Northern Ireland Screen Commission
Could Northern Ireland Screen Commission fund your project? Check fit free. Draft if yes — or shortlist better matches.
- Typical grants
- £9,000 – £22,500
- Where they fund
- Northern Ireland
- Applications
- Accepted
- How to apply
- Online form
Works for Registered charities, CIOs, CICs and community groups.
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northernirelandscreen.co.ukAbout Northern Ireland Screen Commission
Northern Ireland Screen Commission is the national screen agency for Northern Ireland, working to maximise the economic, cultural and educational impact of the screen industries. Their mission is to support film, television, animation, factual and entertainment content, digital interactive media, gaming and e-learning. They place a strong emphasis on skills development and creating inclusive opportunities for underrepresented groups. The commission funds individuals, production companies and educational organisations, with a focus on projects that benefit women, disabled people, ethnic minority communities, LGBTQ+ individuals and rural communities. All funded activity must take place in Northern Ireland.
What Northern Ireland Screen Commission funds
They fund a wide range of screen-based activities including film, television, animation, factual and entertainment content, digital interactive media, gaming and e-learning. Specific programmes support short film production, script development, animation, and broadcasting in Ulster-Scots. They prioritise compelling stories with fresh perspectives, ambitious authored voices and strong character journeys, covering both art-house and commercial work. The commission also funds education and skills projects, helping talent progress from new to established levels. All funded work must be based in Northern Ireland.
Who can apply
Applications are open to individuals, production companies and educational organisations that are based in Northern Ireland. Eligible legal entities include companies and registered charities. The commission particularly encourages applications from women, disabled people, ethnic minority communities, LGBTQ+ individuals and rural communities. Some programmes are aimed at writers new to feature film or at resident producers looking to develop local talent. Applicants must be Northern Ireland residents or have their organisation based in Northern Ireland.
What Northern Ireland Screen Commission doesn't fund
The commission does not fund projects that take place outside Northern Ireland or activities that are not related to the screen industries. They also do not support non-screen activities.
How they like to fund
The commission funds project delivery through a range of targeted programmes. Some programmes require match funding, typically a cash or in-kind contribution. They support both individuals and companies, with awards covering project costs. Funding is provided for specific calls and initiatives, with a focus on developing talent and the local screen industry.
How much does Northern Ireland Screen Commission give?
Northern Ireland Screen Commission runs 6 grant programmes. Every figure below is sourced from their published guidance.
Last verified 8 August 2026 · 66 sourced facts
- Online portal
- Decisions in ~5 weeks
- Decisions in ~8 weeks
- 4 rounds a year
- Match funding required
- Match funding required
- Match funding required
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 Northern Ireland Screen Commission funds — and what they won't
["Compelling stories with a unique or fresh perspective","Ambitious authored voices","Stories with strong character journeys","A range of art-house and commercial stories"]
Good to know
How to apply to Northern Ireland Screen Commission
Northern Ireland Screen Commission takes applications via online form.
- Published programme route: online portal.
- Check whether your charity is in scope before you spend time on a full bid.
How it works
- 1Describe your project. Once — used for this funder and others.
- 2See if this could be a fit. Honest check on cause, place, size, and rules.
- 3Draft if yes. From your real data — or move on if not.
See if Northern Ireland Screen Commission could be a fit. Draft if yes.
Frequently asked questions
How much funding does Northern Ireland Screen Commission provide?
Northern Ireland Screen Commission runs 6 grant programmes — Creative Animation Application Call 2025-26: £40,000 – £40,000 · New Writer Focus 2025-2026: Up to £2,500 · Short Film Individual Production Award: £6,000 – £6,000 · Short Film Production Company Award: £12,500 – £22,500.
Where does Northern Ireland Screen Commission fund charities?
Northern Ireland Screen Commission funds charities operating in Northern Ireland.
Does Northern Ireland Screen Commission accept unsolicited applications?
Northern Ireland Screen Commission accepts unsolicited applications from eligible organisations. Current programme status is on this page — do not assume a round is open.
How do I apply for funding from Northern Ireland Screen Commission?
Northern Ireland Screen Commission takes applications via online form. Published programme route: online portal.
Similar funders
Other UK funders with overlapping focus — not a claim they fund the same charities.
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Could Northern Ireland Screen Commission be a fit?
Check free. Draft if yes, or shortlist better matches.