£1.25m funding boost for cancer support closer to home
People affected by cancer are set to receive more practical, emotional and wellbeing support closer to home as a £1.25 million funding scheme opens to charities and community organisations across Northern Ireland.
Health Minister Robbie Butler and Macmillan Cancer Support have confirmed a second year of the Cancer Charities Grant Scheme, with applications opening today, Thursday 10 September.
The scheme is aimed at supporting services beyond hospital treatment — from rehabilitation and transport to practical assistance, cancer awareness and programmes designed to tackle health inequalities.
£1m government funding and £250,000 from Macmillan
For 2026/27, the Department of Health will provide £1 million, with a further £250,000 coming from Macmillan Cancer Support.
Eligible organisations include registered charities and not-for-profit organisations operating in Northern Ireland which have a clear cancer-related purpose.
Health Minister Robbie Butler said the investment recognised that the impact of cancer can continue well beyond clinical treatment.
“Cancer touches the lives of so many people and families across Northern Ireland. Clinical treatment is only one part of that journey. People also need practical, emotional and wellbeing support in their local area, often long after they have left hospital.
“As Health Minister, I want to build on what works. The first year of this scheme demonstrated the strength of partnership between government, Macmillan and our cancer charities. I am pleased we can continue that investment for a second year.
“This is also the direction in which we need to take our health service, intervening earlier and providing more support closer to people’s homes and within their communities. Cancer charities are already doing that every day. This investment will help them reach more people, tackle inequalities and complement the excellent care delivered by our Health and Social Care teams.”
Bringing cancer support closer to home
The scheme has been developed in partnership with the Northern Ireland Cancer Charities Coalition and is intended to strengthen the role played by charities and community organisations alongside Health and Social Care services.
For people living with cancer and their families, that could mean greater access to support within their own communities rather than having to rely solely on hospital-based services.
Gemma Peters, Chief Executive of Macmillan Cancer Support, said:
“We’re delighted to see the NI Cancer Charities Grant Scheme enter its second year. Local cancer organisations know their communities best, wrapping support around people living with cancer in ways that are genuinely personal to them.
“Across Northern Ireland, this joint funding from Macmillan and the Department of Health is already helping bring cancer care closer to home, which will be key to closing unfair gaps. We can’t wait to see the impact a second year of funding will make.”
Richard Spratt, Chair of the Northern Ireland Cancer Charities Coalition, also welcomed the continuation of the programme.
“The continuation of this scheme for a second year is a welcome investment in the cancer charity sector and, most importantly, in the people and families it supports.
“Community organisations understand the needs of the people they serve. This funding will help them continue providing accessible, targeted and impactful support across Northern Ireland.”
Applications now open
Applications opened on Thursday 10 September and organisations have until 5pm on Friday 20 November 2026 to apply.
Registered charities and not-for-profit organisations operating in Northern Ireland with a clear cancer-related purpose can seek funding through the scheme.
Full details, including eligibility requirements, available funding tiers and instructions on how to apply, are available from the Department of Health.
The second year of funding means community-based organisations will again have an opportunity to secure resources for services designed to support people through the wider impact of cancer — including the practical and emotional challenges that can continue after hospital treatment ends.
