Final call for SPAR NI’s 2025 community grants: £20,000 to support NI’s charities & community groups

Darcey Wilson from SPAR NI is pictured with Sorcha McPhillips from The Huntington’s Disease Association Northern Ireland, one of the recipients of the 2024 Community Cashback Grant. Community

As the deadline for SPAR NI’s Community Cashback Grant 2025 approaches, local organisations across Northern Ireland are being urged to submit their applications before the window closes on Wednesday, 4 June.

The initiative, which has already transformed lives through vital funding, offers a total of £20,000 to be shared among seven deserving charities, community groups, and organisations, with grants ranging from £1,000 to a transformative £10,000.

The Community Cashback Grant, now in its sixth year, has become a cornerstone of SPAR NI’s commitment to supporting the communities it serves.

Since its launch in 2020, the initiative has distributed £100,000 to organisations across Northern Ireland, helping them navigate challenges such as the financial strain of the lockdown period. Expanded across the UK in 2022, the programme continues to empower local groups to make a lasting impact.

A Lifeline for Local Communities

One of last year’s recipients, The Huntington’s Disease Association of Northern Ireland (HDANI), is a testament to the grant’s impact. The charity received a £1,000 grant in 2024, which enabled them to sustain and enhance their Belfast support group.

Sorcha McPhillips, a representative of HDANI, spoke passionately about the difference the funding has made:

“This has allowed us to offer a structured and supportive environment where individuals and families can share experiences, gain insights, and receive emotional support.”

The funding has ensured the support group is led by a professional facilitator in a safe and accessible space, fostering an environment that reduces isolation and enhances well-being.

“Professionally facilitated peer support groups offer numerous benefits, including reducing isolation, improving coping skills and empowering individuals, enhancing the overall well-being of our service users,” Sorcha added.

“Our mission is to secure the best quality of life for people living with Huntington’s and their families, and the grant has helped us move a step closer to doing just that.”

Reflecting on the application process, Sorcha encouraged other organisations to seize the opportunity:

“I would encourage other organisations and charities to get their applications in for this year’s Community Cashback Grant, the team at SPAR NI were so supportive and the grant has been greatly beneficial in helping us continue our services locally.”

£20,000 to Empower Seven Organisations

This year’s fund will award five £1,000 grants, one £5,000 grant, and one £10,000 grant to successful applicants. The initiative is open to a wide range of organisations, from small community groups to established charities, provided they demonstrate a commitment to making a difference in their local area.

Bronagh Luke, a representative from SPAR NI, highlighted the programme’s significance:

“It’s amazing to hear the difference last year’s grant has made to HDANI and we are encouraging other organisations to get their applications in for The Community Cashback Grant before they close on Wednesday 4th June.”

She emphasised SPAR’s deep-rooted connection to the communities it serves, stating, “SPAR was built on the foundations of supporting the neighbourhoods and communities within which they serve, so it means so much to us to be able to help local community groups and charities through this initiative.”

Bronagh also noted the growing demand for such support:

“The rise in applications year on year has shown there is a need for many more to benefit and I would encourage all organisations, no matter their size, to get involved and get their applications in. Each applicant is making a difference in their local community or providing a vital service that could even be lifesaving.”

How to Apply

With the deadline fast approaching, eligible organisations are encouraged to submit their applications by 4 June 2025.

Full details, including application criteria and the submission process, are available at spar-ni.co.uk/community/community-cashback-grant. The application process is designed to be accessible, ensuring that groups of all sizes have the opportunity to benefit.

A Legacy of Support

Since its inception, the Community Cashback Grant has provided a lifeline for organisations across Northern Ireland, particularly during challenging times. From supporting mental health initiatives to funding community hubs, the grants have enabled recipients to deliver essential services and strengthen local connections.

As the 4 June deadline looms, SPAR NI is calling on charities and community groups to take advantage of this opportunity to secure funding that could transform their work. With £20,000 up for grabs, the 2025 Community Cashback Grant promises to continue its legacy of empowering Northern Ireland’s communities, one grant at a time.