Insight and latest updates from our team

We’re getting ready to launch our new website, which will bring together NICVA, CommunityNI and GrantTracker into a single, more user-friendly platform. 

Looking for a role where you can support a thriving membership community, help shape how NICVA communicates with the voluntary and community sector, and contribute to an organisation that makes a real difference?

The Community Empowerment Programme builds stronger connections at the first cross border residential. 

Earlier this month, NICVA’s first CEP Cross-Border Residential brought together 20 participants from across 12 community and voluntary organisations for two days of learning and connection in Cavan.

This month's Member Spotlight, Northern Ireland Chest Heart & Stroke (NICHS), is marking a significant milestone - 80 years of supporting and improving the lives of people across Northern Ireland.

The voluntary, community and social enterprise sector was united in the face of violent scenes across Northern Ireland this week, as over 300 sector leaders gathered for the 2026 NICVA SUMMIT.

The United Kingdom (UK) and the European Union (EU) have agreed for the UK to associate to the Erasmus+ programme from 2027. From November 2026, Erasmus+ opens new opportunities for UK individuals and organisations working in education, training, youth and sport.

We are delighted to announce that the NICVA OCN NI Level 2 Award in Community Development is now recognised by the All Ireland Endorsement Body (AIEB) as an introductory Community Work Education and Training programme.

A statement in response to reports of violence and disorder aimed at minority ethnic communities across Northern Ireland

- A Shared Commitment to System Change 

 The Voluntary Youth Work Coordinating Committee* recently met with the Northern Ireland Commissioner for Children and Young People Chris Quinn to discuss what needs to happen next for youth work. 

Volunteers' Week 2026 takes place from 1–7 June, bringing together organisations and communities across the UK to celebrate the invaluable contribution volunteers make every day.

NICVA is delighted to be partnering with the Community Foundation for Northern Ireland to strengthen the impact of organisations working on the frontline of housing insecurity and homelessness.

Today’s UK Government–backed interim report on  Young people and Work, led by former Health Secretary Alan Milburn, warns that more than one million young people are already not in education, employment or training (NEET). It highlights the scale of the crisis, estimating a cost to the economy of £125 billion, while the long-term damage to the life chances of young people is almost incalculable.

His warning of a potential “lost generation” could not be more relevant to Northern Ireland, where recent cuts following the introduction of the Local Growth Fund are actively dismantling youth employability services delivered by the voluntary, community and social enterprise (VCSE) sector- stripping away support at the very moment it is needed most.

As part of the Digital Inclusion Action Plan The Department of Finance received funding to help address device poverty and to support community‑led digital inclusion projects. Eligible VCSE organisations with up to £100K income are invited to apply for a free laptop. DEADLINE EXTENDED TO 3 JULY.

Lawrence O’Kane, founder and CEO of Prizefunder explains how this Northern Ireland community fundraising platform could help communities to work together, raise funds, strengthen local services and build lasting support for the causes they care about. 

Supporting long-term impact through thoughtful investment and trusted advice

At Quilter Cheviot, it’s not just about managing money — it’s about helping charities make a bigger difference. With a clear focus on balancing growth, income and risk, their work ensures organisations can stay financially resilient while staying true to their mission.

Legal Island is proud to work alongside NICVA to offer discounted rates across its range of eLearning courses. Covering a range of topics including, Diversity & Inclusion, GDPR and security training and Wellbeing courses.

The National Lottery Community Fund in partnership with UK Community Foundations  and Centre for the Acceleration of Social Technology (CAST) has announced a new £3 million funding programme which will track AI’s real-world impacts at a local community level across the UK, and fund ground-breaking community-led AI tools.

NICVA’s ILM Level 5 Leadership and Management Programme

Strong, confident leadership has never been more important for voluntary, community and social enterprise (VCSE) organisations. With rising demand, increasing complexity and ongoing resource pressures, leaders are required to navigate change while supporting their teams and communities effectively.

Sophie Anstee de Mas, Hub Programme Manager lets us know what’s open, what’s next, and how Northern Ireland applicants can get involved.

The Northern Ireland Office (NIO) has published their consultation on the proposed three‑year Investment Plan for the new Local Growth Fund (LGF) in Northern Ireland, setting out priorities for investment from 2026 to 2029.

The consultation is open for seven weeks, closing at 5.00pm on 26 June 2026.