What This Page Covers
There are several grants available in Northern Ireland that can fund technology, IT equipment, WiFi, CCTV, broadband hardware, and security systems for community groups and businesses. This page lists the main ones, explains what each covers, and how we can help with your application.
We provide free quotations formatted for grant applications. No obligation.
Grants Open Now
National Lottery Awards for All NI
OPEN - No Fixed DeadlineValue: £300 to £20,000 per project. Can fund projects for up to two years.
Who can apply: Voluntary, community, and social enterprise (VCSE) organisations.
Technology you can fund: Laptops, PCs, tablets, WiFi equipment, CCTV, broadband hardware, security systems, AV equipment, community internet access.
Key advantage: Rolling applications with no fixed deadline. You can apply at any time. One of the most accessible funding sources in NI for technology projects.
DAERA Rural Micro Capital Grant (RMCGS)
CLOSING 22 June 2026Value: £500 to £2,500 (50-85% funded). Total project cost cannot exceed £5,000.
Who can apply: Rural community and voluntary organisations in NI.
Technology you can fund: PCs, laptops, tablets, PA systems, WiFi access points, CCTV, phone handsets, networking equipment.
Key detail: Capital items only. Monthly subscriptions and running costs are not eligible. Two quotes from different suppliers required.
NIO Community Partnership Fund
CLOSING 19 June 2026Value: From a £1 million pot. Individual grants vary.
Who can apply: Established NI voluntary and community sector organisations.
Technology you can fund: IT equipment, connectivity, security systems as part of community development projects.
NIO Connect Fund
OPEN - RollingValue: £1.5 million total pot. Individual project grants vary.
Who can apply: Community and voluntary groups doing east-west (NI-GB) collaborative work.
Technology you can fund: IT, connectivity, communication tools for cross-community collaboration projects.
PEACEPLUS Community Grants
OPEN - Multiple CallsValue: Up to €100,000 per community project. €40 million total in community grants.
Who can apply: Community groups, cross-community organisations, shared spaces projects, youth organisations in NI and border counties of Ireland.
Technology you can fund: Large CCTV installations, public WiFi, broadband infrastructure, AV systems, network installations, security systems.
Key detail: These are larger projects. Ideal for community centres, shared spaces, and cross-community facilities needing significant technology investment.
Schemes for Businesses
Invest NI Innovation Vouchers
CLOSED - Watch for ReopeningValue: Up to £5,000
Who can apply: NI-based SMEs, social enterprises, third sector, sole traders, startups.
What it funds: AI adoption, cyber security reviews, digital transformation, automation, data analytics. Work must be delivered by an approved knowledge provider.
Key detail: Last call closed February 2026. Typically reopens annually. Worth monitoring.
Invest NI BIG (Business Innovation Grant)
By ApplicationValue: Up to £20,000
Who can apply: Sole traders, micro-businesses, and SMEs developing innovative products or services.
What it funds: AI solutions, automation, custom technology development, bringing innovation to market.
Other Funding Sources
- Community Foundation NI - Various grant programmes throughout the year for charities and community groups. Check their website
- Local Council Grants - Each of the 11 NI councils runs community grant programmes. Check your council's website for current calls.
- Community Safety Partnerships - Funding for CCTV, access control, and security systems through local community safety initiatives.
- Openreach Community Fund - Digital inclusion and broadband access projects.
- Co-op Local Community Fund - Community projects near Co-op stores (£3.5 million annual pot).
What We Supply for Funded Projects
We provide equipment, installation, and support for grant-funded technology projects across Northern Ireland:
IT Equipment
Laptops, PCs, tablets, printers
WiFi Systems
Access points, networking, installation
CCTV
Cameras, recording, monitoring
Security
Firewalls, DNS filtering, alarms
Phone Systems
VoIP handsets, PA systems
Broadband
4G/5G routers, connectivity hardware
How We Help with Your Application
- Tell us what you need - a quick phone call or email is all it takes
- We provide a quotation - itemised, with specifications, quantities, and delivery costs. Formatted for grant requirements.
- You submit your application - with our quote as one of your two required supplier quotes
- If approved, we supply and install - delivered to your door, set up and working
- Ongoing support - we are here if anything needs attention after installation
There is no charge for quotations and no obligation to use us as your supplier. We want your application to succeed.
Need a Quote for a Grant Application?
Get in touch and we will have your quotation ready within 48 hours. Free, no obligation, formatted for whatever scheme you are applying to.
Page last updated: . We update this page as new schemes open or close. Bookmark it and check back regularly, or contact us to be notified when new technology funding becomes available.
About Drakos Systems: We supply IT equipment, WiFi, CCTV, phone systems, cybersecurity hardware, and managed IT services to businesses and community organisations across Northern Ireland. ISO 27001 certified platforms. Over 20 years experience. View all our services.