Special EU Programmes Body (SEUPB) – PEACEPLUS Change Maker Funding Programme 2026 (With up to €100,000 in Funding)

The Change Maker Funding Programme offers a streamlined application process ensuring that community and voluntary groups, as well as other organisations, can access funding without being overwhelmed by administrative requirements.

You can submit an application at any time between now and the 30th June 2026.  We encourage applicants to submit your application as soon as you are ready to do so, as an earlier submission will mean an earlier decision.  

The programme is managed by the Special EU Programmes Body (SEUPB) and delivered by Pobal, with Co-operation Ireland, Rural Action, and East Border Region providing hands-on support to applicants.

The funding focuses on activities that enhance community cohesion and foster new and existing relationships across communities and borders.

It falls under PEACEPLUS themes 1 and 6: Building Peaceful and Thriving Communities and Building and Embedding Partnerships and Collaboration.

The grants are flexible, allowing organisations to design projects that meet local needs, provided they have a strong emphasis on improving cross-community and/or cross-border connections.

Applications and project delivery follows a simplified process that reflects the smaller grant amounts compared to other PEACEPLUS investment areas.

We have listened to feedback and introduced improvements, including clearer budgeting requirements and simplified partnership arrangements.

Applicants will also benefit from tailored support throughout the process, including one-to-one guidance from our support partners to help strengthen proposals and ensure success.

Funding will be distributed until 2027, giving communities multiple opportunities to apply.

This is your chance to make a real difference with less complexity and more support.

Match-funding for Change Makers is provided by the Department for Communities and the Department of Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht.