Belfast Harbour has launched its 2026 Community Awards, allocating £110,000 for grants to grassroots organisations in Belfast and surrounding areas. The awards form part of the port's Community Fund Programme, which plans to distribute £350,000 to projects this year.

Grants of up to £5,000 will be available through funding rounds in March and September. An additional Harbouring Connections Award in early summer will provide two £5,000 grants to projects involving multiple organisations.

The programme, started in 2021, has aided more than 150 initiatives focused on community development, environmental protection, job skills and resident opportunities. Examples include support for autism social enterprise and sailing access for people with disabilities. As a Trust Port, Belfast Harbour directs 1% of its yearly profits to such community efforts, reaching a total investment of £500,000 since inception.

Joe O'Neill, CEO of Belfast Harbour, stated that the awards demonstrate the port's dedication to local communities through funding that turns ideas into action for resilience and inclusion.

David McLaughlin, founder director of Brothers Autism Social Enterprise, noted that prior funding covered materials and costs for two art programmes serving 15 autistic adults each, helping reduce isolation and build connections.