This week, September 8th to 12th, is Will to Give Week.

Its purpose is to promote the idea and the importance of leaving a gift in your Will, while supporting and guiding people to give towards causes they are most passionate about.

Speaking at the start of Will to Give week, Róisín Wood, CEO of the Community Foundation for Northern Ireland said:

“Will to give week is a fantastic opportunity to pause and think of supporting causes that matter to you and how you can continue to make a difference in your Will.

“Every adult should have a Will, regardless of age, income or wealth. Through a Will you can ensure that family and friends are taken care of and that your wishes are met after your death.

“More and more people are considering leaving a charitable gift in their Wills to support causes that matter to them.

“As well as taking care of your possessions, your Will is also an opportunity to reflect your values and interests in life through leaving a gift to the causes and places you care about.

“This can have a huge, long-term effect on these causes.

“The Community Foundation for Northern Ireland is a safe and trusted place to leave a legacy. With 45 years-experience in helping to bring people closer to the causes that matter, and working hand in hand with communities, we are very well placed to make sure your wishes can have the most impact.

“Through the Community Foundation for Northern Ireland’s Legacy Match Fund, your gift can go even further. Your donation will be matched by 50% up to a maximum of £50,000. But hurry, the match fund is limited and distributed on a first come basis.

“So, leaving a lasting legacy is simpler than you might think. Contact the Community Foundation for Northern Ireland for information.”

Find out more here: https://communityfoundationni.org/inspiring-generosity/give-a-gift-in-your-will/

The Community Foundation is seeking a suitable individual/s or organisation to support our efforts to learn from and evaluate the impact of the Housing and Homelessness fund.

We are seeking an insightful collaboration which will enhance our learning & knowledge, and help us identify & action any opportunities for improving the fund’s impact and our fund management practices.

We are keen to ensure that this commission brings added value and enables us to build upon the information & learning we will glean from our own contact with grantees via monitoring reports & conversations.

Please take a look at the Terms of Reference below.

Invitation to tender – Housing & Homelessness Fund (August 2025) (1)

Queries / clarification requests will only be accepted electronically and should be submitted to Richard Rogers, Grants Manager, at: rrogers@communityfoundationni.org

Submission deadline

Tuesday 30th September 2025 at 4 p.m.

Submissions received after this deadline will not be considered.

The programme, launched by the Minister of State for Nature, Heritage and Biodiversity Christopher O’Sullivan TD will bring together emerging leaders who share ambition to restore and regenerate nature.
The Leaders for Nature Programme has been established by Common Purpose, Native Events and Leave No Trace Ireland.

The key aim of the Leader for Nature Programme is to create nature-based solutions to deliver on what is required to address the biodiversity crisis as set out by the Citizens Assembly on Biodiversity Loss.

Its objective is to ensure that every citizen, community, business, local authority, semi-state and state agency has an awareness of biodiversity and its importance, and of the implications of its loss, while also understanding how they can act to address the biodiversity emergency as part of a renewed effort to “act for nature”.

Announcing the Leader for Nature Programme, Minister of State for Nature, Heritage and Biodiversity Christopher O’Sullivan T.D. said  

“We are facing urgent challenges, from biodiversity loss to climate change, and nature restoration has never been more critical.”

“Earlier this year the Forum on Nature Restoration met in the first step in an extensive consultation process to co-create a National Nature Restoration Plan that is ambitious, achievable and inclusive, delivering benefits for nature, our communities and our quality of life.”

“The Leaders for Nature Programme we are launching today will support and amplify the work of the Nature Leaders Forum in shaping the development of the National Nature Restorative Plan, ensuring that every segment of Irish society, from individual citizens to state agencies, gains a deeper awareness of biodiversity and how we can collectively address the biodiversity emergency and act for nature.”

Róisín Wood, CEO of the Community Foundation for Northern Ireland said:  

“The Leaders for Nature Programme is taking an all-island approach to the challenges our environment, habitats, biodiversity and nature are facing. Northern Ireland is currently ranked as the 12th worst-performing country globally for biodiversity loss out of 240 countries with the Republic of Ireland only one place above us at 13th.

“No single sector or organisation has the capacity on its own to reverse this. We must see innovative, partnership-based approaches to these vital issues with the private, public and community and voluntary sector coming together to meet this crisis head on.

“The Leadership for Nature programme aims to provide the space for these cross sectoral relationships and ideas to be brought together and built upon.”

Maura Kiely, Chief Executive Officer, Leave No Trace Ireland said: 

“It is so vital that on an all-island basis that we lose no more time in our responses… we come together, and with urgency, to collectively tackle the challenges of rapidly declining biodiversity. The Leaders for Nature programme will be a key element in helping us reach this goal.”

Megan Best, Chief Executive Officer, Native Events said:  

“Working with nature teaches us that everything is connected. Species, habitats, communities, and ecosystems – all continuously interacting to create the whole. Common Purpose Leadership programmes help us to understand how to reach across the boundaries that we have created – across sectors and disciplines – to collaborate, to find new connections and to work together. This programme will create the Leaders for Nature that we so urgently need.”

To find out more or to register for the programme click the link below.

https://bit.ly/LeadersforNature

We’re pleased to share that 20 organisations across Northern Ireland are set to receive grants from this year’s RTÉ Toy Show Appeal.

Thanks to the generosity of The Late Late Toy Show viewers, The Community Foundation for Northern Ireland has been able to provide funding of over £327,000 to organisations across Northern Ireland that provide services across three different strands.

1. Addressing Essential Needs
2. Creativity & Play
3. Improving Wellbeing

Since its inception in 2020, The RTÉ Toy Show Appeal has raised over £26 million and helped benefit over 1 million children in every county in Ireland.

Speaking on the recent grant announcements, Orla Black Director of Grants and Fund Development said: –  

“These grants are about more than money, they’re about real, lasting impact for children and families across Ireland.”

“By drawing on what we’ve learned from communities, we’re able to support projects that are truly meaningful, and we’re delighted to work alongside Community Foundation Ireland and the RTÉ Toy Show again for another year.”

“With grants going to organisations like Cancer Fund for Children NI and Kinship Care Northern Ireland, we are so grateful to the Late Late Show viewers for giving so generously.”

Helping Hands Autism Group said: – 

“Thanks to the RTÉ Toy Show Appeal and the Community Foundation for Northern Ireland, our kids can shine even brighter. This funding means we can run fun, creative Friday night drop-in sessions with everything from clown doctors and music therapy to drama and art.

It’s a safe space where children with autism can express themselves, build confidence, and just be themselves. It’s also a real lift for parents and carers, knowing the children are happy, supported and included in something so special. Huge thanks to CFNI and RTÉ for believing in our work and the difference it makes.”

Cancer Fund for Children NI said: – 

“The RTÉ Toy Show Appeal is helping us be there for children and young people impacted by cancer when they need us most, with funding towards our ‘Resilient Futures’ project. 
With this support, we can offer individual and group therapeutic sessions at home, in hospital, or in the community, for those living with cancer, their siblings, or those who are grieving. 
It gives them a safe space where they can process their feelings and build connections with others, so they feel better able to cope with the impact cancer has on their lives. We’re truly grateful to the Community Foundation for NI and RTÉ for standing with these young people and their families.” 

Kinship Care Northern Ireland said: – 

“We are so thankful for the support from the RTÉ Toy Show Appeal. This funding means we can give a helping hand to more kinship carers and the children they look after right across Northern Ireland. These small grants will make a big difference helping with essentials, easing stress, and reminding them that they’re not alone. Thanks to the Community Foundation NI and RTÉ for making this possible.”

The organisations who have benefited from this round of funding are: – 

Tackling Awareness of Mental Health Issues
Helping Hands Autism Support Group
CHILD Training Academy
Action Deaf Youth
New Lodge Duncairn Community Health Partnership
Northern Ireland Newpin
GLOW
Diverse Youth NI
Young at Art Ltd
Lightyear Foundation
Fighting Words Northern Ireland
Sticky Fingers Arts
ADDNI Limited
Fresh Minds Education Ltd
Rainbow Child and Family Centre
The Cedar Foundation
In Your Space Circus Ltd
Kinship Care Northern Ireland
Young Enterprise Northern Ireland
Cancer Fund for Children NI

You can see a full breakdown of grants awarded across Ireland here.

The Community Foundation for Northern Ireland is proud to announce the launch of Digital Futures, a landmark report funded by Dormant Assets NI, which outlines a bold vision for a new digital hub designed to support the Voluntary, Community, and Social Enterprise (VCSE) sector in navigating and thriving in an increasingly digital world.   The launch event took place at Catalyst – The Innovation Centre Belfast on Wednesday, 4th June.

