🎶 Funding Available for Drumquin and Killen Community Groups Pride of the Derg Flute Band was among the local organisations supported through the Slieveglass Wind Farm Community Benefit Fund. A £1,000 grant helped the Castlederg-based band deliver its ‘Off the Streets 2026’ campaign, providing free flute and drumming tuition to 30 children of school age. The project gave young people the opportunity to develop new skills, discover traditional music and connect with Ulster-Scots heritage. The latest round of the Cornavarrow Slieveglass Wind Farm Fund is now open for applications from community organisations in the Drumquin and Killen areas. The Fund supports projects within 5km of either the Cornavarrow or Slieveglass Wind Farms, with funding available for a wide range of local projects and activities. If your organisation has an idea that could benefit the local community, we would encourage you to consider applying. 📅 Applications close at 12 noon on Friday 13 November 2026. 🔗 Read the full news story and find out more about the Fund and how to apply: fermanaghtrust.org/funding-a…

🌱 Swipe to the end to meet our newest garden visitor 🐸 We’ve had a great start to the Fermanagh Trust’s Winter Gardening & Sustainable Home Growing workshop series at Daisy Hill House & Gardens, Ballyconnell. The first sessions have been hands-on, with participants learning how to clear and prepare growing spaces for winter, which crops are suitable for this stage of the growing season and how to sow seeds for future harvests. Participants also explored the Square Foot Gardening method, discovering practical ways to maximise growing space and make the most of smaller areas. 🌿 Each session finished with a seed swap and harvest share, giving participants the opportunity to share seeds they have saved, swap with other growers and showcase some of their home-grown produce. The next session will focus on preserving the harvest, exploring simple and practical methods including freezing, pickling and fermentation. The session will look at how to make the most of home-grown produce, reduce food waste and enjoy the harvest beyond the growing season. 🍎 It’s been a great start to the series at Daisy Hill, and we’re looking forward to seeing what everyone grows next.

This week... We are inviting community members to attend our free Energy Advice Workshops at Fermanagh House, Enniskillen. The workshops will be facilitated by National Energy Action NI, a leading fuel poverty charity, and will provide practical advice on: Keeping your home warmer Saving money on energy bills Using energy more efficiently Reducing heat loss, damp and condensation Accessing available energy support Dates and times: 📅 Wednesday 7 October, 3.00pm–5.30pm 📅 Thursday 8 October, 10.00am–12.30pm The workshops are free and open to everyone, but places are limited and should be registered on a first-come, first-served basis. To book: forms.cloud.microsoft/e/iFGL… alternatively email [email protected].

🌸 Funding Available for Brookeborough, Knocks and Cooneen Community Groups Brookeborough Women’s Group has used support from the Teiges Mountain Wind Farm Fund to deliver a programme of recreational, social and educational activities, including wellbeing sessions, flower arranging and craft workshops. The latest round of the Teiges Mountain Wind Farm Fund is now open for applications from community organisations in the Brookeborough, Knocks and Cooneen areas. The Fund provides grants for projects within 5km of the Teiges Mountain Wind Farm, supporting a wide range of local activities, projects and initiatives that benefit local people and strengthen community connections. If your organisation has an idea that could benefit the local community, we would encourage you to consider applying. 📅 Applications close at 12 noon on Friday 6 November 2026. 🔗 Read the full news story and find out more about the Fund and how to apply: fermanaghtrust.org/funding-a…

🏅 Oisín McGrath Foundation Open for Applications The Oisín McGrath Foundation has reopened for applications, offering financial support to young people in Fermanagh and the surrounding area who are working to develop their potential in sport. Recent recipients include Ryan Topping, a competitive rower with Enniskillen Royal Boat Club who has represented Ireland at international junior level, and Phoebe Rutledge, who received support to represent Northern Ireland at an inter-regional gymnastics competition in Southampton. The Foundation supports young people with bursaries and funding towards sporting activities and events, helping them develop their skills, experience and sporting potential. Applications are open to individuals aged 11 to 18 who live in Fermanagh or the surrounding area. 📅 Applications close at 12 noon on Thursday 29 October 2026. 🔗 Read the full news story and find out more about the Foundation and how to apply: fermanaghtrust.org/oisin-mcg…

⚽ Funding Available for Drumquin and Killen Community Groups Drumquin United FC is a cross-community football club based in Drumquin, Co. Tyrone, competing in the Fermanagh and Western League with home fixtures played at the council pitch in the centre of the village. Thanks to a £2,000 grant from the Cornavarrow Wind Farm Fund, the club has been able to provide regular football training and help cover rising running costs, including pitch hire. The funding is helping support opportunities for local players, including midfielder Sean O’Kane. He describes Drumquin United as “a great club with a real sense of community amongst the players, members and local supporters.” The latest round of the Cornavarrow Slieveglass Wind Farm Fund is now open for applications from community organisations in the Drumquin and Killen areas. The Fund supports projects within 5km of either the Cornavarrow or Slieveglass Wind Farms, with funding available for a wide range of local projects and activities. If your organisation has an idea that could benefit the local community, we would encourage you to consider applying. 📅 Applications close at 12 noon on Friday 13 November 2026. 🔗 Read the full news story and find out more about the Fund and how to apply: fermanaghtrust.org/funding-a…

