The Ulster-Scots Agency has opened its annual Ulster-Scots Community Festivals Grant.

The programme aims to support community festivals throughout Ulster from 1 June to 31 December 2025.

Ulster-Scots Community Festivals provide people with opportunities to experience and learn about Ulster-Scots culture, heritage, and language; and have an important role to play in raising awareness of Ulster-Scots within the wider community. 

The inclusion of Ulster-Scots content in other community festivals is also supported through the programme. 

The maximum grant available are: 

•  £20,000 for a major festival 

•  £8,000 for a minor festival.

Groups are required to provide match funding of at least 25%. 

Groups interested in applying should follow the link to registration here. 

Following a successful registration, a link to an application form, guidelines, and a festival plan template will be automatically emailed to the group.  

The festival plan is part of the application process and groups must use the template provided. (This can be downloaded via the link upon registration.) Failure to submit the festival plan and the supporting documents as listed in the guidelines will result in the application being rejected.  

Please note: The Community Festivals Grant is traditionally a competitive programme, therefore groups are encouraged to read the detailed guidelines – particularly the definition of a community festival and the difference between a minor and major festivals – as well as details regarding the eligible costs, before completing the application form. 

If groups require assistance with their application, support is available from the Ulster-Scots Community Network. They can be contacted via:

E: info@ulster-scots.com  /  T: 028 9043 6710.

The Community Festival Grant will close at 3pm on Monday 31 March 2025. 

Late or incomplete applications will be rejected.  

For further information, contact Derek Reaney: 

E: reaneyd@ulsterscotsagency.org.uk  /  T:  07843 279 912.