29/08/2026
Call to Church of Ireland parishes to avail of grants for schools
Church of Ireland parishes in Northern Ireland are being encouraged to apply for a grant of up to £1,500 to help forge closer ties with their local primary schools.
The fund was launched in 2019 and since then, some £30,000 has been allocated to projects.
Schemes can be linked to the school curriculum or that impact on the educational welfare of children or support the mental health of children and young people.
Announcing the latest grant funding scheme, the Church of Ireland Board of Education (NI) says since 2019, more than 20 primary and post primary schools have benefited in parishes throughout Northern Ireland.
The £1,500 grant has to be match–funded by the parish.
The Secretary to the Board of Education (NI) Dr Peter Hamill said: “This scheme has proven its value where it matters most; in classrooms. Schemes assisted through parishes included a book project, a transition programme for P7, a drama project, a sensory room and a risk programme in a primary school as well as a self–esteem project in a post primary school.
“The uptake last year was encouraging and it’s clear that parishes are eager to participate. The criteria are deliberately very broad to get many parishes involved. We see real and tangible benefits in terms of confidence building and academic improvement in children and young people.
“Last year, we awarded grants to all six projects proposed by parishes which came in at around £8,000. We are always open to all ideas.
“Since the inception of the scheme, we’ve awarded about £30,000 which is then matched by parishes on a £–for–£ basis. Engagement with schools, listening to their feedback and that of the children and active collaboration are the backbone of what we do.
“Obviously, the money is relatively small in the grand scheme of things but the results are positive and give us encouragement to continue with the scheme.
“Parishes, teachers and parents have given what we do the seal of approval and that is most encouraging. In a relatively small way, we are having a positive impact on the lives of children.
“Our schemes broaden the minds of the adults and leaders of tomorrow. They show a somewhat different side from everyday classroom activities and learning – give a deeper perspective – and that can only be a good thing as they progress through their time in education.
“We are indebted to parishes that recognise the benefit of the scheme and to schools that embrace the whole idea and wish to add another dimension to what is taught in the classroom.
“It’s also about fun and delighting children with something that is different from the daily routine. Their confidence grows. They become more expressive and are given a wider understanding and perceptive of the wider world.”
The Church of Ireland Board of Education NI represents the Church of Ireland in all education matters in Northern Ireland. The Board supports the work of Seagoe Primary, Portadown as the last remaining and thriving Church of Ireland School. The Board also supports the nomination and work of school governors in Controlled schools nominated by their local parish and other Church of Ireland bodies. The Board nominates representatives to the Education Authority Board, the Controlled Schools Support Council and the Transferor Representatives’ Council.
The closing date for applications is Friday, September 18th. Full details can be obtained from Dr Peter Hamill by emailing [email protected].
