Applications now open: Belfast Healthy Cities Explorer Bursary 2026 – Ending Violence Against Women and Girls
Belfast Healthy Cities is delighted to launch the Explorer Bursary 2026, offering an exciting opportunity for an individual or organisation based in Belfast to visit another city, learn from innovative practice, and bring fresh ideas back to Belfast.
For 2026, all applications must focus on the theme of:
Ending Violence Against Women and Girls
We are seeking bold, practical and inspiring proposals that explore how cities, communities and organisations elsewhere are taking action to create safer, more inclusive places for women and girls.
This could include learning linked to:
- Safer public spaces and urban design
- Community safety initiatives
- Education and prevention programmes
- Support services and partnership working
- Youth engagement and culture change
- International best practice on ending violence against women and girls
The bursary is designed to support learning that can make a real difference in Belfast and help shape future policy, programmes and partnerships.
What is the Explorer Bursary?
The Explorer Bursary supports a visit to another city or region to explore innovative approaches to a key urban health challenge.
The successful applicant will receive funding to undertake a short learning visit during September or October 2026, with findings to be shared afterwards through Belfast Healthy Cities networks and communications channels.
This is an opportunity to build connections, gather ideas and help bring positive change back to Belfast.
Who can apply?
Applications are welcomed from individuals or organisations based in Belfast, including:
- Community and voluntary organisations
- Researchers and academics
- Public sector organisations
- Practitioners and professionals
- Social enterprises
- Partnerships or collaborative groups
Applicants should demonstrate how their proposal links to Belfast and how the learning could be applied locally.
The Explorer Bursary typically provides between £1,000 and £1,500 to support a short study visit to a European Healthy City, covering travel, accommodation, and subsistence for one person to visit one country (multiple cities can be visited as part of one trip). Applicants are expected to submit a realistic budget based on their proposed destination and travel plans. The maximum award available is £1,500.
The bursary cannot be used to attend conferences. Applicants affiliated with political parties, current Belfast Healthy Cities staff or board members, and their families are not eligible.
Key Dates
- Applications open: Now
- Deadline for applications: Tuesday 30 June 2026
- Winner announced: Week commencing 20 July 2026
- Visit to take place: September or October 2026
What should applications include?
Your application should outline:
- Where you would like to visit and why
- What you want to learn
- How the visit relates to ending violence against women and girls
- How the learning could benefit Belfast
- Indicative travel and visit costs
- How you would share findings afterwards
Why this theme?
Ending violence against women and girls is a key priority locally, regionally and internationally. Cities have a vital role to play in creating environments where women and girls feel safe, valued and able to thrive.
Through the Explorer Bursary, Belfast Healthy Cities wants to support new ideas, shared learning and practical action that can help make Belfast a safer city for all.
How to Apply
For any early enquiries, please email daniel@belfasthealthycities.com
To apply, click the button below.