Honourable the Irish Society

The Honourable the Irish Society, established by Royal Charter in 1613 as an offshoot of the City of London Corporation, originally oversaw the Plantation of Ulster, rebuilding Derry (Londonderry) and Coleraine to foster economic and community development in northwest Northern Ireland. Evolving into a self-funding, cross-community charity, it now acts as custodian of the historic London-Ulster link, promoting charitable purposes in County Londonderry and neighboring areas through civic stewardship, inclusivity, and adaptive support for local needs, bridging divides and enhancing social fabric regardless of creed.

It funds small-scale, place-based projects via two programmes: the North West Fund for grassroots initiatives like educational scholarships, accessible sports (e.g., wheelchair basketball), community events (e.g., Eglinton Show), youth/senior activities, facility improvements, health/wellbeing, and sports clubs; and the Northern Ireland Fund for similar efforts elsewhere in NI. Priorities emphasize cross-community benefit, youth engagement, social inclusion, local heritage, and addressing disadvantage, favoring capital items or one-off projects over ongoing costs.

Eligible applicants include community groups, voluntary organisations, sports/youth clubs, schools, health/disability groups, and individuals in County Londonderry or Causeway Coast & Glens (North West Fund, no income threshold but prefers small entities); or small charities with incomes under £250,000 elsewhere in Northern Ireland (Northern Ireland Fund). Unsolicited applications accepted via online form, email, or post, requiring project details, finances, quotes, and other funding info.

Typical grants range £250–£2,000 (min. £250 for individuals; up to £1,000 North West, £2,000 NI Fund), awarded quarterly (meetings Feb/June/Oct; 2025 deadlines: 31 Dec 2024, 30 Apr, 29 Aug). Excludes retrospective/statutory/political/religious/research funding; 3–5-year reapplication wait. Distinctive for its 400-year longevity, local advisory committee, and property/investment-funded perpetuity.