Call for locality led projects under RAISE Programme

Date published: 5 September 2025

The RAISE Programme aims to raise educational achievement and reduce educational disadvantage through a whole community, place-based approach. 

The Department is inviting organisations to submit project proposals that address key educational priorities identified in the RAISE Strategic Area Plans. 

Paul Givan said: 

“I strongly encourage interested organisations to submit proposals to deliver against the objectives set out within the 18 RAISE Strategic Area Plans. The RAISE Programme provides a powerful platform for collaboration, enabling communities to come together to remove the barriers to learning and achievement that many of our children and young people continue to face.

“The RAISE Programme presents a real opportunity for organisations to take a fresh look at the challenges caused by deprivation and to be part of a transformative, whole community approach to tackling disadvantage. By working together, we can remove the barriers to learning and help children and young people across Northern Ireland reach their full potential.” 

Further information on the RAISE Programme including the Strategic Area Plans and Calls for Locality Led Projects can be found on the DE website at: https://www.education-ni.gov.uk/topics/raise-programme-education

Proposals must be submitted via the RAISE online platform by 2:00 PM on 30 September 2025. Late submissions will not be accepted. The platform can be accessed at: https://raise.whole.school/project-bid-form/signup

All applications will be assessed by a panel comprising Department officials and external experts. While the Department can issue calls for projects, funding decisions will be deferred until after 30 September 2025, pending the outcome of a Judicial Review.