The Digital Futures report is the result of a three-year process of engagement, research, and planning. The findings highlight urgent challenges facing the VCSE sector — from gaps in digital skills and access to devices, to structural funding barriers — while laying out a roadmap for a scalable, inclusive digital support hub. Developed in collaboration with stakeholders across the Public, Private, Academic and VCSE sectors, Digital Futures delivers key insights and strategic recommendations aimed at empowering VCSE organisations with the tools, knowledge, and infrastructure needed to embrace digital transformation.

The report highlights how a dedicated digital hub can help unlock opportunities, improve service delivery, and strengthen community resilience across Northern Ireland.

Speaking following attending the launch of the report, Finance Minister John O’Dowd said:  

“I welcome the launch of the Digital Futures report. Voluntary, Community, and Social Enterprises are at the core of our communities, doing incredible work to improve the lives of some of our most vulnerable people. Equipping them with the right digital skills and support to enhance the valuable services they provide, particularly in improving the health and well-being of people can only be welcomed.  

“Today’s launch was made possible through a strategic development grant from Dormant Assets, delivered through The National Lottery Community Fund – an initiative that champions collaboration and innovation for sustainability. This project is a powerful example of that vision in action.  
“I would like to thank The Community Foundation and all the partners who collaborated on this important work, and for producing a report that clearly outlines the digital requirements the sector needs to grow and thrive.” 

Roisin Wood, CEO of the Community Foundation, said: 

“The Digital Futures report isn’t just a reflection of where we are — it’s a clear and actionable roadmap for where we need to go. It sets out how we can build and deliver a dedicated digital hub that is tailored to the unique needs of our VCSE sector — one that is grounded in evidence, shaped by the sector, and designed for long-term impact. We see this hub as a catalyst for collaboration, learning, and innovation across Northern Ireland — and we’re calling on funders, policymakers, and partners to help us bring it to life.”   

Dr. Adrian Johnston, Chair of the Community Foundation and Innovation Commissioner at Innovation City Belfast, added:   

“Digital transformation isn’t just a technical shift — it’s a cultural one. The creation of a digital hub will not only strengthen digital skills across the VCSE sector but also build lasting connections between communities, funders, and innovators.

“Crucially, it presents an exciting opportunity to partner with the private and public sector — enabling knowledge exchange, skill-sharing, and collaborative innovation between businesses, government, and community organisations. This aligns directly with local and regional digital strategies, including Innovation City Belfast’s ambitions to drive inclusive digital growth. By embedding the hub within these wider strategic frameworks, we can ensure the VCSE sector is not only supported but seen as a core contributor to Northern Ireland’s digital future.”

 Kate Beggs, Director at The National Lottery Community Fund added:

“The Dormant Assets NI programme seeks to strengthen capacity, encourage collaboration, and create a more secure future for organisations which work in the heart of our communities.   
“The Digital Futures scoping report is a significant milestone in the development of a more sustainable and resilient VCSE sector, representing a practical, evidence-based response to urgent needs. A dedicated Digital Hub, supported by cross-sectoral partners, has the potential to be transformational by building digital skills, enabling collaboration, and creating a more adaptable and innovative sector, better equipped to serve communities now and in the future.”

The event will bring together sector leaders, technologists, funders, and community advocates to explore the findings of the report and engage in a collaborative discussion about shaping the next phase of the sector’s digital journey.

Mary has some 30 years experience in senior finance roles in both the private and public sectors since qualifying as a chartered accountant in 1987. Mary’s career started in public accounting practice in Edinburgh, attaining membership of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Scotland, followed by a further three years in public practice in Auckland, New Zealand.

Returning to NI, Mary gained extensive experience in the food processing industry, the textiles industry, control panel systems supporting the construction industry and the world of regeneration, having been Head of Finance at Ilex, the urban regeneration company for Derry~Londonderry. Mary has also served as a Non Executive Board member and Chair of the Departmental Audit and Risk Assurance Committee of the Department for Infrastructure in NI. Mary currently works with locally based private investment companies.

Since the late 1990s Mary has taken on a succession of non remunerated roles within the community, such as founding Governor of Lumen Christi College (10 years), Board member and Chair of the Audit Committee Playhouse Theatre (9 years), Chair of Foyle Civic Trust (3 years), Board member of the North West Womens Collective (4 years), Trustee of St Columbs Park House and St Columbs Park Reconciliation Trust (3 years).

The Acorn Fund Giving Circle is a great example of local philanthropy in action. In 2012, under the umbrella of The Community Foundation’s, Acorn Fund, the Acorn Giving Circle was formed by a group of women living and working in Derry who wanted to make a small but positive difference to issues impacting the lives of local people.

Giving Circles operate successfully when donors are in agreement about the level of money they want to raise, the causes which matter to them and the mechanism for distributing the funding.

‘We aren’t a savings club, we intend to spend down the money raised and start again each year’, said one of the founding members.

The journey for the donors of the Acorn Fund Giving Circle began with identifying who they most wanted to support and what was the most ‘light touch’ and accessible way for groups to receive that support.

Luckily, the Community Foundation is able to balance both the ‘light touch’ which donors favour and undertake the necessary due diligence and assessment checks required for charitable giving.

To date the Acorn Fund Giving Circle has distributed over £50k in small grants of between £500 and £1,000 to support children and young people, vulnerable and elderly adults, groups impacted by climate change events e.g. Floods, who live in Derry and Strabane area.

If you are considering ‘Giving’ in a more organised or strategic way then pooling regular donations into a single pot to distribute to a cause close to your heart, then why not try forming a Giving Circle. You’ll have nothing to lose and much more to gain knowing you are making a positive difference to the lives of local people.

Planning your will might not seem like a priority, but it’s an exciting opportunity to create a lasting impact. Leaving a charitable gift in your will allows you to support the causes you love and make a difference long after you’re gone.

Here are five compelling reasons to consider leaving a legacy gift:

1. Support a Cause That Matters to You 
Imagine funding educational programs, supporting community projects addressing poverty, or protecting the environment for generations to come. A legacy gift ensures your values live on and positively impact communities across Northern Ireland. Whether you want to support a specific initiative or give broadly, your generosity can change lives.
At the Community Foundation, we are a trusted partner with extensive knowledge of the community sector and grant making process. This enables you the freedom to support the various causes or geographical areas that matter to you.

2. Reduce Your Inheritance Tax Bill 
Did you know that charitable donations are exempt from Inheritance Tax? Better yet, if you leave 10% or more of your estate to charity, the tax rate on the remainder of your estate drops from 40% to 36%. This means you can maximize the amount left to loved ones while also supporting meaningful causes.

3. Your Legacy, Your Way 
Leaving a gift in your will gives you full control over your charitable giving. You can specify which causes, communities, or initiatives your gift supports. Whether it’s a named donor-advised fund or an unrestricted gift to benefit multiple projects, your generosity will be directed exactly as you wish at the Community Foundation NI.

4. Inspire Future Generations 
Generosity is contagious. When you include a charitable gift in your will, you set an example for your family and community, encouraging others to give back. Your legacy can inspire future generations to continue making a difference, creating a culture of giving that extends beyond your lifetime.

5. Make Your Gift Go Further with Match Funding 
Here’s an incredible opportunity: through the Community Foundation’s Legacy Match Fund, your gift can go even further! For a limited time, your donation will be matched by 50% (up to a maximum of £50,000), amplifying your impact. This means a £20,000 gift becomes £30,000, directly benefiting the causes you care about most. It’s an extraordinary chance to increase the power of your legacy.

Make a Difference Today 
Leaving a gift in your will is a simple yet powerful way to ensure your kindness continues to shape the future. If you’d like to explore your options or learn more about how your legacy can create lasting change, we’re here to help.

Contact us today on philanthropy@communityfoundationni.org to discuss how you can leave a gift in your will and lock in match funding from the Community Foundation NI.

Incorporating Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) principles into your business creates a framework for impactful giving. By aligning your philanthropy with ESG goals, you can build trust with stakeholders, strengthen your brand, and contribute to meaningful community development. Whether it’s contributing to a Thematic Fund or establishing a Donor-Advised Fund (DAF), your business has powerful tools to create lasting change.

What Are Thematic Funds? 
Thematic Funds bring together individuals and businesses with shared goals to maximise the effectiveness of their giving. These funds focus on today’s most critical issues in the local community, often addressing overlooked causes, emerging challenges, or supporting those on society’s margins.

