Central Good Relations Fund

What is the aim of the Central Good Relations Fund (CGRF)?

The aim of the Programme is to support the achievement of the Executive’s strategic objectives relating to good relations.

Funding should be used for the delivery of projects which aim to address any of the following:

• where there is an identified good relations need and the aim is to work with those most in need of a good relations intervention within specific areas of impact;
• where there is, or potential for, heightened social unrest;
• where there has been a significant change in local demographics;
• where there has been an increase in racist/sectarian hate incidents; and
• where emerging issues within communities warrant a Good Relations intervention.

It should be noted that to be fundable under CGRF, projects need to demonstrate concrete Good Relations work at the heart of all activities, and this work needs to be proactive in building Good Relations rather than passively bringing people from different communities/backgrounds together.

Please note that awards are limited to two per organisation. The amount of grant applied for should generally not exceed £50,000 per application. Any application requesting £50,000 or over must be exceptional in its design, delivery and expected outcomes from a good relations perspective.

About the Programme

From 2016 to 2025/26, over £30.5 million has been awarded to support more than 950 projects across Northern Ireland which has impacted on over 320,000 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 £2,000, subject to available budget.

2026/27 Central Good Relations Fund – Project Funding (over £2,000)

Applications for the 2026/27 Central Good Relations Fund (CGRF) funding programme are now closed.

Eligibility

The programme is open to properly constituted community groups and voluntary organisations. Examples include Association, Trust, Company limited by Guarantee, Community Interest Company, Charitable Incorporated Organisation or Industrial and Provident Society.

To be eligible for funding, your organisation must:

• be legally able to operate in Northern Ireland.
• be independent, not for profit, and have a constitution or set of rules defining your aims, objectives and operational procedures.
• have a suitable management structure and appropriate financial controls.
• comply with relevant legislative requirements in respect of employment, health and safety, discrimination and equality of opportunity.