Insight and latest updates from our team

The Department for Communities launched a public consultation on 27 March 2026 to seek comments on its proposed amendments to the Charities Act.    Please see the following link to the full consultation which closes on 24 April 2026. 

Consultation on a Bill to amend the Charities Act (Northern Ireland) 2008 | Department for Communities

10 years of neurodivergent‑affirming support, access, and advocacy

This month, we are delighted to shine a spotlight on A Safe Space to be Me, an award-winning charity working across Northern Ireland and nationally to provide counselling, neurodivergent-affirming support, and wellbeing services.

As they mark 10 years of impact, their work continues to respond to growing need, supporting individuals and families while also driving forward conversations around systemic change.

In this Spotlight, CEO Carolyn Tailford BEM shares their work, their impact, and their upcoming milestone event at Stormont.

A new UK-wide independent charity, the Queen Elizabeth Trust, has been established on the occasion of the centenary of Queen Elizabeth II’s birth to honour her lifelong commitment to public service.

Gráinne Mathews, Stakeholder and Policy Manager – Northern Ireland updates us on the latest news and resources from the Fundraising Regulator.  

NICVA warmly welcomes North Down Softball Club to our growing membership.  Based at Ward Park, Bangor, they are the only softball club in Co. Down and are run entirely by volunteers.

The European Commission has opened the 2026 REGIOSTARS Awards, which celebrate outstanding EU funded projects that demonstrate excellence in regional development and long lasting impact.

Our latest Digital Empowerment Programme, delivered over six weeks in February and March 2026, brought together 12 voluntary and community organisations committed to strengthening their digital capability — and the impact is already clear.

This blog from Aaron Johnson, ICO Lead Policy Officer, is part of the Information Commissioner's Office (ICO) Data Fundamentals Series 2026. This blog takes a look at sharing data safety and responsibly.

For the past five years, the voluntary youth work sector in Northern Ireland has been on a shared journey of reflection, relationship building, and change. That journey continues - and your organisation’s voice is needed now.

The Department for Communities has opened a public consultation on a draft Bill to amend certain sections of the 2008 Charities Act.  Consultation period 27 March to  24 April 2026

Consultation on a Bill to amend the Charities Act (Northern Ireland) 2008 | Department for Communities

On 27 March, NICVA held its Celebration of Learning, recognising and congratulating everyone who participated in our accredited learning programmes over the past year. The event brought together learners from a variety of programmes and organisations, providing an opportunity for connection, reflection, and continued professional development.

We have now reached 1 April with no resolution to the funding crisis caused by a 64% cut to funding for community‑led employability support services under the UK Government’s new Local Growth Fund. These cuts take effect today- yet we have seen no meaningful action from our political leaders, and our sector now faces the consequences alone.

As we reach 1 April with no resolution to the funding crisis created by a 64% cut to community‑led employability support services under the UK Government’s new Local Growth Fund, which takes effect today - we have seen no meaningful action from our political leaders and our sector now faces the consequences of its fallout alone.

As the sector confronts the stark realities of an impending funding cliff edge, NICVA views  today’s statement from the Executive Office regarding the Local Growth Fund  with deep disappointment, anger, and dismay on behalf of our sector and the thousands of people it supports every day.

The lack of urgency or action shown by our local political leaders on behalf of vital services that provide opportunity, hope and inclusion for some of the most marginalised across our communities- is both unacceptable and deeply damaging.

Voluntary and community sector organisations across Northern Ireland are warning of an imminent crisis, as a 64% cut to vital community-based services under the new Local Growth Fund (LGF) is set to take effect within 48 hours.

Funded by the profits of the Empower Garden Centre and the recently added, Community Café, popping in for a potted plant and a cappuccino in Portadown means green fingered residents help lift the cloud of mental illness.

The Society is pausing their current grants programme for a short time to allow them to build new programmes which reflect their strategic priorities. 

NICVA welcomes the publication of yesterdays Northern Ireland Affairs Committee (NIAC) report on Economic Growth in NI , which delivers a clear and urgent warning: the UK Government is “still not listening to the warnings” from the voluntary and community sector about the devastating impact of a 64% cut to VCS‑led employability support services as a result of the introduction of the Local Growth Fund from next week Wednesday 1 April.

The Northern Ireland Public Services Ombudsman (NIPSO) is inviting voluntary and community sector organisations to take part in a short, anonymous survey about their awareness and experience of NIPSO’s work. The survey takes 5–7 minutes to complete.

The PEACEPLUS Community Empowerment Programme (CEP) held its first Best Practice Visit on 12 March, bringing participants from across Belfast to The Connswater Community Greenway at CS Lewis Square.  The visit explored the impact of the Greenway and how it has helped transform East Belfast socially, environmentally and economically.