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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.

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.

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

NICVA is asking all charities and other voluntary led organisations in N.Ireland to take part in the latest UK-wide Banking Survey which is designed to hear about organisations' experiences with their bank accounts. 

NICVA has submitted its response to the Department of Finance consultation on the Draft Budget 2026–2029/30, which closed on 3 March 2026.

NICVA is currently inviting tenders for specialist support to the Government and Voluntary Sector Joint Forum, funded by the Department for Communities.

These tenders were previously advertised but have now been updated to reflect revised key deliverables and an extended timeline.

Interested service providers are invited to submit a proposal for one or both opportunities.

On Wednesday 18 February 2026 over 75 community leaders came together as part of the PEACEPLUS Community Empowerment Programme (CEP) Inclusive Community Development event in Blackmountain Shared Space. 

64% funding slash threatens 400 jobs, vital services, and the future of thousands – Government must act now.

Our Guest Blogger, Andrea Brown, Chief Executive, Disability Action NI is a valued member of NICVA's new Equity, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) Stakeholder Group. Here, Andrea explains why being part of NICVA's EDI Steering Group is a full circle moment.

Andrea pictured accepting membership of the Belfast Business Promise, an accreditation scheme for employers committed to responsible, inclusive, and sustainable business practices in Belfast.

Thanks to the support of the Halifax Foundation for Northern Ireland our Funding Fayre 2026 took place on 27 February 2026. It gave a wide range of funders, support agencies and local community and voluntary sector representatives the chance to connect and learn. 

Below, we provide a register of the organisation who exhibited. 

Some charities and other voluntary organisations are continuing to have issues with their bank accounts. Over the last four years NICVA has continued to raise these issues on behalf of the sector to the banks, regulators, politicians and other stakeholders.

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

The voluntary, community and social enterprise (VCSE) sector in Northern Ireland is not short on commitment, expertise or impact. What it continues to face, however, is uncertainty — driven by complex policy systems, fragmented decision making and funding models that don’t reflect how services actually work.

NICVA’s Policy Survey 2026 captures the voices of organisations navigating this reality. The message coming through is clear: collective voice matters, trusted leadership matters — but recognition alone is not enough.

NICVA has announced the return of its flagship NICVA Summit, taking place on 10 June at ICC Belfast amid growing pressures on voluntary organisations. 

The event will bring together hundreds of leaders, practitioners and decision makers from across the voluntary, community and social enterprise sector, alongside partners from government and the business sector. 

NICVA is seeking to appoint an experienced consultant to develop a Strategy and Action Plan for InsightLink – Connecting Communities Through Shared Learning.

Looking for a role where you can shape how the voluntary and community sector is supported, strengthen organisational capacity, and help organisations respond to a rapidly changing environment?

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.

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.

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.

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.

NICVA is delighted to offer this series of free Digital Fundraising Labs in partnership with Enthuse, Europe’s number one charity first fundraising platform. Each session is designed to guide, inspire, energise, and empower your online fundraising approach.

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