The Callagheen Wind Farm Fund is now open for applications from community organisations in the Belleek and Garrison area. The Fund provides grants for projects within 7km of the Callagheen Wind Farm, supporting a wide range of community activities including social, educational, environmental, recreational and wellbeing projects. The Fund has supported a wide range of local organisations, including Belleek Men’s Shed, helping community groups deliver activities, improve facilities and create opportunities for local people. If your organisation has an idea that could benefit the local community, we would encourage you to consider applying. 📅 Applications close at 12 noon on Friday 30 October 2026. 🔗 Read the full news story and find out more about how to apply: fermanaghtrust.org/funding-a…

🥕 Keep Growing Through Autumn & Winter Want to grow more of your own food, save money and make the most of your garden or growing space? Join us for a practical three-part workshop series exploring autumn and winter gardening, sustainable growing and preserving the harvest. Across the sessions, you’ll learn simple, affordable techniques for growing fresh food through the colder months, preparing and maintaining your growing spaces, making the most of small areas and preserving your harvest to reduce food waste. What we’ll cover includes: 🌱 Autumn and winter sowing and planting 🧄 Garlic and overwintering crops 🪴 Growing in containers and small spaces 🌿 Preparing and replenishing garden beds ❄️ Extending the growing season 🍎 Freezing, pickling, fermentation and preserving 💚 Growing sustainably and on a budget Whether you’re an experienced gardener or have never grown your own food before, this series is designed to be practical, accessible and hands-on. 📅 30 September - 21 October - 11 November 2026 🕝 2.30pm–4.30pm 📍 Daisy Hill House & Gardens, Ballyconnell, Co. Cavan Places are limited and booking is essential. More information and registration: climatecommunityempowerment.…

👏 Celebrating volunteering across Fermanagh and Omagh It was wonderful to come together for the Investing in Community Volunteers Volunteer Recognition, Reward and Recruitment Event, to celebrate the incredible contribution volunteers make across our communities. The evening was an opportunity to say thank you to those who give their time, skills and energy to support others, strengthen community organisations and bring people together. We were also delighted to recognise the achievements of individuals who have completed training and accredited learning through the ICV Programme, including young people who received certificates for a course delivered by YouthAction Northern Ireland The event also included a volunteer recruitment fair, with local organisations showcasing the many ways people can get involved and make a difference. As lead partner for the ICV Programme, Fermanagh Trust was delighted to be part of an evening celebrating the people who help make our communities stronger, more connected and welcoming. Thank you to Volunteer Now for organising the event and to everyone who continues to give their time through volunteering. The Investing in Community Volunteers Programme is one of 13 programmes as detailed in the Fermanagh and Omagh District Council PEACEPLUS Local Action Plan, a project supported by PEACEPLUS and managed by the Special EU Programmes Body - SEUPB

💬 Meet the Funders Got a project idea or looking for funding for your organisation? Come along and speak directly with six funders about your project, funding opportunities and the application process. The event is specifically for charities and community and voluntary organisations in County Fermanagh, with the opportunity to have one-to-one conversations and get advice tailored to your project. 📅 Thursday 24 September 📍 Fermanagh House, Enniskillen ⏰ Drop in anytime between 4pm and 7.30pm Come along, have a chat and find out what funding opportunities could be available for your organisation.

🏠 Encirc Homeless Support Fund Closing date this Friday. There’s still time to apply. Fermanagh Trust, in partnership with Encirc, is providing grants to organisations across County Fermanagh supporting people experiencing, or at risk of, homelessness. Funding can support practical, community-based initiatives including: • Debt and welfare advice • Essential needs and crisis support • Community and social inclusion programmes • Practical assistance for vulnerable individuals and families 📅 Applications close at 12 noon, Friday 11 September 2026. If your organisation is eligible and you have a project that could benefit from this funding, there is still time to apply. Find eligibility criteria and application details here: fermanaghtrust.org/our-grant… Or email [email protected]

🏆 Applications for Fermanagh Recreational Trust funding are closing soon There is still time to apply for support from the Fermanagh Recreational Trust, with the latest funding round closing at 5pm on Monday 31 August 2026. The fund, administered by Fermanagh Trust, supports individuals developing their sporting potential, as well as sporting and arts-based organisations across Fermanagh. Funding can support areas including equipment, training and coaching, facilities, individual bursaries and activities benefiting children and young people. Could funding help you take your sporting ambitions to the next level, or help your organisation create new opportunities in your community? 📅 Closing date: 5pm, Monday 31 August 2026 👉 Find out more and download an application form: fermanaghtrust.org/our-grant…

