James Kane Foundation Grants 2026: Up to £400,000 Annual Funding for Education, STEM and Employment Pathways in Northern Ireland
The James Kane Foundation provides annual funding of approximately £400,000 for projects that improve access to education, STEM, and employment pathways in Northern Ireland. Eligible organisations can apply for grants through a mandatory Expression of Interest process.
Overview
The James Kane Foundation operates its annual grantmaking programme to support initiatives that improve access to education, STEM opportunities, career development, work experience, training, and pathways into employment across Northern Ireland. The Foundation expects to allocate approximately £400,000 per year, divided between large grants and small grants below £25,000. Multi-year funding is also considered. Priority may be given to projects benefiting people living in the Armagh, Banbridge and Craigavon Council areas, although the wider area of benefit covers all of Northern Ireland.
Projects should align with one or both of the Foundation's priority themes:
- Enabling STEM-related education and career opportunities.
- Helping students make informed choices between employment, career, and higher-level education pathways.
Eligibility
Applications are open to eligible organisations rather than individuals. Accepted applicant categories include:
- Schools, colleges, and third-level educational institutions
- Employers and private-sector companies
- Charities and social enterprises
Projects must demonstrate additionality by creating opportunities beyond what is already available and must not substitute for statutory services that public bodies are legally obligated to provide.
Benefits
Successful projects can receive financial support covering direct project costs, necessary salary costs, and essential equipment connected directly to project outcomes. Match funding is permitted and may strengthen an application if it is secured.
How to Apply
The application process uses a mandatory two-stage approach:
- Stage 1 (Expression of Interest): Applicants must submit an official EOI using the provided Word form. Formatting must not be altered, and word limits must be strictly followed. Unrequested attachments or images are not accepted.
- Stage 2 (Full Application): Only applicants whose EOIs are assessed positively will be invited to submit a full application.
Completed Expression of Interest documents must be submitted before the official closing date.
Deadline
The deadline for the 2026 Expression of Interest round is Friday, 16 October 2026 at 12:00 noon. Decisions are expected approximately 8 to 10 weeks after the deadline, with successful projects normally commencing from June 2027.