Funding for inclusive labour market projects
EPIC Futures NI is offering funding for research projects that support inclusive employment in Northern Ireland, with awards ranging from £10,000 to £100,000.
EPIC Futures NI is offering funding for research projects that support inclusive employment in Northern Ireland, with awards ranging from £10,000 to £100,000
EPIC Futures NI is a Local Policy Partnership (LPIP) hub, led by Ulster University and funded by the Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC), Arts and Humanities Research Council (AHRC), Innovate UK and the UK Research and Innovation (UKRI).
The Phase 2 funding call aims to support research that helps create a fairer and more sustainable labour market in Northern Ireland, especially for people who face barriers to suitable employment or self-employment.
Funding is available for a range of research approaches, including pilot studies, policy analysis, and new methods or tools. All projects should aim to produce findings that can inform policy in Northern Ireland. Projects can receive between £10,000 to £100,000 from a budget of £750k. Small awards of up to £30,000 must be completed by 30 June 2026. Large awards of up to £100,000 must be completed by 30 September 2026.
Applications are welcome from all types of organisations, including:
- Community Interest Company (CIC)
- social enterprises
- not for profit community and voluntary organisations
- registered charities or charitable incorporated organisations
- sole traders or private businesses
The call closed on Tuesday 9 September 2025.
First published 15 August 2025.