Community, voluntary and arts organisations in Omagh could access grants of up to £10,000 to develop creative projects that support the wellbeing of older people.
The funding is available through the National Lottery Arts and Older People Programme, managed by the Arts Council of Northern Ireland, and is aimed at organisations using arts and creative activity to help older people stay connected, active and involved in their communities.
What can the funding support?
The programme supports projects that use the arts to:
- challenge perceptions of older age
- give older people a stronger voice
- reduce loneliness and social isolation
- promote positive mental health and wellbeing
- encourage participation in creative and artistic activities
For organisations in Omagh, this could include projects involving music, drama, visual arts, crafts, storytelling, dance or other creative activities that bring older people together.
It may also provide an opportunity for local organisations to work in partnership, develop new services or expand existing activities for older people.
Since the programme launched in 2010, more than £2 million has been awarded to over 272 projects across Northern Ireland.
Grants of up to £10,000
Successful applicants can receive funding of up to £10,000 to deliver eligible projects.
The programme may be particularly relevant to local community groups, charities and arts organisations looking to create new opportunities for older people or strengthen existing programmes.
Applicants should be able to demonstrate how their project will use arts participation to make a positive difference to older people’s lives.
Who can apply?
Eligible applicants include:
- constituted community and voluntary groups working with older people
- arts organisations
- local authorities
- non-governmental organisations that can demonstrate partnership working
Individuals and sole traders are not eligible to apply, and other eligibility criteria also apply.
See full eligibility criteria on the Arts Council website.
How to apply
Applications must be made online through the Arts Council of Northern Ireland’s grants portal.
Organisations using the new portal for the first time will need to create an account before starting an application.
The deadline for applications is 12 noon on Thursday 22 October 2026.
Omagh organisations with an idea for an arts project that could improve the wellbeing, confidence or social connections of older people are encouraged to explore the funding opportunity and check whether their project is eligible.
Full guidance and application details are available through the National Lottery Arts and Older People Programme on the Arts Council of Northern Ireland website.