For example, the Inspiring Growth Fund is designed to empower local charities, helping them adapt, thrive, and deliver lasting positive impacts. This fund, managed by the Community Foundation for Northern Ireland, represents a strategic partnership with the business community and the Institute of Directors NI. By contributing to a Thematic Fund, your business can become part of a collective effort to build long-term solutions that benefit the entire community.

What is a Donor-Advised Fund? 
A Donor-Advised Fund (DAF) is a simple and flexible giving vehicle that streamlines corporate philanthropy. By contributing to a DAF, your business receives expert guidance to ensure donations align with your ESG goals. DAFs are increasingly popular in the UK because they offer administrative ease, cost savings, and tax benefits. With the Community Foundation for Northern Ireland managing your fund, you can rest assured that your contributions are impactful and tailored to your priorities.

Aligning Philanthropy with ESG Goals 

Philanthropy is a powerful tool for advancing ESG priorities:

• Environmental: Support renewable energy projects, biodiversity initiatives, or reforestation efforts to combat climate change and protect Northern Ireland’s natural beauty
• Social: Invest in causes that promote peacebuilding, mental health, or youth development, uplifting communities and fostering resilience
• Governance: Demonstrate transparency and accountability through a trusted philanthropic model, strengthening relationships with stakeholders

Why It Matters 
Corporate giving benefits both society and your business. Customers value socially responsible companies, and employees feel more engaged when they see their employer making a difference. A thoughtful ESG strategy, supported by tools like DAFs, positions your business as a leader in sustainable growth.

Lead by Example 
By partnering with the Community Foundation for Northern Ireland, your business can create a meaningful legacy of change. Whether through a Thematic Fund or a tailored DAF, your contributions will align with your vision and deliver measurable impact.

Download our Corporate Giving leaflet here.

Ready to make a difference? Email philanthropy@communityfoundationni.org to learn more. Together, we can create a brighter future for Northern Ireland. 

The Acorn Farm Project is excited to announce that the ‘I Can Grow’ Programme is back for 2025! This fantastic initiative helps people and families in the Derry/Londonderry and Strabane areas grow their own fresh, healthy vegetables at home.

With 400 families already benefiting from this hands-on programme, The Acorn Farm Project are now seeking an additional 200 participants to join the next cohort starting early next year. Whether you’re a green-fingered pro or a complete beginner, the ‘I Can Grow’ programme offers the perfect opportunity to connect with nature, learn valuable skills, and contribute to a more sustainable future.

Mayor of Derry City and Strabane, Lilian Seenoi-Barr said,

“The I Can Grow programme is a fantastic opportunity for families across our district to connect with nature, learn valuable skills, and grow their own food. It’s empowering to see people take control of what they eat while also supporting our shared goal of a healthier, more sustainable future. This programme is a wonderful way to boost mental health, encourage physical activity, and build stronger community connections.
“I would encourage any family which has the opportunity to be part of the ‘I Can Grow’ programme to get involved and learn skills which will last them a lifetime.”

The Acorn Farm Project is a partnership project delivered by The Conservation Volunteers, Community Foundation for Northern Ireland, Derry Healthy Communities, and Derry City and Strabane District Council with funding from the UK Government and Derry City and Strabane District Council, £6.2 m and The National Lottery Community Fund’s Climate Action Fund £2m.

Shauna Kelpie, from Community Foundation for Northern Ireland said,
“We are so excited to begin 2025 with a new group of I Can Grow families and households from across Derry and Strabane. This is a brilliant opportunity to learn how to grow food at home together. You can either begin at the very beginning or enhance and share your existing skills. Become an Acorn Farmer in 2025 and join a growing number of local people who are doing their bit to live more sustainably through better and cheaper food choices.”

The programme is now open to households living in the Derry City and Strabane District Council area, and there is a short online application to complete here: https://forms.office.com/e/jFzTnV8iYL

For more information, please contact us: acornfarmproject@communityfoundationni.org

The Community Foundation is seeking a suitable individual or organisation to conduct a formative and summative evaluation of the Nothing About Us Without Us Programme.

The objectives of the contract are as follows:

– To tell an independent story of the Nothing About Us Without Us Programme
– To measure the impact of the programme
– Identify key policy lessons for wider dissemination, setting the work and impact of the funds in the wider policy context
– To listen and identify learning as well as make recommendations for how future funds and programmes could be adapted to incorporate this learning
– To assess the longer-term impact of the Nothing About Us Without Us Programme within the wider community

For further information contact Danielle Dawson, Women’s Development Officer at ddawson@communityfoundationni.org or Dawn Shackels, Director of Programmes at dshackels@communityfoundationni.org

NOTE: Queries will only be accepted via email.

Download Tender Terms of Reference here.

The closing date for receipt of tenders is 12 noon on 8th January 2025. Tenders received after the closing date and time will not be considered. * Note that the Community Foundation is not obliged to appoint the lowest, or any tender.

Jane Wilde CBE

Jane trained in medicine and public health. She was the founding Director of the Health Promotion Agency for Northern Ireland, the precursor of the Public Health Agency, and the first Chief Executive of the Institute of Public Health set up to promote cooperation across the island of Ireland. She was a founding member of the Northern Ireland Women’s Coalition, a cross community political group, and took part in the all party talks which led to the Belfast Agreement.

How did you get involved with the Community Foundation for Northern Ireland?

I’ve been aware of the Community Foundation and its vital work since the 1970s, and have seen how it has adapted to changing circumstances in Northern Ireland. I feel at its core, the Foundation has always been committed to supporting local communities, with a strong emphasis on social justice, poverty reduction, and community development. I had the opportunity to become more involved when I was asked to chair the £12 million Lottery-funded programme Space and Place, facilitated by the Foundation. Following this I was very fortunate to become a Trustee of the Community Foundation in summer 2019 and Chair of the Grants and Impact Committee in Autumn 2019.

Tell us more about the Space and Place Programme.

This initiative brought together several key partners, including the Northern Ireland Housing Executive, the Rural Community Network, NI Environment Link, Groundwork, and the Public Health Agency. The goal was to encourage applications for funding to restore or repurpose underused buildings or contested spaces in local communities. The idea was to create shared spaces that would unite people from different backgrounds, ages, and genders—transforming GAA grounds, orange halls, and local parks into hubs for wider community engagement.

The programme placed a strong emphasis on addressing local needs and fostering partnership-based approaches. It was incredibly rewarding to see the projects come to life and witness the positive impact they had on people’s lives, helping communities come together and thrive.

Covid 19 impacted on everyone and on all organisations. What impact did Covid 19 have on Grant Making?

Just after I became Chair of the Grants and Impact committee it became clear that the onset of COVID-19 was going to have a huge impact on both communities and how we worked. We knew that swift action was necessary and that we would be able to support the emergency efforts at pace. As a result we were able to respond with investment of over £4million in emergency funds, followed by over £32 million in covid response funds. We recognised that local communities were best positioned to identify what was needed during the initial emergency phase. Whether it was coordinating food and medicine deliveries, facilitating phone calls to stay connected, or offering Zoom calls and mental health classes for young people, we focused on meeting immediate needs as they were emerging.

What was truly inspiring was how local groups responded with such creativity and resourcefulness, developing innovative projects tailored to their own communities. By trusting the communities to understand what was needed and what would work, we were able to distribute funding to hundreds of groups, so that they could make a real difference. It was a busy time as a Trustee, but one that really helped remind me of the impact that communities coming together to address societal needs can make. Without such efforts, many people would have been more isolated, and without such agility in the way we worked as a Foundation, the funding would not have been able to get to where it was needed most as well as it did.

How would you describe the Foundations approach to grant making?

We launched our new grant making strategy in April 2023 which outlines our commitment to supporting communities. These commitments and values around agility, flexibility, being relational, inclusive and risk taking were further developed as a result of our covid response and the success of our approach. We recognised the value in being more open and trusting as a funder, which enabled our grantees to do what they do best.

We work closely with communities and people with lived experience to ensure that our funding processes are as straightforward and efficient as possible. As a funder we are committed to making grants in a way that reflects the realities facing charities.

I have seen the Foundation and their approach to grant making change over the years. It has been a privilege to have been a part of the thinking and to support communities right across Northern Ireland.

How has your background in public health informed your work with the Foundation?

It has been interesting and exciting to be involved with the Trustees and staff in shaping The Community Foundation’s new strategy, and I am delighted that well-being is one of our key objectives. We were able to support the Department of Health to distribute £30million to projects supporting carers, cancer patients and their families, and people with poor mental health. With my background in public health, I’ve always understood well-being in the broadest sense, recognising that good mental and physical health, as well as reducing the significant gaps between people from different social backgrounds, are deeply influenced by social, economic, and environmental conditions.

