The Core Funding Scheme will open for applications on Thursday 01 October 2026.
Pre-application information session
Ahead of the Core Funding Scheme opening on Thursday 01 October 2026, we are providing a pre-application session to explain the application process and answer any of your questions.
The pre-application session is taking place on Wednesday 30 September 2026 at 11 AM in the Board Room, 6th Floor, Equality House, Belfast.
To book your place, contact Karina by email on KPieterson@nicrc.org.uk.
About the Core funding scheme
The Northern Ireland Community Relations Council's Core Funding Scheme provides support for organisations which are considered of strategic importance in promoting community relations work across the region.
The scheme contributes towards salary and organisational running costs.
If you require further assistance, please speak to a member of the Funding and Development team.
Key principles of the Core funding scheme
1. The work must be intentional:
Regardless of the grant scheme, a programme must have a clear good relations purpose from the outset with deliberate and planned activities which directly address sectarianism.
2. It must address an identified good relations need:
All applications must be able to clearly demonstrate the good relations need they want to address and how they have identified this need.
Guidance notes
For further information, and before you begin the application process, please refer to the Guidance Notes for the Core Funding Scheme.
Together: Building a United Community (T:BUC)
Applicants are required to outline the outcome in Together: Building a United Community to which the proposed project will contribute.
The Together: Building a United Community Strategy, published on 23 May 2013, reflects the Executive’s commitment to improving community relations and continuing the journey towards a more united and shared society.
Core fund impact report
CRC's Core Fund Impact Profiles document the work that groups supported through the Core Funding Scheme have undertake during 2025-26.
Read the Core Fund Impact report 2025-26.
Core-funded recipient case study
Find out how Nerve Centre - a Core fund recipient - has worked with young people through a three-month engagement programme to develop an immersive installation project in a unique heritage space Belfast city.
How to apply – video and PowerPoint presentation
Find out how to apply for CRC's Core Funding Scheme by watching the video below. The video for the 2027-28 application will be available shortly after the fund opens in October 2026.
FAQs
We have compiled a list of frequently asked questions (FAQs). Please refer to these questions before you complete the Core Fund application form.
How to apply
The Core Funding Scheme is currently closed for applications. It will open on Thursday 1 October 2026. In the meantime, if you’d like to keep up-to-date with the latest funding news, sign up for our monthly newsletter(external link opens in a new window / tab).