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Getting Started with Cross Border Collaboration
As part of the Cross-Border: enACTing cooperation project, an online training programme has been developed to increase skills and knowledge in delivering an effective cross-border programme and will explore this content through 6 interactive modules.
The course is free of charge and is open to any and all organisations on the island of Ireland who are considering engaging in a cross-border programme for the first time.
The course is now available for independent learning, and you can register here.
A facilitated (or ‘blended learning’) version of this course is available, which will have online sessions with members of our team to take you through the course. If you are interested in taking this version of the course, please register your expression of interest here. The next course will start on 14 October 2025:
- Tuesday 14 October
- Tuesday 21 October
- Tuesday 28 October
- Tuesday 4 November
- Tuesday 11 November, and
- Tuesday 18 November.
There will be six 1-hour online sessions, each starting at 11.30am.
Course Overview
Whether you are completely new to cross border cooperation projects, or you have some experience in this area already and are looking to build on your experience and create stronger projects and stronger partnerships, you are in the right place. This course is intended to help anyone from any sector just thinking about or beginning to plan a cross-border project.
In particular, we want to ensure that the projects that you create lead to sustainable impact for the areas that they are designed for through long-term partnerships between the organisations involved.
Our intention in this course is to provide you with the information and tools that you need at each stage of developing your cross-border project to ensure that it is both effective and creates a sustainable partnership.
At the end of this course, you will be able to:
- Use evidence to effectively identify and define challenges in your community that your organisation can solve as part of fulfilling its core mission.
- Build sustainable partnerships with organisations on the other side of the border.
- Design and implement projects that benefit multiple jurisdictions in a way that each organisation alone could not achieve.
- Effectively demonstrate the value and impact of your project.
What is the course duration?
The online course is available to take independently and at your own pace – you can take as long as you need to complete the six modules that the course is made up of.
The facilitated version of the course takes place over 6 weeks. You will need to complete the online modules according to a schedule so that you are prepared for each of the facilitated sessions. You can retain access to the online content after the course has ended for as long as you need.
What is the course format?
The online course is split into six modules, each dealing with different aspects of the design of a cross-border cooperation project. If you take it independently you can take as long as you need to complete it. The content consists of text, videos and interactive exercises.
The facilitated version of the course is 6-weeks in duration. The same, 6-module online content will be available to you. There will be 6 online sessions that will be interactive and facilitated by a member of the Centre for Cross Border Cooperation. These sessions will be over Zoom and will include an overview of the content for each module, discussions and (when appropriate) breakout rooms You will need to complete the online modules according to a schedule so that you are prepared for each of the facilitated sessions. You can retain access to the online content after the course has ended for as long as you need.
How much time should I dedicate each week?
You should dedicate 3 hours to completing each online module. For the facilitated version of the course, each online session will be up to 90 minutes in duration and take place once per week for six weeks during working hours.
Are there any prerequisites for the course?
There are no prerequisites for the online course, and there is no requirement for you to have undertaken a cross-border project. However, if you want to take the facilitated version of the course, as the online sessions will be during working hours, you should clear this with your employer/manager if relevant in your case.
Who is this course aimed at?
The course has been designed for those employed in organisations on the island of Ireland involved in or wishing to be involved in cross-border cooperation projects, particularly those working in civic society/community organisations.
It’s ideal for those looking to develop their skills or those of their employees in cross-border cooperation, and the facilitated version of the course will also provide you with the opportunity to network and share knowledge with other people working on cross-border projects, as well as offering the chance for you to identify potential cross-border project partners.
Is there a certification or credential provided after completion?
A digital badge is provided after you have either successfully completed the course independently, or taken the facilitated version of the course. If you take the course independently you will have to complete all six of the modules to acquire a silver badge, and if you take the ‘blended learning’ version you will also have to attend five of the six online facilitated sessions to acquire a gold badge. This badge contains metadata describing the learning that you have undertaken. This can be shared in your email signature or on social media, for example LinkedIn.
How can I access the course materials?
To follow the course independently, you can sign up to and access the online course here.
To be able to take part in the facilitated version of the course, you need to register your interest here.
The online materials are provided using a platform called LearnWorlds. Once you sign up for the online course, you will receive an email from LearnWorlds welcoming you to the course. You can use LearnWorlds on your desktop, laptop, tablet or phone. On a desktop or laptop works best and is safest from an ergonomic perspective.
Are there assignments or exams?
There are knowledge checks throughout the course. There are also activities to guide you through your first cross-border project that can be completed with your project partner.
There are also introductory and feedback forms that you will be asked to complete at the start and end of the course. This is to assess the impact of the course on your ability to carry out a cross-border project. You will also be sent a follow-up form at 3, 6 and 12-months after you have completed the course.
There is no final assessment or exam on the course content. The benefits of the course will be demonstrated through your ability to carry out a cross-border project once you have completed it.
What is the cost of the course?
There is no cost to this course. We only ask that you participate in the pre- and post-course feedback forms so that we can ensure that this course stays impactful and up to date for future participants.
How do I contact support if I have technical issues?
If you experience any technical issues during the course, you can contact projects@crossborder.ie
Can I access the course after it ends?
Yes, you can retain access to the online content in the course for as long as you wish.
Funding opportunities
Shared Island Fund
The Irish Government’s Shared Island initiative aims to harness the full potential of the Good Friday Agreement to enhance cooperation, connection and mutual understanding on the island and engage with all communities and traditions to build consensus around a shared future.
It works with the Northern Ireland Executive, UK Government, local authorities, education institutions and through island-wide funded schemes to address strategic challenges.
Information on the fund, grant funding to date, ongoing projects, research and the Shared Island Youth Forum can be found on the web page.
The fund opens for applications in late Spring. Read more here.
Connect Fund
Administered by the UK Government, the Connect Fund awards up to £1m to strengthen civic East-West collaboration on matters of shared interest, including mutual challenges and opportunities across a range of sectors that directly affect communities in Northern Ireland.
Initially there will be two rounds of funding, of up to £500,000 in each round: 2025/26 (12 June 2025 – 31 March 2026) and 2026/27 (1 April 2026 – 31 March 2027). Applicants can bid for projects from £300 to £50,000.
Applications received and approved by 10 August 2025 will be announced in September 2025.
The Connect Fund will connect the great ideas, people and solutions in Northern Ireland with those across the United Kingdom to address mutual challenges and grasp shared opportunities.
Opening date: 12 June 2025
Closing date: 10 February 2027
Northern Ireland Council for Voluntary Action (NICVA)
NICVA publishes a weekly round-up of funding, news, events, jobs and training for the voluntary and community sector. Subscribe here.
The Wheel
The Wheel is Ireland’s national association of community and voluntary organisations, charities, and social enterprises. Its website has funding information.