women's Resource and Development Agency @wrda-team.bsky.social · 7d

Northern Ireland is the only region in the UK & Ireland without a Women’s Health Strategy. Our new research highlights the urgent need for action to address health inequalities and improve outcomes form women. #visibleforceforchange

Read the full report here tinyurl.com/yypct2tu

1 1

NICVA @nicva.org · 8d

After 46 years, Parenting Focus has sadly closed. Our thanks to the staff, volunteers & trustees for making a lasting difference to families across NI. This shows how fragile family support is without sustainable funding. We will continue to support the sector & help orgs facing difficult decisions.

NICVA @nicva.org · 8d

Funding opportunity: Safefood’s Community Food Initiatives Cross Border Partnerships.

Up to €5,300 per partnership/yr for orgs in NI & ROI tackling food issues in low-income areas.

📅 Deadline: 10 Oct, 5pm
ℹ️ Online info session: 1 Oct, 2.30pm

Full details 👉 tinyurl.com/5788bx7h

#GrantTracker

1

NICVA @nicva.org · 9d

✨ New funding this week! ✨

🏛 £10k–£50k for improving community buildings
🏡 Up to £6k from Community Benefit Funds
♿ Funding for accessible transport innovation
🔬 £20k public engagement science grants
🧸 £5k for small children’s charities

Details 👉 tinyurl.com/kwxz8pu7

#GrantTracker

Photo of a group of people standing behind a large Toy Trust banner.

Photo of a man using a wheelchair, on a platform beside a train that has a ramp from the platform to the doors.

Photo of the countryside with wind turbines visible in the distance.

Promotional photo for the launch of the NI Community Infrastructure Fund

2 1

NICVA @nicva.org · 12d

🚨 £4.3m NI Community Infrastructure Fund launched!

Over 100 voluntary & community organisations will be able to carry out essential repairs, accessibility upgrades, & energy efficiency improvements to keep their buildings safe, welcoming, & fit for purpose.

EOI opens 1 Oct.

🔗 tinyurl.com/59fk4kvj

Pictured at the launch of the Northern Ireland Community Infrastructure Fund at the Pomeroy Forest Building are (l-r) Kate Clifford, Director, Rural Community Network; Jane Gribbin, Community Engagement Manager Volunteer Now; Paul Boylan, Director of Programmes and Strategic Development, Co-operation Ireland; Department for Communities Minister Gordon Lyons MLA; Celine McStravick, CEO, NICVA; Paul McNaught, Director of Regional Development, Department for Communities; Lauri McCusker, Director, Fermanagh Trust

1

NICVA @nicva.org · 12d

Earlier this year we gave evidence to the Finance Committee’s inquiry on banking services in NI. This week we attended the launch of its final report & welcome its publication as an important step in addressing sector-wide challenges.

Read more on the report & our ongoing work: tinyurl.com/2r7ffb6a

Reposted by NICVA

AONTAS @aontas.com · 19d

🌟 The AONTAS STAR Awards 2026 nominations are now open!
Do you know a group making an impact in adult or community education across Ireland? Nominate them today.

Learn more ➡️ www.aontas.com/community/ad...
#STARAwards2026

1 2

Reposted by NICVA

The Community Foundation for Northern Ireland @cfni.bsky.social · 12d

𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗠𝗶𝗰𝗿𝗼 𝗖𝗼𝗺𝗺𝘂𝗻𝗶𝘁𝘆 𝗜𝗻𝘃𝗲𝘀𝘁𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗙𝘂𝗻𝗱 𝗶𝘀 𝗻𝗼𝘄 𝗼𝗽𝗲𝗻! 🌱

Grants of up to £2,000 are available to support community initiatives that are making a real difference in towns and villages across Northern Ireland.

🔗 Find out more and apply here: lnkd.in/edCw2WqS

1

NICVA @nicva.org · 12d

⏰ Last day to respond!

Today’s the deadline to have your say on the @charitycommni.bsky.social’s Strategic Plan 2026–29.

📄 Read our response here: tinyurl.com/mtuyauta
🗳️ Submit yours before 5pm today.

Graphic for the Charity Commission for NI's strategic plan consultation

1

NICVA @nicva.org · 13d

Can a less hierarchical workplace spark more creativity? 🤔

Join us this Monday for a free Lunchtime Leadership session on how values-led, authentic leadership can unlock creativity and make every voice count.

📅 Monday 29 Sept | 12–1 pm | Online
🔗 Register: tinyurl.com/2s3h5duh

#NICVAtraining

Graphic for NICVA's Lunchtime Leadership session

NICVA @nicva.org · 13d

This morning at our Insight Exchange, the focus was on Strategy That Works on the Ground.

Rachel Duffy from @clanryegroup.bsky.social shared how they bring strategy to life, while our CEO Celine McStravick updated members on NICVA’s strategy review.

Missed it? Keep an eye out for future sessions!

Reposted by NICVA

Centre for Cross Border Cooperation @crossborder.bsky.social · 13d

Have you completed the survey?

We're calling on civic society organisations & local authorities across NI & ROI to take part in participate in our survey on the Conditions for North-South & East-West Cooperation.

crossborder.ie/news/complet...

@benrosher.bsky.social @anthonysoares.bsky.social

Complete the survey today: calling on civic society organisations and local authorities - The Centre for Cross Border Cooperation | CBS

Share this page: The Centre for Cross Border Cooperation is calling on civic society organisations and local authorities in Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland to take part in its latest sur...

crossborder.ie

2 1