Grassroots groups encouraged to apply now for funding to support vital community projects.
Openreach, Northern Ireland's largest digital infrastructure provider, has launched the latest round of its Community Fund, offering over £50,000 in funding to support grassroots organisations across Northern Ireland.
Community groups working with disadvantaged people - including young people, older people and those with disabilities - are now invited to apply for grants of up to £2,000.
Openreach has been at the forefront of Northern Ireland's digital transformation, with 93% of properties now able to access Full Fibre through its network. Alongside this, the company has a long-standing commitment to supporting local communities, with its dedicated community fund programme running since 1989.
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Managed by the Community Foundation for Northern Ireland (CFNI), the Openreach Community Fund supports projects that make a tangible difference in local communities each year.
In the most recent round of funding, 31 organisations shared a total of £53,513, helping to deliver a wide range of community-led initiatives across the region.
Investing to better connect communities is core to delivering Openreach’s ambition to enhance people’s lives. Its rollout of the Full Fibre broadband network means communities across Northern Ireland can get access to Openreach’s best broadband yet.
James Burleigh, Senior Manager Complex Engineering at Openreach NI said: “We're incredibly proud of the impact the Openreach Community Fund has had on local communities right across Northern Ireland. For us, connecting communities has never just been about infrastructure, and the Openreach Community Fund is proof of our collective and continued commitment to investing in and benefiting the people and places we serve.”
“We're delighted to once again open the fund to grass-roots organisations doing such vital work across the region, and we can't wait to see the impact this funding will make to the people and organisations who need it most.”
One organisation already benefiting from the fund is Bravehearts NI, a volunteer-led charity supporting teenagers and young adults living with congenital heart disease, as well as their families.
Working closely with the Adult Congenital Heart Disease team at the Royal Victoria Hospital, the charity provides pastoral and welfare support and helps build a sense of community among those navigating complex health journeys.
Bravehearts NI received £2,000 to support its Braveheart Connects programme, which facilitates meetups for young people on a transplant journey, alongside dedicated support groups for men aged 18 and over. The programme aims to reduce isolation and foster meaningful connections for those living with congenital heart disease.
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Clare Caulfield, founder of Bravehearts NI said: “As a small, volunteer-led charity, access to funding like this allows us to create immediate, meaningful impact for our Bravehearts and their families, creating a community where no one faces their journey alone. Without the Openreach Community Fund, none of this would be possible. The application process was straightforward and gave us real scope to explain how we'd put the money to best use. We'd wholeheartedly encourage other community organisations to apply.”
Applications for the next round of the Openreach Community Fund will open on Tuesday 14th April, and will close on Thursday 14th May.
Community organisations across Northern Ireland are encouraged to apply by visiting, communityfoundationni.org
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