A major £2 million Cancer Charities Grant Scheme for 2025/26 has been launched by the Department of Health and Macmillan Cancer Support, in partnership with the Northern Ireland Cancer Charities Coalition (NICCC).

The funding is specifically aimed at boosting community-based cancer services across Northern Ireland, delivering support closer to people's homes.

The scheme utilises a new partnership funding model, with £1m in funding provided by the Department of Health and an equal £1m in match-funding generously provided by Macmillan Cancer Support. Macmillan has confirmed that its contribution ensures the full £2m will be invested in community services, and the organisation itself will not apply for grants from the scheme.

Health Minister Mike Nesbitt highlighted the importance of this collaborative approach: "I am proud to launch this transformative £2 million Cancer Charities Grant Scheme today. It shows what we can achieve when government and the charitable sectors work innovatively together for people affected by cancer." The Minister noted that the scheme aligns with his wider 'shift left' approach, which focuses on moving care closer to people’s homes and strengthening community support. He stressed that enabling charities to deliver earlier, more localised support can help people stay well for longer and reduce avoidable pressure on hospital services.

Funding Tiers and Focus

The grant scheme was developed through a co-design approach with the NICCC and places a strong emphasis on tackling health inequalities and improving access to services in local communities.

Funding will be offered across two tiers:

• Tier 1: Grants of up to £25,000 for smaller projects, with around £500,000 ringfenced.

• Tier 2: Grants ranging from £25,001 to £150,000 for larger programmes, with around £1.5m available.

Eligible organisations must be UK registered charities or not-for-profits operating in Northern Ireland with a clear cancer-related purpose. The funding will support services including mental health support, rehabilitation, transport services, and awareness and education initiatives.

Gemma Peters, Chief Executive of Macmillan Cancer Support, said the partnership will "create important opportunities to close current gaps in cancer care," and called on charities across Northern Ireland to embrace the chance to join their mission to "spark a revolution in cancer care."

Applications opened yesterday, Thursday, 27 November 2025, and will close on 23 January 2026, with awards issued in March 2026.