Belfast social enterprises can apply for grants of up to £10,000

TL;DR: Belfast social enterprise funding of up to £10,000 is available through a new council grant scheme. Awards of up to £5,000 or £10,000 are open to eligible organisations, with match funding required. Applications close at 4pm on Friday 27 November 2026.

Belfast City Council has opened applications to its Social Economy Incentive Fund for eligible social enterprises and co-operatives in the city. The scheme offers different grant levels for early-stage groups and organisations that have operated for longer.

Belfast social enterprise funding: two grant levels

Organisations that have been operating for fewer than three years can apply for up to £5,000. The award can cover 75% of eligible project costs, with the applicant providing the remaining 25%.

Groups that have operated for three years or more can apply for up to £10,000. Under this route, the council can fund 50% of eligible project costs, and the organisation must match the other half.

Applicants should check the council’s full guidance to confirm which level applies and how the match-funding requirement works for their project.

What can the grant support?

Belfast City Council says the fund can support projects that help organisations develop their work. Eligible costs listed by the council include:

• Equipment purchases
• Developing new products or services
• Skills development and training
• Consultancy
• Software and digital tools

Applicants should explain the project, the costs involved and what the grant would help the organisation deliver. The council’s application page sets out the complete criteria.

Application deadline and pitch date

Applications must be submitted by 4pm on Friday 27 November 2026. Belfast City Council says shortlisted applicants will be invited to pitch on Tuesday 8 December.

With the closing date approaching, organisations considering a bid should review the official guidance and prepare their project costs and match-funding details in good time.

Read Belfast City Council’s Social Economy Incentive Fund announcement for application information and full criteria.

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