Of course, the health and social care sector plays a vital role in supporting individuals, and when it functions well, it serves as an anchor in society. However, its impact can be limited if we are only treating people and then sending them back into the very conditions that contributed to their poor health in the first place. That’s why the Foundation’s strategy is focused on taking action across a wide range of sectors, addressing the root causes of poor health and well-being.

We understand that lasting change requires a comprehensive approach—one that goes beyond just healthcare to include the social determinants of health, such as housing, education, employment, and community support. By working together across sectors and supporting innovative local initiatives, we can create healthier, more resilient communities and tackle the huge inequalities that persist.

What has been the most rewarding part of your experience volunteering with the Foundation?

Over the last five years I have been part of distributing over £57 million through 4700+ grants. I honestly am so honoured to have played a part in this.

Visiting the projects or programmes we fund, meeting the people who benefit from them, and speaking with those who work tirelessly behind the scenes has really brought home just how much people are struggling with significant challenges. At the same time, it has highlighted the incredible dedication of volunteers who provide essential support during the most crucial times. Each visit to these programmes and projects and seeing the care and compassion is humbling and inspirational.

It’s such a privilege to be involved with CFNI alongside other Trustees, the members of the Grants and Impact Committee and the exceptional staff. We have such a diverse range of people, all of whom bring their own life experiences and areas of expertise, and I really enjoy hearing the different perspectives all of which inform our work. I have had many opportunities to work with inspiring people and I have immense respect for those who are leading and working within communities to tackle some of our society’s most pressing challenges.

Contributing to the progress on our strategy, our goals and more recently our new impact framework has been interesting, insightful and inspiring. It makes me pause and reflect—what would we be like as a society without their commitment and compassion? These are the people who create positive change, and their work is extraordinary.

The Acorn Farm Project celebrated the soft launch of the new Gate Lodge Garden in St Columb’s Park by hosting Nazareth House Primary School’s P6 class for an exciting, hands-on day of winter gardening. Situated in St. Columb’s Park, the Acorn Farm project is dedicated to creating a sustainable, community-centred farm that provides educational opportunities, practical training, and engaging experiences for local residents.

This event marked the first ever activity at the Gate Lodge, a new space created to connect the community with sustainable food practices and climate-friendly learning.

At the Gate Lodge, P6 students explored winter vegetables like spinach, pak choi, and garlic, even sampling garlic of various strengths. Brooke Park gardener Johnny Mitchell helped the children plant garlic and label the vegetables, while Joe Newby from Developing Healthy Communities made garlic samples for the kids to try.

Allan Bogle from Derry and Strabane District Council, expressed his enthusiasm for the event, “Today’s activity is the first of many at the Gate Lodge, and it was a privilege to welcome Nazareth House P6 students to take part in this milestone. Seeing the kids explore their senses through smell, taste and touch, learn about winter vegetables, and have fun was a fantastic way to kick off the Gate Lodge’s role as a community learning space.”

Jacob Crawford, a student from North West Regional College, joined to film the day and has been documenting the Gate Lodge’s ongoing development.

The Acorn Farm Project is a partnership project delivered by The Conservation Volunteers, Community Foundation for Northern Ireland, Derry Healthy Communities, Social Farms and Gardens NI and Derry City and Strabane District Council with funding from the UK Government and Derry City and Strabane District Council, £6.2 m and The National Lottery Community Fund’s Climate Action Fund £2m.

Shauna Kelpie, from Community Foundation for Northern Ireland said, “We’re really pleased to see young people from Nazareth House Primary School engage with the Gate Lodge and begin connecting with their food in a hands-on way. This is just the start of Acorn Farm’s journey to becoming a vibrant community hub for learning, sustainability, and growth.”

The Community Foundation for Northern Ireland and their Nothing About Us Without Us (NAUWU) group have today launched the results of a survey into women’s health and a Women’s Health Strategy for Northern Ireland.

The survey, developed by the Community Foundation, received 74 responses from organisations and 1080 individuals from across Northern Ireland.

Some key findings from the survey include:

• 79.72% (861) of respondents reported that there were occasions when they felt they were not listened to by health professionals
• More than 30% of respondents stated that services they need were either inaccessible (20.74%) or very inaccessible (9.81%)
• The most common barriers to accessing healthcare were reported as ‘Availability of appointments (58.7%), ‘Ability to be referred by GP or other medical professional (44.54%)
• More than half of respondents (57.87%) reported feeling ‘Very comfortable’ or ‘Comfortable’ talking about women’s health issues in the workplace
• Two out of three respondents (67.59%) stated that a health condition or disability had impacted on their experience in the workplace
• When asked about priorities for a Women’s Health Strategy the most common priority was ‘Gynaecological conditions’ at 58.52%  and ‘Menopause’ at 56.67%, ‘Womb, ovarian, cervical, vulval and vaginal cancers’ at 50.46%, ‘Fertility, pregnancy, pregnancy loss and post-natal support’ at 49.17%, and ‘Menstrual health, for example period pain, heavy menstrual bleeding’ at 47.13%.

Dawn Shackels, Director of programmes for the Community Foundation for Northern Ireland said: “We would like to thank everyone who took the time to complete this survey to help inform our campaign to achieve a Women’s Health Strategy for Northern Ireland.

“While we welcome the commitment by Minister for Health, Mike Nesbitt MLA, to bring forward an action plan for women’s health in Northern Ireland, the Community Foundation and Nothing About Us Without Us campaign believes that addressing the inequalities experienced by women in healthcare requires a cross departmental, Executive backed, resourced strategy to effectively respond to these clearly identified needs.

“The NAUWU campaign is calling for the creation of a fit for purpose, fully funded, outcomes focussed women’s health strategy for Northern Ireland. This strategy should be developed using a co-design model that ensures that women and their advocates lead on decisions related to women’s health and a women’s health strategy.”

Louise Coyle, Director at Northern Ireland Rural Women’s Network (NIRWN) and a member of the NAUWU panel, said: 

“To date Northern Ireland and Wales are the only regions not to have a dedicated Women’s health Strategy in the UK. “There is a growing recognition of the need for a new approach towards addressing gender differences and positive health outcomes for women and girls. This survey further identifies the inequalities experienced by women in healthcare and the barriers they face in accessing the services they need, when they need them.

“By failing to develop a Northern Ireland Women’s Health Strategy, we are essentially failing to recognise the unique needs of 51% of our population.”

Find the full survey here.

Find the Executive Summary here.

We all hope that COVID-19 is in the rear-view mirror, but the pandemic has clearly had a lasting impact on many organisations. I witness the struggles of the private sector daily as they develop new ways to engage customers, provide services, and respond to the impact emerging technologies are having on their business. While this is a challenge for the private sector, many businesses receive support from organisations like Catalyst, Digital Catapult, Invest NI, Government and others to develop the necessary skills, research, innovation, and strategies to adapt to this new and rapidly changing world. Without such support, the private sector would struggle to evolve, grow, and, ultimately, some sectors would not survive. So why should we expect it be any different for the Voluntary, Community, and Social Enterprise (VCSE) sector?

I have had the privilege of being involved with the sector for almost 30 years. During that time, the organisations I have worked with have been upskilled in leadership and governance, financial management, organisational development, and capacity building. The reality is that the community and voluntary sector critically requires digital support, resources, and training to effectively meet the needs of the communities it serves.

As Chair of the Community Foundation for Northern Ireland, I worked with fellow trustees, grantees, stakeholders, and partners to develop a new strategy to guide our work from 2023 to 2026. Through this process, we discovered our vision of “a fair and equitable society for everyone” supported by a resilient and sustainable VCSE sector. A fair and equitable society means fair access and opportunity. In a rapidly changing world, this translates to closing the digital divide. In turn, Digital Inclusion will have a profound impact on the social and economic advancement of Northern Ireland.

