Belfast Harbour has launched a new Community Impact Fund, committing up to £600,000 over the next three years to support organisations delivering sustained, long-term change across Greater Belfast and beyond.

The scheme will make four awards of up to £50,000 per year, providing £200,000 in annual investment to organisations with the ambition and capacity to achieve outcomes at scale.

It builds on Belfast Harbour's community investment to date, which has supported more than 60 organisations and over 75 projects, with total funding exceeding £3.5 million over the past decade — underscoring a continued commitment to communities across the region.

Created following an independent review of the Harbour's community engagement, the fund prioritises long-term impact over one-off interventions and replaces the previous model of annual partnerships.

The fund complements Belfast Harbour's Community Awards programme, which offers one-off grants to grassroots initiatives, by providing larger, multi-year support. The aim is to give high-performing organisations the stability, certainty and resources to deepen their reach and deliver lasting change. Joe O'Neill, Chief Executive of Belfast Harbour, said: "This is not a traditional community funding programme. Our new Community Impact Fund is about backing organisations that can demonstrate real, tangible progress over time.

"By committing up to £600,000 over the next three years, we are making one of the most significant long-term investments in community impact locally. We want to support organisations with the ambition, capability and track record to deliver meaningful outcomes across Belfast and beyond."

Funding will focus on three themes: work readiness and opportunity; homelessness prevention and housing stability; and community connection.

Eligible applicants must be registered charities, Community Interest Companies (CICs) or constituted not-for-profits with strong governance and safeguarding, and a clear ability to evidence impact. Proposals must demonstrate robust outcomes and support for communities most in need.

Applications open on 26 June and close on 11 September. Full details, including guidance and criteria, are available at www.belfast-harbour.co.uk/community/community-impact-fund/.