🏆 Applications for Fermanagh Recreational Trust funding are closing soon, on Monday 31 August 2026. The fund, administered by Fermanagh Trust, supports individuals developing their sporting potential, as well as sporting and arts-based organisations across Fermanagh. Funding can support areas including equipment, training and coaching, facilities, individual bursaries and activities benefiting children and young people. Recent recipient Ben McCaldin is pictured competing at the Irish National Championships, which he won in July. Could funding help you take your sporting ambitions to the next level, or help your organisation create new opportunities in your community? 📅 Closing date: 5pm, Monday 31 August 2026 👉 Find out more fermanaghtrust.org/fermanagh…

🎉 Investing in Community Volunteers Survey Prize Winner As part of the evaluation of Phase 1 of the Investing in Community Volunteers Programme, we recently invited everyone who has taken part in the programme to complete a short survey and share their experiences and feedback. Thank you to everyone who took the time to respond. Your feedback will help us demonstrate the impact of the programme to our funders and inform future volunteering opportunities. We are delighted to announce that Terry Magee, Chair of ARC Healthy Living Centre in Irvinestown, has been selected as our survey prize winner, receiving a £50 voucher, along with a £250 donation to the ARC Summer Scheme. Today, Sonya Johnston, Deputy Director of Fermanagh Trust, had the pleasure of presenting Terry with her cheque at ARC Healthy Living Centre’s celebration event, where she also got to see first-hand the fantastic work of their Peer Mentors who ran this year's ARC Summer Scheme. Many of the young people involved have availed of the Investing in Community Volunteers online learning platform. This is a brilliant example of young people stepping up, volunteering, developing leadership skills and making a real difference in their communities. It is a shining example of successful succession planning and the power of a “grow your own” approach. Phase 1 of the Investing in Community Volunteers Programme has delivered: • 45+ short courses • 7 Family Volunteering Days • 20+ secondary school visits promoting volunteering • Hundreds of online courses, reaching 700+ learners Congratulations to Terry, and a huge thank you to the ARC Healthy Living Centre team and all the young people involved for the fantastic contribution they are making to their community.

🏃‍♀️ Run For Oisín takes place this Sunday in Belcoo 🏃‍♂️ There's still time to sign up for one of Fermanagh's favourite community events. Choose from: • 5K Run or Walk • 10K Run 🕐 Starts at 1.00pm on Sunday Online registration has been extended until midnight tonight (Friday 7 August). Already registered? Race number collection will take place at Lakeland Community Care Centre: 📍 Saturday 8 August: 8.00pm–9.00pm 📍 Sunday 9 August: 10.30am–12.00 noon Haven't registered yet? You can still register on the day at Lakeland Community Care Centre between 10.30am and 12.00 noon. Whether you're running for a PB or walking with friends, Oisín McGrath Foundation would love to see you in Belcoo this Sunday. Register online here: in.njuko.com/run-for-oisin-2…

🎙️ Listen back to Annette Leonard on BBC Radio Ulster Our Community Climate Action Coordinator, Annette Leonard, recently joined Eve Blair on BBC Radio Ulster’s Your Place and Mine to discuss Generation Nature and the incredible outdoor locations where young people from Fermanagh and Cavan developed their environmental knowledge, leadership skills and passion for protecting nature. Delivered in partnership with Cavan County Local Development and supported by the International Fund for Ireland, Generation Nature brought young people together through hands-on environmental learning, practical conservation activities and positive cross-border experiences. We’re delighted to now share the Generation Nature Evaluation Report, highlighting the impact of the programme and the positive outcomes achieved by everyone involved. 📖 Read the full evaluation report here: climatecommunityempowerment.… Many thanks @blaireve ☺️

🏠 Applications Now Open Encirc Homeless Support Fund Fermanagh Trust is pleased to partner with Encirc to launch the new Encirc Homeless Support Fund, providing grants to organisations across County Fermanagh supporting people experiencing, or at risk of, homelessness. The fund will support practical, community-based initiatives including: • Debt and welfare advice • Essential needs and crisis support • Community and social inclusion programmes • Practical assistance for vulnerable individuals and families This initiative reflects Encirc’s commitment to creating positive social impact and will help strengthen the work of local organisations supporting some of the most vulnerable people in our community. 🗓️ Closing date for applications: 12 noon, Friday 11 September 2026. 🔗 Read the full story here for eligibility criteria and application details: fermanaghtrust.org/encirc-la…

📢 We're Hiring | Part-Time Finance Officer We're looking for an organised and detail-oriented Finance Officer to join the Fermanagh Trust team on a part-time basis (15 hours per week). This is an excellent opportunity to play a key role in supporting the financial management of Fermanagh Trust, helping us continue to strengthen communities across the county. If you have experience in finance or bookkeeping and are looking for a flexible part-time role with a purpose-driven organisation, we'd love to hear from you. 🗓 Application deadline: Friday 21 August 2026 at 10.00am We welcome applications by application form or CV (CVs must clearly address the criteria outlined in the person specification). 📄 Download the job description, person specification and application form here: fermanaghtrust.org/jobs/ For further information about the role, please contact Paula Vance at [email protected] or call 028 6632 0210.