With the support of Comic Relief, CFNI commissioned the Bytes project, in partnership with Stats & Stories, to explore the digital skills and needs of the NI VCSE sector. The ‘Wired Up?’ report revealed that many VCSE organisations in Northern Ireland struggle with several barriers that prevent them from fully embracing digital technology and transformation. The three most common obstacles identified by participants in the study were:

• Poor Digital Skills (85.0% of participants): Many organisations lack the expertise and confidence to adopt digital technologies and strategies. This limits their ability to use technology to enhance services, communicate effectively with stakeholders, and reach more beneficiaries
• Lack of Funding and Affordability (82.3% of participants): The ongoing cost of internet data is a major concern for organisations working with limited budgets. These financial constraints make it difficult for them to maintain digital services, particularly in rural areas with limited digital infrastructure
• Limited Access to Devices (82.0% of participants): Many organisations have only mobile phones to work with, which restricts their capacity to handle digital tasks efficiently, such as managing data, delivering online services, or offering digital literacy training to their communities

A significant 87.0% of participants in the report agreed that investment is needed in devices, software, and support for staff to develop the necessary digital skills. Furthermore, only 36.8% of participants felt that their staff and volunteers had the digital skills needed to support those at risk of exclusion. By investing in training, VCSE organisations can empower their workforce to bridge the digital divide, offering better support to their beneficiaries, many of whom are already vulnerable to digital exclusion.

The ‘Wired Up?’ report was key to informing CFNI’s 2023-2026 strategy, with Digital Inclusion identified as crucial to delivering on our strategic priority of supporting communities, delivering equity, and improving the well-being of everyone we work with. We have committed and will continue to commit our resources to advocating for a digital strategy for Northern Ireland, a new approach to digital infrastructure, and improved digital support and workforce development for the VCSE sector. This investment is crucial for organisations to build their digital capacity, improve service delivery, and remain resilient in an increasingly digital world.

To address the VCSE sector’s needs, CFNI has launched a Digital Inclusion Fund, aiming to raise £1 million to support social leadership and digital innovation in the VCSE sector. I call on businesses, philanthropists, and government leaders to make strategic investments that will enable the sector to navigate the digital age and continue delivering vital services to vulnerable communities.

In January 2025, I will assume the role of Innovation Commissioner, working with Innovation City Belfast to drive innovation, attract investment, and position Belfast as a globally relevant innovation hub. Innovation City Belfast (ICB) is a partnership established by the leaders of Belfast’s key institutions, including Belfast City Council, Belfast Harbour, Belfast Metropolitan College, Catalyst, Queen’s University Belfast, and Ulster University. With Invest NI as an advisory partner, an ICB priority is to ensure that Belfast’s innovation investments support inclusive economic growth, deliver good jobs, and have a sustainable, positive impact on the people of Belfast and the wider region. This is at a time when an overall investment of £1 billion is available through the Belfast Region City Deal in research and innovation hubs, including advanced technology centres and digital infrastructure. There is a focus on sectors such as life and health sciences, digital technology, advanced manufacturing, and NetZero technology.

Now is the optimal time for the development of a Digital Strategy for NI, as recommended in the ‘Wired Up?’ report. Twenty-two percent of charities struggle with digital adoption, with key demographics at risk of digital exclusion, including older adults, low-income individuals, and people with disabilities. A strategy should outline clear goals for digital inclusion, identify priority areas for investment, and encourage collaboration between government, businesses, and civil society to close the digital divide.
CFNI has been establishing this collaborative approach through the commissioning of two additional reports during 2024, aiming to create a business plan for the first VCSE Digital Hub in Northern Ireland. If funding is secured, a hub will be established to support VCSE organisations in adopting a digital culture and preparing for a digital future by:

• Addressing financial and technical resource constraints
• Providing training to upskill staff and volunteers
• Enhancing cybersecurity to protect against online threats
• Promoting digital inclusion to ensure beneficiaries can access services

The current initiative is supported by a diverse group of organisations, including representatives from the private sector, the VCSE sector, and various government departments. I encourage potential collaborators to engage with the CFNI team if they can access or influence collaborative funding, policy, or resource requirements to support this critically important project.

In an era where technology drives most aspects of daily life, the community and voluntary sector in Northern Ireland faces significant challenges regarding digital inclusion. But Digital Inclusion is not just about technology; it is about creating a more equitable, prosperous, and inclusive society. By ensuring that everyone has access to digital tools and the confidence to use them, we can reduce societal inequality, drive inclusive economic growth, enhance educational opportunities, and promote civic engagement. It is critically important that governments, businesses, and civil society work together to close the digital divide and ensure that everyone, regardless of their background, can fully participate in and benefit from our increasingly digital world. The time for action is now. Through investment, collaboration, and innovation, the sector can overcome the digital divide and build a brighter, more inclusive future for all.

The Community Foundation for Northern Ireland has welcomed the introduction of the Strategic Framework and first Delivery Plan (2024-26) to end violence against women and girls, announced today by First Minister and Deputy First Minister.

The Strategic Framework and Delivery plan aim address the whole range of gender-based violence, abuse and harm which is disproportionately experienced by women and girls, and which is rooted in gender inequality.

Speaking following todays announcement, CEO Róisín Wood said:

“The Community Foundation for Northern Ireland welcome the introduction of the Northern Ireland’s first-ever Ending Violence Against Women & Girls Strategy.

“More than 20 women have been killed in Northern Ireland since 2020, with three women having been murdered over the last 4 weeks. Violence against women and girls is a problem that women and girls face every day. We agree with the First Minister that this is a whole society problem and it is time for everyone to step up and play their role in calling out all forms of misogyny, sexism and violence.

“This strategy has been developed through a co-design model and we would like to extend our thanks to all those organisations and individuals who have invested their time in achieving both this framework and delivery plan – in particular those victims of violence who engaged in this process.

“The Community Foundation welcomes the planned investment of £3m to help prevent violence against women and girls and to support victims.

“Women and girls should feel safe everywhere and at all times and we commit to working with partners across Government and the Voluntary and Community sector in achieving this vision.”

The Community Foundation for Northern Ireland has sent their congratulations to their Chairperson, Dr Adrian Johnston MBE, on his appointment as Belfast’s new Innovation Commissioner. He will officially take up the role in January 2025. Adrian has been a Trustee of the Foundation since 2019 and was appointed Chair in 2021. He has been involved with the Community Voluntary Sector for over 25 years across reconciliation and youth work.

Róisín Wood, Chief Executive Officer of the Community Foundation for Northern Ireland said: “We extend our heartiest congratulations to our Chairperson, Dr Adrian Johnston MBE, on his appointment as Innovation Commissioner for Innovation City Belfast (ICB). At the Foundation, our mission is ‘to work hand in hand with communities to build a better future’ – a strategy Adrian was key in developing. The commitment and leadership he has shown as Chair of the Foundation is indicative of the approach he will take as Innovation Commissioner, supporting sustainable growth and promoting Belfast as a global home for innovation. Adrian’s experience in technology, philanthropy and innovation is a recipe for success. We look forward to working with him and ICB to encourage investment in Belfast to bring value to every citizen, whether through increased employment, education, or building a better connected, healthier city. These goals epitomise the values of the VCSE sector, and we look forward to supporting cross-sectoral partnerships to drive innovation.

The Community Foundation for Northern Ireland is an independent, grant making trust, inspiring generosity, and achieving impact across Northern Ireland. Responding to need, the Foundation has awarded over £100m in 40 years to groups and organisations across NI making contributions to education, health, housing, the arts, social justice, employment, peace and reconciliation. Rooted in a tradition of community connections, risk taking and innovation the Foundations vision is of a fair and equitable society for everyone.

The Community Foundation for Northern Ireland are encouraging charities across Northern Ireland to explore opportunities to reduce their carbon footprint and play their part in preventing climate chaos.

The Foundation is delivering, along with energy partners, Wind Farms funds investing returns from green energy in local communities. The Foundation are also one of several partners of the ground-breaking Acorn Farm in Derry/ Londonderry, which aims to increase learning and understanding on food sustainability and climate.

258 families in Derry and Strabane have already been rolling up their sleeves on their growing journey. The participating families have taken the first steps towards growing their own food, with equipment provided and expert mentoring from Council’s horticulturalist and a team of conservation volunteers. The project has brought together young and old – from the little ones who are passionate about doing their bit for the environment, to those who wish to pass on their experience to the next generation.

Communications Manager, David Kennedy, said: “Climate change is real. It is most certainly on everybody’s lips. While we recycle at home, make changes in our lives and strive for better outcomes personally, the Community and Voluntary Sector are at a serious disadvantage while trying to play their part.  It is not within the gift of most organisations to implement the changes due to a lack of resources.

“These are hugely challenging times for the Community and Voluntary Sector. Financial sustainability is being tested to the limit. There are a range of organisations who can support charities in assessing and reducing their energy use, ultimately reducing costs and making charities more energy and financial efficient. Small changes we have made include buying eco-friendly washing liquid and cleaning products, boosting our office recycling capacity and reducing waste, and even bringing plants into the office.

