The Connect Fund awards up to £1m to strengthen civic East-West collaboration on matters of shared interest, including mutual challenges and opportunities across a range of sectors that directly affect communities in Northern Ireland. The Connect Fund will connect the great ideas, people and solutions in Northern Ireland with those across the United Kingdom to address mutual challenges and grasp shared opportunities.
Applications must have a clear East-West lens and deliver on one or more of the following objectives:
Strengthen East-West connections by developing long lasting civic relationships;
Propose an original approach to developing East-West connections;
Support the development of cultural, sports and people-to-people links;
Build leadership capability opportunities for community leaders on an East-West basis; or
Facilitate positive and constructive dialogue on shared opportunities/challenges facing communities in the UK;
Arts and Culture theme - The following are illustrative examples of projects that could be funded:
Children’s youth project reimagining a mural (working together virtually and then facilitating a visit to paint a mural together).
Shared orchestra/musical performance between musicians in NI and GB.
Cultural Exchange and hosting of performance and education programmes in NI.
For More Information: https://www.find-government-grants.service.gov.uk/grants/connect-fund-1#summary
Email: ggms_connectfund_nio@cabinetoffice.gov.uk
