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James Kane Foundation Grants 2026: Up to £400,000 Annual Funding for Education, STEM and Employment Pathways in Northern Ireland – Apply Now

Application Deadline
October 16, 2026

James Kane Foundation Grants 2026: Up to £400,000 Annual Funding for Education, STEM and Employment Pathways in Northern Ireland | Apply Now

James Kane Foundation – 2026 Grant Funding – Northern Ireland

Complete guide to eligibility, priority themes, and application process


Quick Highlights

ParameterDetails
OrganizationJames Kane Foundation
Grant2026 Funding Round
Annual Funding£400,000
Large Grants~75% of budget
Small GrantsUnder £25,000 (~25% of budget)
Priority ThemesSTEM education/careers + Informed education/career choices
EligibilitySchools, colleges, employers, charities, social enterprises
LocationNorthern Ireland
Geographic PriorityArmagh, Banbridge, Craigavon
Multi-Year FundingPossible
Match FundingAllowed (potentially advantageous)
Application ProcessTwo-stage (EOI + Full Application)
EOI Deadline16 October 2026 (12:00 noon)
Official Website

https://jameskanefoundation.org


Opportunity Overview

FieldDetails
Host OrganisationJames Kane Foundation
Opportunity CategoryGrants
LocationNorthern Ireland
Application ModeOnline (Word form)
Official LanguageEnglish

About the James Kane Foundation

The James Kane Foundation was established in 2016 through the legacy of the late James "Jim" Walker Kane, owner of JW Kane Precision Engineering Limited. The Foundation supports initiatives designed to help people develop the education, skills, competencies and career opportunities needed to progress into employment, further study or professional life.


Why You Should Apply

BenefitDescription
Substantial Funding£400,000 annual budget
Flexible GrantsLarge and small grants available
Multi-Year SupportMulti-year funding possible
Match FundingAllowed and advantageous
Priority ThemesSTEM and career guidance
Geographic FocusNorthern Ireland

Priority Themes

Theme 1: Enabling STEM-Related Education and Career Opportunities

FocusDescription
STEM CareersDiscover STEM career pathways
Technical SkillsDevelop practical STEM skills
Practical ExperienceGain hands-on experience
Employer EngagementConnect with STEM employers
Engineering OpportunitiesAccess to engineering
Skills TrainingTechnical and professional skills

Theme 2: Helping Students Make Informed Education and Career Choices

FocusDescription
Career PathwaysUnderstanding options
Higher EducationUniversity pathways
ApprenticeshipsVocational training
EmploymentJob opportunities
Skills RequirementsUnderstanding requirements

Eligible Applicants

CategoryDescription
SchoolsPrimary and secondary schools
CollegesFurther education colleges
Third-Level InstitutionsUniversities and higher education
EmployersPrivate-sector companies
CharitiesRegistered charitable organisations
Social EnterprisesSocial businesses

Geographic Focus

PriorityDescription
Primary PriorityArmagh, Banbridge and Craigavon Council areas
SecondaryBroader Northern Ireland

Funding Details

ComponentInformation
Total Annual Budget£400,000
Large Grants~75% (~£300,000)
Small Grants~25% (~£100,000)
Small Grant ThresholdUnder £25,000
Multi-Year FundingMay be considered

Eligible Costs

Cost TypeDescription
Project CostsDirect programme delivery
Salary CostsStaff directly connected to project
Equipment CostsTechnical equipment for delivery

What Is Not Funded

ExclusionDescription
OverheadsGeneral administrative costs
Indirect CostsOrganisational overheads
Statutory ActivityServices already required by law
DuplicationServices already available

Additionality Requirement

RequirementDescription
New OpportunitiesCreate something additional
Gap FillingAddress missing services
InnovationIntroduce new approaches
Underserved GroupsReach new participants

Application Process

Stage 1: Expression of Interest (EOI)

RequirementDescription
FormatMicrosoft Word (official form)
ChangesDo not alter formatting
Photos/ImagesDo not add
Text BoxesDo not insert
Word LimitsMust be followed
Supporting DocumentsOnly what is requested

Stage 2: Full Application

RequirementDescription
InvitationOnly successful EOI applicants
DetailsFull application by invitation

Important Dates

EventDate
EOI Deadline16 October 2026 (12:00 noon)
EOI Decision8-10 weeks after deadline
Project CommencementJune 2027

Important Links

DescriptionURL
EOI Form

https://jameskanefoundation.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/JKF-Expression-of-Interest-2026.docx

EOI Guidance

https://jameskanefoundation.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/JKF-EOI-Guidelines-2026.pdf

Official Website

https://jameskanefoundation.org


Frequently Asked Questions

QuestionAnswer
Q1. What is the total funding available?£400,000 annually.
Q2. What grant sizes are available?Large grants (~75%) + Small grants (under £25,000).
Q3. What are the priority themes?STEM education/careers + Informed education/career choices.
Q4. Who can apply?Schools, colleges, employers, charities, social enterprises in Northern Ireland.
Q5. Is multi-year funding available?Yes, may be considered.
Q6. Is match funding allowed?Yes, and it may strengthen your application.
Q7. What is the application process?Two-stage: EOI + Full Application (by invitation).
Q8. What is the deadline?16 October 2026 (12:00 noon).
Q9. When do projects start?June 2027.
Q10. Where can I find the EOI form?James Kane Foundation website.

CareerFlora Expert Insight

The James Kane Foundation Grants offer a significant funding opportunity for organisations across Northern Ireland delivering education, STEM, and employment pathway projects. With approximately £400,000 available annually and both large and small grant options, the programme supports a wide range of initiatives.

The emphasis on additionality and avoidance of statutory duplication ensures that funding creates genuine new opportunities. Organisations in Armagh, Banbridge, and Craigavon receive priority consideration.


Best Opportunity For

CategorySuitable
SchoolsYes
CollegesYes
UniversitiesYes
EmployersYes
CharitiesYes
Social EnterprisesYes
Northern Ireland OrganisationsYes

Competition Level

CategoryLevel
Overall CompetitionHigh
Selection DifficultyCompetitive
Application ComplexityMedium

CareerFlora Recommendation

AreaDetails
Grant ValueExcellent
Career GrowthHigh
Application DifficultyMedium
Apply EarlyRecommended

Final Call-to-Action

Apply for James Kane Foundation Grants 2026 before 16 October 2026.

  • Visit the official James Kane Foundation website: https://jameskanefoundation.org

  • Download the EOI Guidance and EOI Form

  • Review eligibility and priority themes

  • Prepare your proposal with additionality clearly demonstrated

  • Complete the EOI form (no formatting changes)

  • Submit before 16 October 2026 (12:00 noon)

  • Follow CareerFlora for the latest updates

Written by S NAR

Career Expert & Researcher. Dedicated to bringing you the most authentic and verified updates on global scholarships, internships, and career opportunities to help you stay ahead.

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