“But it does not stop there, there are many ways in which we can play our part in reducing our carbon footprint. Rather than investing in promotional materials made from plastic, we seek sustainable gifts and promotional items such as wildflower seed packs, and bamboo products, or gifting the planting of trees with an environmental group or local councils. Simple acts like promoting car sharing amongst staff when travelling for work can substantially reduce an organisations carbon footprint.”

The Community Foundation for Northern Ireland is accepting expressions of interest from individuals to join our Grants and Impact Committee.

We are interested in ensuring we have as diverse a committee as possible and would particularly welcome applications (but not limited to) from people aged 18 to 25, people with disabilities, BAME community, LGBTQIA+ community, people with lived experience of poor mental health and people living in rural areas.

Expressions of interest can be sent by email with a simple outline of why you are interested in the role and what you feel you may bring to the role. This could include a summary of your lived experience in some of the issues we are trying to address and your commitment to attending meetings and events as per the role description.

Please have expressions of interest sent to Orla Black by 1pm, Friday 6th September.

oblack@communityfoundationni.org

Role Description – Grants and Impact Committee

Terms of Reference – Grants and Impact Committee

The Community Foundation has convened an engagement with LGBTQIA+ organisations across Northern Ireland to better understand the needs of this community and the organisations that support them. The roundtable event included representatives from LGBTQIA+ sector organisations as well as a range of funders from across Northern Ireland through the Northern Ireland Funders Forum.

Speaking about the roundtable event, the Community Foundation for Northern Ireland’s Director of Grants, Orla Black, said: “As Northern Ireland’s largest independent funder, the Community Foundation for Northern Ireland are committed to engaging and supporting communities. We want to deliver our grant making in a way that reflects the realities facing charities now and for the foreseeable future, and at the heart of that approach is community engagement.”

“We want to provide an opportunity for a strong and robust voice from our applicants and grantees – and welcome the important evidence and feedback provided during this event. The Community Foundation for Northern Ireland are committed to driving equity, diversity and inclusion and are proud funders of Northern Ireland’s LGBTQIA+ sector.

Director of HEReNI, Cara McCann, a grantee of the Community Foundation for Northern Ireland said: “We would like to thank the Community Foundation for Northern Ireland for organising this important opportunity to engage with funders operating in Northern Ireland and to have the opportunity to  reflect on the needs of our community. Having strong relationships with funders is key to ensuring that the needs of communities can be understood and that resources are targeted at challenging the often complex and intersectional issues that impact on communities.”

“There is no doubt that a power imbalance between charities and those who fund them exist and events like this are an important opportunity to level the playing field and provide an opportunity for honest feedback on the barriers that charities experience, especially those representing minority communities. We would like to thank the Community Foundation for Northern Ireland for their ongoing support and their commitment to driving equity, diversity and inclusion.”

The Community Foundation NI condemn the violent attacks in Belfast during the weekend.

The Chief Executive for the Community Foundation for Northern Ireland, Róisín Wood, has condemned the scenes of violence and the serious attacks on businesses and communities seen in Belfast over the weekend.

Chief Executive of the Foundation Róisín Wood said: “The Community Foundation for Northern Ireland condemn the scenes of violence and the serious attacks on businesses and communities seen in Belfast over the weekend.

“Many families, women and children in Belfast have been terrorised by these criminal actions and will now be living in fear of future violence.”

“Xenophobia, racism, or islamophobia have no place in our society and violence and destruction have no place in Belfast or anywhere in Northern Ireland.

“We send our support to those affected by this violence, including those businesses and communities that were attacked and intimidated as well as those experiencing ongoing threats. It is incumbent on all of our political and community leaders to unite against hate, ensure communities and businesses are protected, and speak with one voice in condemnation of this violence.

“The Community Foundation for Northern Ireland will continue to work with and support communities across Northern Ireland to increase understanding across communities and to help build a society where all cultures and identities are supported, celebrated and included.

“We will be reaching out and continuing to support our grantees across affected areas and communities to offer support and solidarity.”

ENDS

Welcome to our new Women’s Development Officer, Danielle Dawson

Can you tell us a bit about the role of Women’s Development Officer? The goal of this post is to amplify the voices of grassroots women in Northern Ireland, so that women are visible, vocal, valued and consulted about on the issues that affect and matter to them. As well as encouraging women to understand the power and influence that they have as individuals, an exciting element of the role involves connecting grassroots women with other women, coming together in solidarity on issues that affect us all.

An example of this is the work we have been doing calling for an effective and appropriately-funded Women’s Health Strategy – influenced by women’s experiences from across NI.

The post will focus on improving collaboration between women and decision makers on other issues. Far too often we see policies, strategies and legislation created that are not fit for purpose because they haven’t been influenced by voices of diverse lived experience.

The role involves working in a co-design format with the ‘Nothing About Us Without Us’ (NAUWU) panel – a group of women with extensive voluntary and community experience who work with communities from across Northern Ireland of all backgrounds. This is a core aspect of the role as it ensures that we are being needs-led and reflective of what grassroots women want.

What inspired you to work in women’s development? How do you hope to make a difference in your role at CFNI? I am passionate about human rights and social justice, with previous voluntary and professional experiences leading me to recognise that women in Northern Ireland are at an automatic disadvantage because of the patriarchal society we live in.

I believe that women have the power to change our society for the better; whether that be through regional political influence or more intimately within our own communities. However, as talented as woman are at seeing the skills of others, awareness of personal potential doesn’t come quite as easy! This is what has inspired me to work in women’s development. I am eager to see women have a greater sense of self-belief and to make steps towards reaching the potential that they definitely have. I hope that this is something that can be accomplished in some way within this role.

Furthermore, as well as encouraging an increased focus on women’s voices generally, I am particularly passionate about platforming marginalised and vulnerable women’s voices.

What are some of the key initiatives/projects you’ll be working on at CFNI? There are loads of exciting and important activities planned for the programme. The NAUWU panel has developed a ‘best practice’ model for engaging women from grassroots communities and we hope to promote this across sectors and agencies to highlight the importance of committed, meaningful, and effectively resourced engagement methods.

We will be developing a resource around ‘understanding civic structures’. The rationale being that if women have a sound understanding of how systems and structures work, then some barriers hindering engagement may be removed.

As well as continuing with work regarding women’s health, the programme will seek to consider other issues such as climate change, diversity, tackling poverty, and violence against women. These issues will be considered on both local and international scales, exploring how struggles are often connected, with a hopeful message on what we can do to create change within our spheres of influence, both locally and on a larger scale.

Also, a bursary programme to support new women from grassroots communities will be developed as part of CFNI’s existing Women’s fund.

What message would you like to share with our supporters and partners? I am really grateful to be working for an organisation that prioritises engagement, equity and inclusion, resulting in a post such as this being created. I’m excited for what is to come and thankful for the support and interest that has been shown so far.

I’d like to say a massive thank you to everyone who took the time to respond to our Women’s Health survey. We are in the process of writing the report and will work to ensure that it reflects the experiences of those who shared.

A special thanks to the NAUWU panel for their expertise, support, and commitment. It is brilliant to work alongside such a fantastic group and to collaboratively make plans for this project.

How did you get involved with the Community Foundation for Northern Ireland?

My first experience of CFNI was taking part in a giving circle in 2016. The ‘Circle of Change’ was a group of people from different walks of life, meeting every month, exploring some of the biggest issues facing the communities we lived in and what each of us perceived as some of the biggest issues. Ultimately it was a discussion about how we could help. Having only recently moved back to Northern Ireland after over 10 years, the ‘Circle of Change’, facilitated by the Community Foundation for Northern Ireland, was a great opportunity to gain a deeper understanding of the breadth of issues facing different communities and a real eye opener thanks to the diversity of the group who brought so much to the discussions.

Each of us reached out to our own circles of family and friends. We explained what we were doing and asked for donations to our central pot. This was before we even agreed where the money would be allocated. We met with various groups that had been identified, and who had applied for funding, in the end distributing ten grants to projects right across Belfast. The fields these groups worked in included mental health, bereavement, homelessness, and addiction. As a Trustee and donor of the Community Foundation a highlight has been the chance to learn about many of the projects being supported through such initiatives.

What are giving circles and how do they work? 

Giving circles are a great way to connect with new people. Anyone can take part or set one up in a format that works best for you. The Community Foundation can, of course, help you to do this. You don’t need to raise or donate huge sums but the more people who take part, the more opportunity to raise money and awareness of the issues you’re trying to address.

What aspect of your work with the Community Foundation have you found most rewarding? 

