USA-NI 250 Funding Programme Opens for...

21 October 2025

Communities Minister Gordon Lyons has announced that applications are to open for the US-NI 250 Funding Programme.

In April, the Minister announced funding of £250,000 for organisations to mark the 250th anniversary of the US Declaration of Independence in 1776.

Applications are now open for £150,000 of this funding to support organisations and individuals across Northern Ireland to celebrate the anniversary next year.

Minister Lyons said: “This is a great opportunity for Northern Ireland to celebrate the strong and enduring links that connect us with the United States and have shaped both our countries in lasting ways.

“This is an open call for applications from groups and individuals for activities which will commemorate events or people from here who were involved in this period of American history.

“This initiative, delivered through the Ulster-Scots Agency, will enable local organisations and individuals to tell their stories and celebrate the deep historic connections that exist, ensuring that Northern Ireland’s role is marked.”

The fund will be administered by the Ulster-Scots Agency on behalf of the Department for Communities and will provide financial support for a wide range of projects. This includes community events, cultural exhibitions, educational programmes, storytelling that reflect the shared history and links between Northern Ireland and the United States.

Applications are now open and more information can be found here.

A series of information events will also be held for anyone wishing to find out more.

Details are below:

• 21 October, 2pm – Roe Valley Hotel, 10 Lisnakilly Road, Limavady, BT49 9FB

• 22 October, 7.30pm – Armagh City Hotel, 2 Friary Road, Armagh, BT60 4FR

• 28 October, 7.30pm – Silverbirch Hotel, 5 Gortin Road, Omagh, BT79 7DH

• 29 October, 2pm – Ramada Encore, 20 Talbot Street, Belfast, BT1 2LD

• 30 October, 7.30pm – Dunsilly Hotel, 20 Dunsilly Road, Antrim, BT41 2JH

A further online information event will be available soon, with details to follow.

Deadline for applications: Monday 17 November at 12 noon. 

Photo caption (top right): Communities Minister Gordon Lyons pictured at Capitol Hill in Washington DC.