James Kane Foundation: Grant Process Update for 2025
The James Kane Foundation is an independent charity committed to fostering education and career opportunities. In 2025, the Foundation is introducing a new online grant application process, with Expressions of Interest (EOI) opening on Monday, 6th January 2025, and closing on Friday, 28th March 2025, at 4 PM.
Key Information
- Review Process: EOIs will be reviewed every two weeks during the application period. Applicants will be notified promptly whether they are invited to proceed to a full application or if the request has been declined.
Funding Focus
The Foundation is prioritising initiatives under two core themes:
- Enabling STEM-related education and career opportunities.
- Helping students make informed decisions between employment, career, or higher education pathways.
Only projects based in Northern Ireland addressing one or both themes will be eligible for funding. The Foundation will not provide funding for initiatives that are considered statutory obligations of schools, colleges, or councils.
Eligibility Criteria
The Foundation supports a wide range of applicants that align with its mission “To progress and facilitate education and career opportunities.” These include:
- Educational institutions (schools, colleges, and third-level institutions).
- Employers, including private sector companies.
- Charities and social enterprises.
Other eligibility highlights:
- Geographic focus: Priority may be given to projects benefiting those in the Armagh, Banbridge, and Craigavon Council area.
- Project type: Initiatives seeking additionality and not solely reliant on statutory funding.
- Funding scope: Projects can receive multi-year funding. Grants can also be combined with other secured funding sources.
Grant Allocation
The Foundation’s annual grant budget is approximately £400,000, with:
- 75% allocated to large grants.
- 25% allocated to small grants (under £25,000).
Application Process
- Step 1: Submit an Expression of Interest (EOI). This provides a concise summary of your project and demonstrates how it aligns with the Foundation’s themes.
- Step 2: The EOI acts as a filter, saving time and resources for projects unlikely to receive funding.
- Step 3: Selected projects will be invited to submit full applications.
For full details, visit the James Kane Foundation website: More Information.