I’ve been fortunate to learn about other great work being funded by CFNI whether through a zoom call on Giving Tuesday (the perfect antidote to Black Friday) or hearing first-hand from project workers presenting at a Trustee meeting. These provide unique opportunities to get a deeper understanding of what’s happening in a particular area, be it geographically or issue-wise, and what can or should be done to make improvements.

More recently, my husband and I were delighted to be part of a panel for the New Voices Fund. Organisations took part in a capacity-building programme, including a mentoring scheme and up-skilling opportunities, that ultimately aims to enable the projects to realise their full potential through accessing networks, funding and other support. We were blown away by the projects and those who worked on them, many of whom were volunteers who dedicated so much of their time to helping their communities.

The New Voices Fund was more than just a funding opportunity for projects, it was a chance to hear from, and celebrate, the individuals who drive change in our communities through their campaigning, fundraising and face-to-face support services, often in very testing circumstances. This was in an uncertain political climate when many families are struggling financially. Connecting in this way with the work that the Community Foundation supports is humbling and essential. It reaffirms my admiration for the selfless support our colleagues provide.

Are there any projects or grantees that have particularly stood out to you? 

One of the many projects that stood out was NI Connect. They offer a haven for people to come together in a safe space, forge new friendships and support each other. It was interesting to hear about some of the people whose lives had changed through having such a place and it is not surprising to learn that this fantastic model will soon be rolled out to other places across the UK.

Another incredible project we heard from was Rainbow Refugees NI, started by a few people who identified the glaring gap of support on offer to newly arrived refugees to NI. Often having fled because of their sexual orientation, many continue to be exposed to danger here too. Rainbow Refugees NI was originally set up to support a group of LGBTQIA+ refugees, asylum seekers and allies to take part in Belfast Pride 2022, offering a safe space to come together and make masks for Pride in the months leading up to the event with a clear message that Refugees are Welcome! It was great to see them winning best entrant at Pride Awards. The group continues to grow as more members see the value of having a safe space to meet others to learn, help overcome feelings of loneliness and enjoy themselves.

The Community Foundation for Northern Ireland continues its commitment to improving the lives of individuals and communities across the region. Having administered the £30m Support Fund provided by the Department of Health NI, the Foundation has been instrumental in delivering grants to the VCSE Sector through the Cancer, Carers, and Mental Health Support Funds.

In recent Seeing is Believing visits, facilitated by Richard Rogers, Knowledge and Impact Co-Ordinator at the Foundation, Department of Health representatives, CFNI Trustees and Committee Members took part in meaningful engagements with organisations around Belfast, County Down, and Derry who were in receipt of these grants. These visits provided an opportunity to witness firsthand the invaluable work being done by groups that received funding to provide vital services to those in need.

Orla Black, Grants Director says, “It was a humbling experience visiting the 10 groups spanning across Belfast, Derry and Co. Down over the past few weeks. We were blown away by the impact of the grants that have been saving and changing people’s lives and we would love to see the Department of Health extend these funds. The need is still there and undoubtedly groups will struggle without government support.”

“Through these visits, we reaffirm our dedication to the Community and Voluntary sector and will continue to advocate on behalf of the groups who need it for more financial support from government.”

Groups and Organisations visited

Belfast Visits: Sólás, Windsor Women’s Centre, Newington Day Care Centre, NI Youth Forum

Derry/Londonderry Visits: Hive Cancer Support, Extern, Verbal Arts Centre

Co Down Visits: Lisburn YMCA, VIA Wings, Dromore, Southern Area Hospice, Newry

Northern Ireland’s full fibre broadband provider, Fibrus, has today launched its 2024 Community Fund where £60,000 will be available for rural community groups.

The company has allocated £115k to local groups in Northern Ireland since launching the fund in 2021 and will continue its sponsorship throughout 2024, with a focus on addressing digital poverty and fostering inclusivity within local communities.

Fibrus, which make fibre broadband more accessible in regional and rural towns and villages across Northern Ireland and Northern England, prioritises grassroots organisations, helping older individuals and those aged 18 and under.

Linda McMillan, Chief People Officer at Fibrus, said: “Giving back to the local community is one of our core missions at Fibrus and our partnership with the Community Foundation NI allows us to play a vital role in enhancing people’s lives through improved digital literacy and connectivity.

“Originally established to combat digital poverty, the Fibrus Community Fund directs all available funding for the year towards deserving organisations, underlining our dedication to create a digitally inclusive society. We are delighted to continue this sponsorship in 2024 and help all within our community get connected.”

Projects involved so far range from Armagh Westenders’ initiative, supporting elderly and vulnerable individuals with digital literacy programmes, to HYPE Learning’s homework club in Killicomaine, which received iPads to facilitate internet access for children after school.

Coleraine-based Ballinrees Bowling Club received £1,640 to enhance their IT resources and offer IT classes, addressing the digital skills gap in both younger and older members of the rural community.

Heather Calvin, Quality Assurance Assessor at the Ballinrees Bowling Club, said: “Fibrus is doing excellent work in ensuring all areas, including the most rural, across Northern Ireland are connected with its full fibre broadband, a huge benefit in helping a club like ours get online. This sponsorship has been incredibly beneficial to our local community with the funds enabling us to purchase two laptops and three tablets.

“We also hired an IT professional to support members of the local community and conduct classes, which were well-received by everyone involved. We’ve received so much positive feedback from those who benefited from the funding and we would encourage everyone who can benefit from full fibre broadband to take advantage of any future funding available.”

Orla Black, Grants Director at Community Foundation NI, said: “We are delighted to have Fibrus onboard again this year to help rural communities stay connected. Addressing digital exclusion is a priority for the Community Foundation NI and this fund is tackling the issue head on.

“The opportunities facilitated by the Fibrus Community Fund, such as purchasing devices for online access and enhancing computer skills, will certainly strengthen connectivity within these communities. The remarkable outcomes achieved last year demonstrate the fund’s efficacy, and we are looking forward to the positive impact it will have on local communities in the upcoming year.”

The next round of funding is now open and will close on Friday 17th May 2024.

To learn more about how to apply to the Fibrus Community Fund, visit https://ukcommunityfoundation.my.salesforce-sites.com/forms/TheFibrusCommunityFund2024.

Over 200 families in the Derry and Strabane area have signed up for the I Can Grown programme in conjunction with the Acorn Farm.

The highly popular ‘I Can Grow’ Scheme continues to be oversubscribed such is the interest in people getting their hands dirty and taking on the challenge of growing their own food at home.

The Acorn Farm ‘I Can Grow’ Project led by the Community Foundation for Northern Ireland supported by the National Lottery Community Fund and delivered in partnership with Derry City and Strabane District Council, The Conversation Volunteers and University College Cork was launched in December 2020.

With equipment supplied and mentoring from Council horticulturalists and a team of conservation volunteers the families could turnip any amount of produce.

Shauna Kelpie, Acorn Fund Development Officer at the Community Foundation said:

“Food sustainability and climate awareness is to the fore within so many families. We see increased recycling, children learning about their climate and local environment in school, tree planting and the I Can Grow scheme can only add to that learning.
“This is an enjoyable and engaging way to educate local people on where their food comes from and reduce people’s very own carbon footprint. There is nothing more satisfying that cutting your own herbs or digging up you spuds and carrots that you have grown from seed.

“The I Can Grow project just goes from strength to strength. To date all round have been oversubscribed such is the interest.”

— previous quotes —

Kate Beggs, Director of The National Lottery Community Fund Northern Ireland, said:

“We’re delighted by the amazing response from local families, which shows that there is real interest in learning about food, food choices and how these affect the environment.
“The ‘I Can Grow’ Project was the first in Northern Ireland to receive funding from our 10-year £100 million Climate Action Fund, set up to help communities throughout the UK reduce their carbon footprint. It’s inspiring to see so many families becoming involved in the ‘I Can Grow’ initiative, thanks to money raised by National Lottery players.

David Montgomery of The Conservation Volunteers said:

“The response to this project is encouraging and exciting. Together we hope to ignite enthusiasm, improving the quality of food these families consume, learn where it comes from, how it is produced and what it takes to grow delicious food from your own garden. Together, we will confidently pioneer small-scale residential food production in Northern Ireland, gaining the many benefits of this opportunity along our journey and sharing our experiences with as many others as possible to encourage a greater awareness of how growing food at home can make a significant and positive change to our environment, our overall health and community resilience.”

Nine local groups in the Newry area are set to receive awards from the Brian Conlon Foundation this week, in conjunction with the Community Foundation for Northern Ireland, funding groups in Newry city for organisations and charities to advance education, amateur sport, providing opportunities for young people from the local area, and assistance for local community organisations.

