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The Community Empowerment Programme (CEP) is being delivered by the Northern Ireland Council for Voluntary Action (NICVA) and a network of community partners from across Belfast. It is part of the Belfast PEACEPLUS Local Community Action Plan, which is supported by PEACEPLUS, a programme managed by the Special EU Programmes Body (SEUPB).

The second APG on VCS meeting of 2025 was held on Tuesday 25 March in Parliament Buildings, Stormont.

NICVA’s Director of Policy and Insight Jonny Currie provides an update on our policy and public affairs work in support of the voluntary and community sector across Northern Ireland.

As head into summer the days are longer and so are the to-do lists for our sector. While the potential of new funding opportunities for the VCS may be on the horizon, the reality of ongoing financial and policy uncertainty is putting increasing pressure on delivery. 

Outlined below is a summary of how NICVA  is continuing to represent, convene, build capacity and gather insight on the key issues affecting the sector over the past month. 

At the heart of every thriving community is a commitment to inclusion, opportunity, and hope. Clanrye Group embodies this spirit, empowering people from all walks of life to overcome barriers and build brighter futures. Through a range of programmes focused on skills development, employability, and well-being, Clanrye Group walks alongside individuals every step of the way, providing not just support, but belief, connection, and real opportunities for lasting change.

Read on to discover their inspiring journey and the impact they’re making in Northern Ireland.

NICVA’s Director of Policy and Insight Jonny Currie provides an overview of key details arising from this week’s UK Spending Review.

A new, city-wide initiative has launched to empower communities across Belfast to shape the future of their local areas, strengthen relationships, and build lasting change through collaboration and leadership.

The Northern Ireland Council for Voluntary Action (NICVA) is deeply concerned by the recent events in Ballymena, where an alleged sexual assault involving a young girl has become the catalyst for escalating racially motivated violence and disorder.

We summarise a few of the recent funding announcements for projects, activities and programmes supporting work across the island of Ireland 

We know that effective communication is crucial for organisations - it's how we build trust, amplify impact, and connect with those we serve. This training series will give you the tools and confidence you need to launch a successful podcast, develop a social media strategy, generate social media posts and communicate your message with the media.

Is your organisation planning staff and board development this autumn?

Are you looking for practical, tailored training that meets your needs?

Do you want to offer your team opportunities for networking, peer learning, and action-focused growth?

NICVA’s Autumn Training Calendar is for you.

This summer we asked you - our members - to share your views on NICVA. Thank you to the 124 organisations who took the time to complete our membership survey. Your feedback gives us a clear picture of what’s working well and where we can do more to support you.

Sian Mulholland MLA’s private member’s bill, The Lotteries for Communities Bill was launched for consultation on 9 May 2025.  NICVA submitted it's response on the initial closing date of 31 July.  The closing date has been extended to Fri 5 September 2025. 

Sian Mulholland MLA’s private member’s bill, The Lotteries for Communities Bill was launched for consultation on 9 May 2025 and will close on Friday, 5 September 2025.

We are excited to announce that we are starting a new project in partnerhsip with the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO), to support The Voluntary and Community Sector in NI with their awareness and confidence levels when it comes to data protection. 

eBay and easyfundraising have teamed up to help you make an even bigger difference in your community this autumn, with the £5,000 Big Give. Together, they’re donating £500 to ten community organisations this month.

As poverty deepens and inequality continues to rise across Northern Ireland, the Anti-Poverty Strategy Group - a coalition of civil society organisations including NICVA - has released an updated set of recommendations urging the NI Executive to take decisive and meaningful action to address poverty, its root causes and impact.

Want to sharpen how your organisation plans, measures and communicates impact?

We're offering a limited number of free, personalised 1-to-1 online sessions to help you take practical steps forward - whether you're just starting out or ready to refresh your approach.

Charities and community organisations across Northern Ireland are warning that nearly 24,000 people could be left without vital support unless urgent action is taken on future funding from the UK Government.

The voluntary and community sector in Northern Ireland has always stepped up to meet need, often working with people and communities who are furthest from opportunity. The latest data collated by NICVA shows the scale of that impact through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF) – and it reinforces why urgent clarity about future investment through the UK Local Growth Fund is critical.

DAERA Minister Andrew Muir MLA has announced that a new £1.8million Rural Micro Capital Grant Scheme (RMCGS) will open for applications on Monday 15 September 2025.

The Department for Communities held a public consultation seeking views on proposed changes to section 167 of the Charities Act (NI) 2008.    The Closing date for responses was 1 October.  Public consultation on section 167 of the Charities Act (Northern Ireland) 2008 | Department for Communities

NICVA’s autumn 2025 digital plans will offer targeted support, peer learning, and practical tools to help the sector grow in confidence and capability.

For over 25 years Community Restorative Justice Ireland Newry/Armagh has built a track record in community-based interventions, drawing from real-life experiences of positive transformation. They recently launched their Breaking the Cycle: Restorative Pathways for Women which received backing from Community Foundation Northern Ireland through their Thriving Futures Fund, enabling the three-year programme to move forward.

Pictured: Mercedes Hunt, Project Coordinator for CRJI Newry/Armagh with Ewan Morgan, CRJI Newry/Armagh

NICVA has submitted its response to the Department for Communities’ recent public consultation on the draft Anti-Poverty Strategy for Northern Ireland calling for a fundamental  revision of the current draft. NICVA is deeply concerned that the draft strategy fails to meet its statutory obligations and lacks the ambition, clarity, and accountability needed to deliver real change.