Who can apply?
Individuals are eligible if they live or work within our common bond: Anyone living or working in Causeway Coast & Glens or Mid & East Antrim, or within a 10-mile radius of Antrim town.
Organisations must be based and active within this area. Their application should explain where they operate and how the proposed funding relates to the people or activities they support there.
National or regional organisations are not eligible. Separate teams or sections within the same organisation cannot apply individually.
Only one application per person or organisation is permitted in each financial year, from 1 October to 30 September, regardless of the number of application windows.
If you or your organisation has received Community Fund support before, at least 12 months must have passed since the funding was received before you apply again. Both this waiting period and the financial-year application limit apply.
How to apply
Read the terms and complete the online form. Start by choosing whether you are applying as an individual or on behalf of an organisation. You will be asked about the request, amount and costs, need for support, who will benefit and the difference the funding would make.
Please complete all relevant questions accurately. We may contact you for further information before your application can be assessed. An application cannot be fully assessed until the information we need has been provided.
If your request relates to an event, project or activity, apply before it starts and allow time for a decision and payment. If you need an alternative way to apply, contact marketing@evolvecu.co.uk or 028 2564 9010.
Opening periods
Round | Opening date | Closing date |
Autumn | 1st October 2026 | 15th November 2026 |
Winter | 1st January 2027 | 15th February 2027 |
Spring | 1st March 2027 | 15th April 2027 |
Early summer | 1st May 2027 | 15th June 2027 |
Late summer | 1st August 2027 | 31st August 2027 |
Decisions and Payments
We assess applications regularly while the fund is open. We aim to communicate a decision and, for successful applications, make payment within four weeks of receiving a complete application. If additional information or payment details are needed, we will explain what is required and let you know if the target date changes. Closing an application window pauses new applications. Applications already received continue through assessment and, if successful, payment.
How we assess applications
We consider each application on its own merits, using the following criteria for both individuals and organisations.
Our purpose
How the request supports our purpose, “Making a difference because we care”.
Benefit and difference
The benefit to the individual or local community and the difference the funding would make. An individual request can show meaningful personal benefit without reaching a large number of people.
Need and cost
Why support is needed and how the amount requested relates to the proposed costs.
Clear and achievable use
Whether the activity or intended use of funding is clear and achievable.
Available funding and fair spread
Funding is limited. We may not be able to support every request or award the full amount requested. Previous funding does not guarantee a further award. All eligibility and funding decisions are final.
Frequently Asked Questions
