The James Kane Foundation

24/08/2026

Thinking of applying for funding this year?

The James Kane Foundation's funding programme opens on 1 September, supporting projects that create education and career opportunities for people across Northern Ireland.

If you haven't already, visit our website to check the funding priorities and sign up for updates. We'll let you know as soon as the application portal opens.

Find out more and sign up to receive a notification when our Expression of Interest goes live. Visit www.jameskanefoundation.org/apply/

18/08/2026

⏰ Just a few weeks to go...

Applications to The James Kane Foundation's Open Grant Programme open on 1 September.

Eligible schools, colleges, charities, social enterprises and employers - why not start planning now. Visit our website to learn more about the programme and sign up for notifications so you'll be among the first to know when the EOI goes live.

Visit www.jameskanefoundation.org/apply/ for information on our criteria, themes and process.

13/08/2026

Celebrating 5 Years of the Mary Ann McCracken Bursary Programme

Five years ago, we launched the Mary Ann McCracken Bursary Programme with a simple but powerful aim: to help remove financial barriers and create opportunities for young people to take the next step in their education, training or career.

Since 2021, the programme has supported young people across North Belfast in accessing further and higher education, apprenticeships, training and employment, continuing Mary Ann McCracken's lifelong commitment to education and social justice.

As we celebrate this milestone, we'd love to hear from the people who have been part of the programme.

Were you awarded a Mary Ann McCracken Bursary?

Where has your journey taken you? Has the bursary helped you pursue your studies, start a new career, complete an apprenticeship or achieve a goal that once felt out of reach?

We'd love to hear your story and learn how the bursary has made a difference to your life.

If you're a past recipient, please get in touch by emailing [email protected]

12/08/2026

On International Youth Day (12 August), we want to celebrate the potential and talent of young people across Northern Ireland.

At The James Kane Foundation, we're proud to support projects that help young people develop STEM skills, explore career pathways, build confidence and unlock opportunities that can shape their futures.

If your organisation has an idea that could make a real difference, our open grant programme re-opens on 1 September.

Visit our website to find out more about our funding priorities and sign up for updates so you'll be the first to know when our Expression of Interest forms go live.

Visit https://jameskanefoundation.org/apply/

10/08/2026

📢 Funding re-opens on 1 September

The James Kane Foundation's Open Grant Programme will reopen for applications on 1 September.

If you're planning a project that supports STEM education, career opportunities, or helps young people make informed choices about their future, now is the perfect time to start preparing.

Find out more about this year's funding programme and sign up to receive updates as soon as the application portal opens.

Visit www.jameskanefoundation.org/apply/

03/08/2026

📣Exciting news

The James Kane Foundation are launching another round of funding from 1st September 2026.

Expression of Interest forms will soon be made available from The James Kane Foundation website, and will be accepted by the grants team from 1st September until 12noon on 16th October.

If you are interested in applying, and want to be notified of when funding EOI's are available for download, please add your contact details to the following form: www.tinyurl.com/JKF-Funding

In the meantime, please check out our eligibility criteria for funding, along with more details on the Foundation at www.jameskanefoundation.org/apply/

Education AuthorityDepartment of Education NI

28/07/2026

Fantastic to see another apprenticeship programme launched in Northern Ireland. This is an increasing popular route to a career, particularly in manufacturing.

Kick-start your career in manufacturing with MEGA's new Lean Manufacturing Apprenticeship!

In partnership with South West College, MEGA is excited to launch our brand-new Lean Manufacturing Apprenticeship, with applications now open for September 2026.

If you're a school leaver, looking for a fresh career path, or want to earn while you learn, this apprenticeship is your opportunity to build real skills, gain valuable experience, and start a rewarding career in one of Northern Ireland's most innovative industries.

This isn't just another course - it's your chance to launch a career with excellent progression opportunities in a sector that's shaping the future.

Applications for September 2026 are now open.

Take the first step towards a career that challenges, develops, and rewards you. Your future in manufacturing starts here.

Find out more https://midulstermega.com/lean-manufacturing-apprenticeship/

Invest Northern Ireland The James Kane Foundation Department for the Economy NI Mid Ulster District Council DLD Fund

27/07/2026

**Project Spotlight **

The Young STEM Ambassadors programme at Portadown College is helping to inspire the next generation of scientists, engineers and innovators. Since launching in 2024, over 30 Year 14 students studying A-Level Science subjects have taken part, delivering interactive STEM workshops to local primary and post-primary schools.

With support from The James Kane Foundation, the programme has developed new workshops and purchased specialist equipment, including microscopes, Molymod kits, smart materials and laboratory equipment. This has enabled the programme to expand its outreach to younger pupils and additional schools, including Tandragee Junior High School and Markethill High School.

More than 400 pupils have already participated, developing their scientific knowledge and interest in STEM while learning about future subject and career opportunities.

At the same time, the Portadown College STEM Ambassadors are building valuable scientific communication, presentation and confidence skills that will support them as they progress to university, higher-level apprenticeships and future careers.

Well done to all involved.

23/07/2026

Project Spotlight: STEMStart

The James Kane Foundation is supporting Advantage Foundation to deliver STEMStart, an innovative programme that empowers young people to develop sustainable business ideas inspired by STEM and linked to the UN Sustainable Development Goals.

Working with secondary schools and colleges across the Armagh, Banbridge and Craigavon area, the programme will engage around 600 students each year through interactive workshops, business model development and ‘Dragon’s Den’-style pitching events.

STEMStart will help young people build confidence, entrepreneurial skills and awareness of future education and career pathways in the green economy. Still in its early stages, we look forward to hearing more from this project in the coming weeks and months.

City, Banbridge & Craigavon Borough Council

21/07/2026

Fantastic to see this initiative continue to grow and gain momentum.

We are delighted to announce the SistersIN Leadership Programme launching as a pilot within the Further Education sector in collaboration with Northern Regional College and Enterprise Causeway, launching at Northern Regional College's Causeway Campus this October.

Since SistersIN was established, our mission has been to inspire, connect and empower as many young women as possible through leadership skills development and mentoring. Having already made a positive impact in post-primary schools across Northern Ireland, we are proud to be taking the next step by bringing the programme into a new educational setting.

This pilot will support female aged 16-18 years old develop their confidence, leadership skills and professional networks through mentoring, leadership skills modules and practical project work.

We are looking forward to seeing the impact this pilot will have, opening up new opportunities for young women and helping shape the future of SistersIN in Further Education.

📖 Read the full story here: https://www.sisters-in.org/post/northern-regional-college-sistersin-and-enterprise-causeway