On this page you will find some of the most frequently asked questions about the Core Fund Scheme.
Q1 Does the application need to cover traditional groups, eg, PUL and CNR alongside other identities or can other identities be stand-alone pieces of work?
The core focus of the fund must be on addressing sectarianism between the two main traditions in Northern Ireland: Catholic, Nationalist and Republican (CNR); and Protestant, Unionist and Loyalist (PUL). CRC acknowledges that within these communities other identities could be impacted by sectarianism, and, while some of this work could be included, the assessment of all applications received will look for how any award will enable the group to engage in work that addresses sectarianism.
Q2 Is there a table showing Core Areas, ie Related Themes and Outcomes?
Yes, these documents are linked at the top of the workplan pages. We advise all applicants to print these out as an aid in completing their workplans.
Q3 Do you fund Rural Groups who are maybe not looking for a large salary?
A group does not need to be requesting a large salary to be funded. However, we don’t fund project work through this scheme. The Small Grant Schemes – Community Relations/Cultural Diversity may be more beneficial as project work is funded through this scheme.
Q4 Given the political turmoil people with disabilities are having serious problems with paramilitarism and there is increasing division within this community, would the core fund be able to assist?
CRC recognise that there are both inter and intra community relations issues that impact on sections of the community in which this is taking place. In any application groups should make it clear as to what these issues are and the impact(s) for the community or sections of. It may be that at that local level the capacity to deal with what is being experienced could be limited. In such cases engagement with other communities from different parts of Northern Ireland who are facing the same types of challenges could be helpful in terms of gaining new insights as to potential actions that might address these types of issues and influence particularly on the most vulnerable people within communities. While the Core Fund will not support project work, it may be possible to access such funding through the CR/CD Small Grants Scheme.
Q5 Can National organisations apply, given that we work with Hate Crime in Northern Ireland?
Yes, if there is a regional office that is legally registered in Northern Ireland.
Q6 In the workplans – on the who are you working with, if you don’t have a named group how is this information captured?
If you are not working with a specific organisation, then give an idea of the groups of people you are working with, ie young people, women’s groups, etc, and add in the postcode where this work is taking place.
Q7 Will the slides discussed at the beginning be shared?
Yes, the information session was recorded, and the presentation and slides are available to view on YouTube - https://youtu.be/ctEMvCEIipA.
Q8 Is there a % allowance for identified running costs?
The running costs will need to be proportionate and realistic to the costings you are looking for, i.e. in relation to the number of staff and salaries that CRC could potentially be funding. Please note: the total running costs cannot exceed 25% of the total grant requested.
Q9 Match Funding – if we have never had a successful application, is there any point in applying?
CRC bring new groups on each year to the core funding scheme. We absolutely encourage new groups to apply. The assessment is carried out on the quality of the application and scored individually based on the answers given.
Q10 What is the difference between Audited Accounts and Management Accounts?
Audited Accounts are the yearly accounts that have been completed for each financial year and are presented at the AGM of the Management Committee or Board and then provided to Charities Commission NI and/or Companies House.
Management Accounts will often be a one-page summary of your most recent financial position that summarises income, expenditure, assets, liabilities and your groups reserves. We expect this to be a document your organisation routinely prepares for the Board and/or treasurer for internal management purposes. The management accounts are used to give CRC an indication of your current financial position and do not need to be externally verified.
Q11 What policies do I need to submit with my application?
You must submit either a Community Relations Policy, Good Relations Policy or an Equality Policy with your application. If you work with children or vulnerable adults, you must also submit your child and adult safeguarding policies with the application.
Q12 Do I need to submit my organisation’s Strategic Plan with my application?
Yes, you must submit your organisation’s Strategic Plan with your application. The Strategic Plan must cover at least the funding period for which you are applying, i.e. if you are making an application for the period 01 April 2025 until 31 March 2026, your Strategic Plan must cover up to 31 March 2026. Your application proposal must also strongly link to some of the strategic objectives within your Strategic Plan.
Q13 Where do I provide a quarterly breakdown of the work to be undertaken in the first year?
If you do not have enough space in the “What do you plan to do?” question within the work plan section, to provide a quarterly breakdown of key tasks/activities to be undertaken as part of this work plan, you may also upload this as a separate document in the “Relevant Supporting Documentation” section within each work plan.
Please ensure all policies are up-to-date and have not passed their review date.