Eligible Organisations

In practice, Community FLEX is open to registered charities in Northern Ireland with an annual income of £500,000 or less and at least one year of published accounts. PTAs can apply for school projects if they are registered charities, but schools cannot apply directly. Charities must not hold another live grant from the Foundation and must meet governance and safeguarding rules.

Suitable Projects

Funding may be available for the following purposes:

• Core costs
• Materials and equipment
• Salary costs
• Volunteer expenses
• Project costs
• Refurbishment
• Activities
• Training
• Disabled access
• Transport Costs

Projects must directly support people in greatest need and priority goes to charities focused on vulnerable groups. School-related projects may be supported when led by a registered charity, such as a PTA. Projects must take place in Northern Ireland.

Application Process

There is an online application form with guidance notes. Applicants can attend free pre-application sessions or speak with a grants officer before applying. Applications are checked, assessed by a grants officer, and decided by the Grants Committee and Board. A decision is usually shared around 12 weeks after submission.

Important Dates

The programme runs on a rolling basis and applications can be made at any time. Grants Committee meetings take place about every nine weeks. The programme may close later in the year if funds are fully used. Grants usually support activity for up to 12 months.

Funding Range

Under Community FLEX, the average award is about £5,500 and there is no set minimum or maximum amount.