Belfast City Council has officially opened the 2026 round of the Bank of Ideas, offering grants of up to £2,500 for creative projects that bring people together. This year, the initiative is centered around the theme of “Celebrating Together” to coincide with Belfast hosting the Fleadh Cheoil – the world’s largest celebration of Irish music and culture – this August.

Whether you are an individual with a unique skill to share or part of a local group, the council is looking for projects that showcase the city’s diverse heritage and modern culture. Your idea could be anything from a neighborhood music showcase or a series of traditional workshops to a collaborative art piece that represents your local area. The fund is particularly interested in projects that offer a warm welcome to visitors or provide a space for residents to learn something new.

The “Stories Branch” and Support

A new addition to this year’s fund is the connection to the Belfast Stories project. If your project involves sharing local history or creating new narratives for the city, you may be invited to join a specialized “Stories Branch” network. This offers a chance to help shape the future of the city’s landmark visitor attraction set to open in 2030.

To ensure everyone has a fair chance to apply, the council is running a series of support sessions across the city throughout February and March. These events are designed to help you develop your idea and navigate the application process. Support is also available for D/deaf, disabled, and neurodiverse applicants through the University of Atypical.

How the Funding is Awarded

Unlike traditional grants, the Bank of Ideas uses participatory budgeting. This means that after the council checks that projects are safe and legal, the final decision is made by the people of Belfast. Applicants will present their ideas at a public voting event on May 10th 2026, where the community decides which projects deserve to be funded.

The deadline to submit your idea is 5:00 PM on Monday, March 23rd 2026. Projects can take place in the lead-up to the Fleadh, during the festival week itself, or any time before the end of September 2026.

For more information on the criteria and to submit your application, visit the Bank of Ideas 2026 website.