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We’re hosting FREE one-hour fundraising advice clinics for NICVA members to discuss their fundraising needs this August.

NICVA is pleased to today launch a new report : “Voluntary and Community Sector-led Approaches to Economic Inactivity” from Pivotal Public Policy Forum Northern Ireland’s independent public policy think tank.

Commissioned by NICVA, this timely and insightful report supports the work of NICVAs Economic Inactivity Coalition—a network of voluntary and community sector (VCS) organisations delivering vital, community-led support to those furthest from the labour market and our current  #NICantWait Campaign calling for urgent clarity and decision making on the future of Local Growth Fund delivery in NI.

On Thursday 23 October, representatives from across government and the voluntary and community sector gathered at NICVA for the third meeting of the year of the Government and Voluntary Sector Joint Forum.

Chaired by Joint Forum VCS Chair Karen Smith (Disability Action), the agenda reflected a shared commitment to strengthening partnership, transparency, and progress in our work as a Joint Forum.

The Northern Ireland Community Infrastructure Fund is a small capital grant scheme for voluntary and community organisations. The Fund is a £4.32 million grant scheme to support voluntary and community sector organisations to improve the internal or external fabric of their existing community buildings. The fund is being delivered by the Department for Communities in partnership with Co-operation Ireland.

Trustees' Week is a time for us to celebrate the great effort and achievements of Trustees. Our month-long calendar of events and promotion of practical resources is in recognition that Trustees need support and guidance in carrying out their role.

This month, we’re proud to feature HERe NI, a trailblazing organisation working to support, empower and advocate for LGBTQIA+ women and their families across Northern Ireland. Their goal is clear: to create a society where everyone can live free from discrimination, feel valued, and have equal access to safety, wellbeing, and opportunity.

During September and October 2025, NICVA’s (Northern Ireland Council for Voluntary Action) policy and public-affairs activity was dominated by the funding uncertainty surrounding the replacement for the UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF) and its implications for economic inactivity, poverty, and the stability of the voluntary and community sector.   

NICVA CEO Celine Mc Stravick and members of NICVAs Economic Inactivity Coalition recently gave evidence at Westminster to the Chair and members of the NI Affairs Committee on the continued uncertainty regarding introduction of the UK Government’s new Local Growth Fund and the damaging impact this is having on voluntary and community sector organisations and services in Northern Ireland.

Seventeen learners from across Belfast are taking part in NICVA’s first OCN Level 2 Award in Community Development, a free, accredited course designed to strengthen local leadership and collaboration as part of the Community Empowerment Programme (CEP). 

This month, we are delighted to shine a spotlight on Specially Connected, a dedicated organisation working to create a more inclusive and understanding society for children with additional learning needs and their families. Their compassionate, hands-on approach is making a real difference to families across Northern Ireland — from personalised home visits to inclusive community events and specialised training.

In this Spotlight, Specially Connected share their story, their impact, and how NICVA membership supports their development.

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

NICVA submitted a response to the consultation on the draft Programme for Government 2024-2027 ‘Our Plan: Doing What Matters Most’.  

NICVA recently submitted a response to the  2025-26 Draft Budget for NI  published for consultation by the Department of Finance.

Are you a social entrepreneur based in Northern Ireland? Are you looking to scale-up your work? Do you focus on financial inclusion? UnLtd are keen to hear from young people (aged 16-30) wanting to make their communities fairer places to live.

A number of organisations have been appointed to deliver key projects as part of council’s £15.1m Belfast PEACEPLUS Local Community Action Plan. The plan is funded by PEACEPLUS, a programme managed by the Special EU Programmes Body (SEUPB).

Communities Minister Gordon Lyons has announced a £1500 support payment for Voluntary and Community organisations funded through his department’s Voluntary & Community Division and Community Empowerment Division.

The National Minimum Wage and National Living Wage rates will increase from 1 April 2025 with hourly rates for over-21s set to go up to £12.21 an hour.

NICVA’s Director of Policy and Insight Jonny Currie provides an overview of key issues relating to this week’s Spring Statement. 

Following on from International Women’s Day, this month we wanted to throw the spotlight on one of our newer member organisations Women in Media Belfast (WIMB) CIC

Run by Amanda Ferguson, Patricia MacBride and Niamh Campbell, WIMB was borne out of necessity, and a desire to increase women’s voices across the changing media landscape.