James Kane Foundation

Could James Kane Foundation fund your project? Check fit free. Draft if yes — or shortlist better matches.

Typical grants: £10,000 – £100,000
Where they fund: Northern Ireland
Applications: Accepted
How to apply: Two-stage application

Works for Registered charities, CIOs, CICs and community groups.

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About James Kane Foundation

The James Kane Foundation advances education for public benefit, with a focus on supporting young people in Northern Ireland. Founded to embody values of industry, engineering excellence, skill development, and community empowerment, the Foundation funds non-statutory work experience, employment training, and pathways into occupations. It favours innovative, new projects and is willing to work in partnership with other organisations or funders. Priority may be given to projects that benefit those in the Armagh, Banbridge and Craigavon Council areas. The Foundation supports education bodies, charities, and social enterprises delivering project-based work with young people. Its grantmaking philosophy emphasises STEM opportunities, informed career choices, and equity for disadvantaged youth.

What James Kane Foundation funds

The Foundation funds education and employment projects for young people across Northern Ireland. Activities supported include project delivery, salaries, and equipment. Priority may be given to projects that benefit those living in the Armagh, Banbridge and Craigavon Council areas. The Foundation seeks additionality in all projects it funds, favouring new and/or innovative work. It is willing to work in partnership with other organisations or funders. Multi-year funding is considered. Applications that can demonstrate secured match funding may be viewed more favourably.

Who can apply

Education bodies including schools, colleges and third level institutions, as well as charities and social enterprises, can apply. The Foundation supports projects that benefit young people. Priority may be given to projects serving those in the Armagh, Banbridge and Craigavon Council areas. There is no religious restriction.

What James Kane Foundation doesn't fund

The Foundation does not normally fund overhead or indirect costs, core operational costs, or projects that duplicate existing provision. It will not support projects that trustees believe are the statutory responsibility of local authorities or government.

How they like to fund

The Foundation considers multi-year funding. It is willing to work in partnership with other organisations or funders. Grants can be used in conjunction with match or other funding sources already secured, and applications demonstrating secured match funding may be viewed more favourably. The Foundation welcomes unsolicited applications.

How much does James Kane Foundation give?

James Kane Foundation runs one grant programme. Every figure below is sourced from their published guidance.

£10,000 – £100,000

Last verified 8 August 2026 · 17 sourced facts

Open Grant ProgrammeCurrently closed

Two-stage process
Next deadline 16 October 2026
Decisions in ~10 weeks
Multi-year funding

Those are the published figures. What your charity could realistically get — and whether you'd clear their rules on income, location and legal structure — is what the free fit check answers.

What James Kane Foundation funds — and what they won't

Their stated priorities

Priority may be given to projects that benefit those living in Armagh, Banbridge and Craigavon Council areas. The Foundation seeks additionality in all projects that it funds. The Foundation seeks to fund new and/or innovative projects. Applications that can demonstrate secured match funding may be viewed more favourably. The Foundation is willing to work in partnership with other organisations/funders.

Where they fund

Northern Ireland

Costs they'll cover

Project deliverySalariesEquipment

They don't fund

Core costs

The full exclusions list (3)

projects which trustees believe are the responsibility of local authorities or government and which they have a statutory obligation to provide
create duplication in an area, whether geographic or thematic
overhead/indirect costs will not normally be funded

Good to know

FaithNo restriction

Focus areas

Children & youthEducation

How to apply to James Kane Foundation

James Kane Foundation takes applications via two-stage application.

Published programme route: two-stage process.
Check whether your charity is in scope before you spend time on a full bid.

How it works

1
Describe your project. Once — used for this funder and others.
2
See if this could be a fit. Honest check on cause, place, size, and rules.
3
Draft if yes. From your real data — or move on if not.

See if James Kane Foundation could be a fit. Draft if yes.

Frequently asked questions

How much funding does James Kane Foundation provide?

James Kane Foundation typically provides grants of £10,000 - £100,000.

Where does James Kane Foundation fund charities?

James Kane Foundation funds charities operating in Northern Ireland.

Does James Kane Foundation accept unsolicited applications?

James Kane Foundation accepts unsolicited applications from eligible organisations. Current programme status is on this page — do not assume a round is open.

What does James Kane Foundation not fund?

Their published exclusions include: projects which trustees believe are the responsibility of local authorities or government and which they have a statutory obligation to provide; create duplication in an area, whether geographic or thematic; overhead/indirect costs will not normally be funded. The full exclusions list is further up this page.

How do I apply for funding from James Kane Foundation?

James Kane Foundation takes applications via two-stage application. Published programme route: two-stage process.