Applications open for 2026 round of Shared Island Civic Society Fund

Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade, Helen McEntee, has announced the start of the 2026 round of the Share Island Civic Society Fund.

This was developed by the government, as part of their Shared Island Initiative, aiming to promote North- South cooperation with civic society organisations.

As part of the Good Friday Agreement, there are commitments to be met by both sides, and this initiative aims to be consistent with those commitments.

It aims to support cross-border projects that help strengthen both areas' civic, cultural, economic and political links.

The latest round is the fifth and will see up to €2 million available for eligible projects.

Speaking on the project, Helen McEntee said: “I strongly encourage civic society organisations across the island who are interested in cross-border engagement to apply as soon as possible. We are open to supporting all types of civic society organisations, the core requirement being an existing or planned partnership with an organisation active in the same field on the other side of the border.

“Some of the sectors supported by the Fund to date include Business and Social Enterprise, Environmental Awareness, Community/Voluntary Sector, Migrant Communities, Sport, Trade Unions, Women’s Groups and Youth Engagement.

“The Shared Island Civic Society Fund seeks to ensure that funding is not a barrier to cross-border engagement.

“We invite innovative proposals in areas that foster meaningful cross-border collaboration.

“Our experience has been that these grants can be transformative for smaller grass-roots organisations working in their local communities.

“We want to support new collaborations, develop existing partnerships and build a more integrated civic space across the island. If your organisation is interested in cross-border cooperation, this could be the Fund for you.”