Policy paper

The Connect Fund

The Connect Fund was announced at the East West Council on 12 June 2025 to strengthen East-West collaboration between community and voluntary groups.

• From: Northern Ireland Office
• Published: 6 October 2025

Documents

Connect Fund Round 1: successful applications

PDF, 67.8 KB, 4 pages

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Connect Fund Round 2: successful applications

PDF, 73.4 KB, 6 pages

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R2 Delivery Plan and Budget Tool

MS Excel Spreadsheet, 198 KB

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The Connect Fund Delivery Plan and Budget Management Tool Guide for Applicant

PDF, 1.73 MB, 28 pages

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Additional Partner Organisation Information

MS Word Document, 1.84 MB

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Round 2 Connect Fund Application Guidance

PDF, 326 KB, 13 pages

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Connect Fund FAQs Round 2

PDF, 289 KB, 9 pages

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Details

The Northern Ireland Office’s Connect Fund provides awards from a funding pot of up to £1 million to support groups working in sectors which directly affect Northern Ireland communities, helping them to tackle mutual challenges and opportunities which also affect communities in Great Britain. 

Applicants will fulfill objectives such as strengthening East-West connections by developing long lasting civic relationships; supporting the development of cultural, sports and people links; building leadership capability and facilitating constructive dialogue on shared opportunities and challenges facing UK communities. Each group can bid for between £300 and £50,000 to deliver its objectives.

A list of key documents associated with the Connect Fund is available above, alongside a list of previously successful applications. Please note these documents are subject to change and will be updated ahead of future Connect Fund Rounds.

Published 6 October 2025