The Central Good Relations Fund (CGRF) supports constituted voluntary and community sector groups to deliver good relations projects where there is evidence of identified good relations need.

Applications for the 2024/25 Central Good Relations Fund (CGRF) funding programme are now closed.  Any awards of funding are subject to the availability of budget. Further information on future funding rounds will be available on the T:BUC website.

T:BUC Central Good Relations Fund Video

About the Programme

Since 2016, over £25 million has been awarded to support more than 780 projects across Northern Ireland which has impacted on over 260,000 people. These CGRF projects with a good relations focus also include a wide range of activities such as sport, music, drama, arts and crafts, to engage with and make a difference in local communities whilst contributing to peace building and reconciliation. In addition, these projects provide important opportunities to develop new skills, gain qualifications, build self-confidence, develop new friendships, and to celebrate and embrace cultural diversity.

There are two streams of funding available; Project Funding and Small Grants.

For both streams, projects can claim salaries and programme costs, but these costs must be proportional to the good relations project being delivered. CGRF does not, and will not, replace mainstream core or project funding for groups.

Project Funding opens once a year for applications. Small Grants are open for applications throughout the funding year and are available for projects up to £1,500.

What is the aim of the Fund?

Successful projects must contribute towards the delivery of one of the Together: Building a United Community (T:BUC) Strategy key priorities.

These projects with a strong good relations focus can use a wide range of activities such as sport, music, arts, personal development, leadership, educational attainment, and peace and reconciliation to engage with and make a difference in local communities.

Projects can claim salaries and programme costs, but these costs must be proportional to the good relations project being delivered. CGRF does not replace mainstream core or project funding for groups.

How is the Fund delivered?

There are two streams of funding available; Project Funding (opens once a year for applications) and Small Grants (open for applications throughout the funding year, available for projects up to £1,500).

Springboard Opportunities Limited delivering the 'Fusion+ NW' project in 2022/23

Ulster GAA delivering the 'Cúchulainn Initiative' project in 2022/23

What difference has the Fund made?

You can read more about the T:BUC Strategy via the links below:

Small Grant delivery up to 31 March 2024

Due to unprecedented demand and a limited budget for the 2023/24 funding year, applications to the CGRF’s  Small Grants Programme  are currently suspended.  Should any additional funding become available in-year, the Department will review its position. Guidance notes on the Small Grants Programme are available via the link below:

2023/24 Central Good Relations Fund – Project Funding

Applications to the 2023/24 Central Good Relations Fund are now closed with delivery underway. Funded projects

2023/24 CGRF funded projects:

2022/23 CGRF funded projects:

2021/22 CGRF funded projects:

CGRF resources for groups

You will find some useful resources, including claim templates and guidance on our CGRF Toolkit page.

Contact details

Contact the Central Good Relations Fund Team for any queries in relation to the funding programme.

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