Lisburn and Castlereagh City Council PCSP have announced Applications open for 2026/27 funding to help End Violence Against Women and Girls (EVAWG).
The EVAWG Strategic Framework was launched by the Executive in September 2024. It intends to bring together a whole society and whole government response to address this issue which impacts the lives of far too many women and girls across our community. At its core the Strategy focuses on prevention—tackling the root causes of violence, abuse, and harm, and stopping it before it starts is vital.
Since 2020 in Northern Ireland, 31 women have been violently killed, all but one by a man, with 45 confirmed femicides since 2017 and emerging evidence shows that the majority of women and girls have experienced at least one form of gender-based violence abuse and harm, ranging from everyday misogyny, sexual harassment in a public place or workspace to more extreme violence. These numbers highlight a tragic and disproportionate reality for females of all ages.
Change Funding
Change Funding, of up to £25,000 is offered through a 3 Tier grant approach to help mobilise grassroots action, support innovative delivery and maximise the impact of community-led initiatives.
- Tier 1: grants between £1,000 and £5,000
- Tier 2: grants between £5,001 and £15,000
- Tier 3: grants between £15,001 and up to £25,000
Applicants can only apply for one Tier.
To provide capacity building to the Change Fund and raise awareness of the EVAWG Strategic Framework, Momentum Funding has been provided by The Executive Office. This funding is specifically aimed at raising awareness of what ending violence against women and girls entails, how communities can contribute to its prevention, and promoting the upcoming Change Fund.
Momentum Funding
Momentum Funding is a one-time opportunity for the current financial year (2026/27) of a grant up to £4,000 and proposals are welcomed from community/voluntary, sporting and faith-based organisations who deliver awareness raising and capacity building events.
The Funding focuses on three key outcomes:
- Change the attitudes, behaviours and culture of violence against women and girls
- Promote healthy, respectful relationships
- Help women and girls feel and be safe everywhere
Councillor Declan Lynch, PCSP Chair, said “The Ending Violence Against Women and Girls framework is an important step in creating safer communities for everyone.
"Through both Change Funding and Momentum Funding, local groups have a real opportunity to challenge harmful attitudes, support prevention and lead meaningful action at a grassroots level.
"I encourage organisations across Lisburn and Castlereagh to apply and help drive lasting change for women and girls in our area.”
Councillor Sharon Lowry, Communities and Wellbeing Chair said: “The continued level of violence experienced by women and girls in Northern Ireland is deeply concerning and requires a strong community response.
"The combination of Change Funding and Momentum Funding will help raise awareness, build understanding and empower people to recognise what violence looks like and how to prevent it.
"By supporting local organisations, we can promote respectful relationships, create safer spaces and ensure women and girls feel protected in every part of our community.”
Funding Timeline
Applications Open: Monday 24th August 2026
Applications Close: Friday 18th September 2026
Project delivery dates: 1st October 2026 to 26th February 2027
All projects must be completed by 26th February 2027.
Apply Now
Please read the Guidance Notes before completing this application.
Completed applications for Change and/or Momentum funding must be submitted online no later than 18 September 2026.