€40million funding boost opens door for grassroots projects in MEA and across Northern Ireland
- Love Ballymena
- 4 minutes ago
- 3 min read
A major €40million funding programme aimed at transforming communities and strengthening relationships in Mid and East Antrim, across Northern Ireland and border regions is now fully open — offering local groups a rare chance to turn ideas into real-world impact.
The PEACEPLUS Change Maker Funding Programme will provide grants of up to €100,000 for grassroots initiatives designed to bring people together across communities and borders, with a strong focus on building lasting connections.
Big opportunity for local groups
The programme is specifically targeted at smaller organisations — the kind often embedded deeply within local communities but historically challenged in accessing large-scale funding.
Grants ranging from €10,000 to €100,000 will support projects across areas such as sport, arts, heritage and community development, provided they promote cross-community or cross-border engagement.
Crucially, funding will remain open on a rolling basis until 2027, giving organisations time to develop ideas and apply when ready.
Department for Communities Minister Gordon Lyons said the scheme has the potential to unlock meaningful change at a local level.
“Very often these groups face difficulties in accessing funds yet can make a real impact in the areas they serve. The fund has the potential to support exciting and diverse activities… offering a chance for everyone to get involved.”
Designed to remove barriers
The programme has been reshaped following consultation with community organisations, with a simplified application process and reduced barriers to entry.
Support is built in at every stage. Applicants can access one-to-one guidance, development support and application readiness checks through delivery partners including Pobal, Co-operation Ireland, Rural Action and East Border Region.
Gina McIntyre, Chief Executive of the Special EU Programmes Body (SEUPB), said accessibility was a key priority.
“We designed this funding to make it more accessible and simplified for groups who may not previously have directly engaged with our programmes… We look forward to exciting, innovative and impactful projects coming to life.”
Cross-border collaboration at its core
The funding forms part of the wider PEACEPLUS programme, a €1.14billion cross-border initiative supporting peace and prosperity across Northern Ireland and the border counties of Ireland.
Projects funded under the Change Maker scheme must demonstrate a clear commitment to building relationships — whether across community divides or between regions north and south of the border.
Irish Government ministers also welcomed the launch.
Minister for Rural and Community Development Dara Calleary TD said:
“This important investment will strengthen our communities and leave a lasting legacy across Northern Ireland and the border counties of Ireland.”
Minister of State Jerry Buttimer TD added:
“Successful projects will have a strong community-led focus. I would urge community groups to consider applying.”
Focus on lasting impact
Programme administrators say the ultimate goal is long-term transformation — not just one-off projects.
Anna Shakespeare, Chief Executive of Pobal, emphasised the wider social value:
“Community organisations play a vital role in fostering understanding, inclusion and resilience… We look forward to working alongside organisations as they develop initiatives that strengthen relationships and create lasting impact.”
Meanwhile, Ian Jeffers of Co-operation Ireland highlighted how the scheme directly reflects community feedback:
“Clearer guidance, eased partnership requirements and enhanced one-to-one support… are all designed to remove barriers to participation.”
A chance to shape the future
With flexible funding, ongoing application windows and built-in support, the Change Maker programme is being positioned as one of the most accessible and impactful funding streams currently available to community organisations.
For areas like Ballymena and across Mid and East Antrim, where local groups play a vital role in community life, the programme offers a timely opportunity to develop projects that bring people together and strengthen shared futures.
For more information and to apply please visit link below:
At a glance
€40million allocated through PEACEPLUS Change Maker Funding Programme
Grants available from €10,000 to €100,000 per project
Focus on cross-community and cross-border initiatives
Open to community groups, voluntary organisations and local bodies
Rolling applications open until 2027
Simplified application process with reduced barriers
One-to-one support available from programme partners
Part of wider €1.14billion PEACEPLUS funding programme
Aims to build lasting relationships and community cohesion