The Brian Conlon Foundation stated:

“Being able to make these awards to groups in the Newry area is fantastic.

“The connection Brian had with Newry is well known and each year we see the support for local groups expanding and reaching new people.

“Brian was passionate about creating opportunities in his hometown and making a real difference to local lives. The Foundation reflects Brian’s values and allows his spirit to live on whilst making a positive tangible contribution to the community he was so proud of.”

Tony Jennings from St Monica’s Boxing Club in Newry said:

“Our ‘Club Fit for Life’ programme is aimed at promoting the benefits of adopting healthier habits and delivering fitter families.

“The 12 week programme will include elements that are specifically tailored to young girls who have no previous experience of boxing, a Healthy Mind programme to offer support to young people to develop better mental health outcomes and a Healthy Me project that focuses on building deeper awareness amongst boxers of the need to develop and maintain a healthy, balanced diet.

“St Monica’s Boxing Club works with expert partners and collaborate on projects to help create equity engaging with young people in under-represented groups including travellers, recently arrived migrants, LGBTQI+ individuals and young people from all community backgrounds,

“This award from the Brian Conlon Foundation will help us extend and develop this essential work building key skills and confidence in our local community.”

Speaking today, Orla Black, Grants Director at the Community Foundation said:

“The now annual awards made by the Brian Conlon foundation are making a huge difference to Newry based groups. These awards cover activities ranging for arts programmes, the enhancement of sports in the area and projects for engaging and supporting young people.

“These awards are of course a very welcome boost to the Newry area allowing projects including a sports inclusion project, a youth group summer show and kayaking for children and adults with intellectual disabilities to go ahead and improve people’s physical and mental wellbeing and its fantastic to see new groups applying each year.”

About Brian Conlon

Brian passed away in July 2019 after a short illness, aged 53. Entrepreneur and founder of First Derivatives, he was a much-loved father, husband, son, brother, friend, and colleague.

Hugely successful in many walks of life, Brian was a high achiever in education, in sport and in business. When a knee injury ended his senior Gaelic football career with Co. Down, Brian turned his attention to business and set up First Derivatives from a bedroom in his mother’s home. It is now one of NI’s most successful businesses employing over 2,500 people globally.

Despite his successes’, Brian remained a humble and grounded family man who faced both challenges and opportunities in his own life and who supported local and national causes in a quiet and understated way.

The awards were made to the following groups:

• St Monicas Boxing Club Newry towards the Club Fit For Life project
• Newry City AFC Special Olympic Club towards floorball for children and adults with intellectual disabilities
• Drake Music Project Northern Ireland towards the Platform project
• Newpoint Players towards the Newpoint Players Youth Group Summer Show
• Crisis Cafe CIC towards the There4me project
• Sticky Fingers Arts towards The Imagination Lab 2024
• Home-Start Newry and Mourne towards the Family Group Support
• Newry Shamrocks GAA towards Developing Amateur Sport in Newry
• Lisdrum Youth FC towards the Summer of Community Connection 2024 project

The Community Foundation is seeking a suitable individual or organisation to conduct an end of project evaluation of its Community Solutions to Housing and Homelessness Programme, with specific focus on social innovation and voice of lived experience.

You should respond to the invitation by supplying a maximum 6 page proposal, via one electronic copy, sent via email to gmccaughley@communityfoundationni.org that should inter alia include the following components:

• A statement of experience detailing your work in this area
• Your understanding of the brief
• Your proposed methodology to meeting the tender specification and set against each of the contract outputs
• A detailed budget set against the delivery of key activities
• Any comments you wish to make on the proposed approach
• Your ability to fulfil all the tasks and deliver the outputs in the timeframe outlined
• Who will be involved in delivery of the work with respective CVs
• The names and addresses of two clients for whom you have completed similar assignments (detailing the nature of the work undertaken for them).

Please note the maximum budget available for this work is £5,000 inclusive of VAT and reasonable travel expenses required to deliver support.

It is imperative that the successful applicant provides a flexible and robust approach, alongside excellent value for money.

Contact: Gemma McCaughley, Innovation & Voice Programmes Officer.

Email: gmccaughley@communityfoundationni.org

All queries will only be accepted via email.

The closing date for receipt of tenders is on 11th April 2024. 

Tenders received after the closing date and time will not be considered.

* Note that the Community Foundation is not obliged to appoint the lowest, or any tender.

Download: Tender Terms of Reference 

The Community Foundation for Northern Ireland and their Nothing About Us Without Us (NAUWU) group have today welcomed the motion to be debated by the Northern Ireland Assembly calling for the introduction of a women’s health strategy for Northern Ireland.

The Nothing About Us Without Us group is a coalition of women from diverse backgrounds and experiences working within and across communities in Northern Ireland, and supported by the Community Foundation for Northern Ireland, and Porticus. The group focusses on supported and enabling grassroots women to be more visible, vocal and valued within and across their communities, the wider public space and consciousness. This is achieved through supporting grassroots women to identify and mobilise around key issues impacting on their lives including the need for a women’s health strategy for Northern Ireland.

Dawn Shackels, Director of programmes for the Community Foundation for Northern Ireland said: “The NAUWU campaign is calling for the creation of a fit for purpose, fully funded, and outcomes focussed women’s health strategy for Northern Ireland. This strategy should be developed using a co-design model that ensures that women and their advocates lead on decisions related to women’s health and a women’s health strategy. The VCSE sector engage daily with clients, service users and members across Northern Ireland and have a unique understanding of the experiences of the communities we represent.

Louise Coyle, Director at Northern Ireland Rural Women’s Network (NIRWN) and a member of the NAUWU panel, said: “To date Northern Ireland and Wales are the only regions not to have a dedicated Women’s health Strategy in the UK. Wales is still more advanced on the road to achieving a strategy with the publication of an initial report in December 2022, the first phase in the development of a 10-year women and girl’s health plan 2024-34. There is a growing recognition of the need for a new approach towards addressing gender differences and positive health outcomes for women and girls. By failing to develop a Northern Ireland Women’s Health Strategy, we are essentially failing to recognise the unique needs of 51% of our population.

ENDS

The Community Foundation for Northern Ireland is seeking to commission a scoping exercise to identify the following:

• Digital support services currently available to VCSE organisations in Northern Ireland, England, Scotland and Wales and best practice
• Gaps in support services currently available to VCSE organisations in Northern Ireland through service comparisons and direct engagements with Northern Ireland VCSE organisations
• Opportunities for information and resource sharing with organisations in other regions that have established digital hubs, including materials, training and resources, and equipment
• Key partners and areas of expertise, including, but not limited to, NICVA, Department of Finance, Department for Communities, Software Alliance, Digital Inclusion Unit, Volunteer Now, Microsoft, Bytes and Catalyst
• Engagements with a range of VCSE organisations exploring their strategic and operational approaches to develop and embed Digital Transformation into their organisation, and what support is required
• Budgeting and business planning for the delivery of a digital hub for the VCSE sector Northern Ireland

Download the Tender Specification document here: Tender Document – Digital Inclusion

All proposals must be submitted by 12pm on 23 February 2024 to jodoherty@communityfoundationni.org. Late submissions will not be accepted.

The Board of Trustees wish to invite tenders from suitably qualified and competent registered auditors with a high level of knowledge and understanding of the voluntary and community sector and charity accounts, for the function of external audit to include the following:-

(i) preparation of annual audited accounts in accordance with the current
Charity SORP;
(ii) attendance at one Finance and Resources Committee meeting and one
Trustees’ meeting annually, to present the audited accounts;
(iii) To give occasional advice and guidance to the Foundation’s finance staff
on accounting issues.

Deadline: 12 noon, Tuesday 13th February 2024

Download External Audit Specification

Download CFNI Accounts March 2023

The Community Foundation for Northern Ireland is thrilled to announce its official accreditation as a Living Wage Employer, further securing its commitment to fair compensation and support for its dedicated staff during the cost-of-living crisis.

The Community Foundation joined an exclusive list of just 87* organisations in Northern Ireland that have joined the Living Wage movement.

Over 14,000 UK-wide employers have benefited from this accreditation, creating a happier and more secure workforce as well as becoming more socially responsible.

Róisín Wood, Community Foundation for Northern Ireland CEO, said;

“We’re so incredibly proud to have received our accreditation from the Living Wage Foundation. Becoming a Living Wage Employer is a testament to our dedication that our staff team are not only valued but compensated fairly for their time and hard work.

This accreditation aligns with our values and vision of a fair and equitable society for everyone. In addition to this milestone, the Foundation introduced a range of workplace well-being initiatives, like our monthly cinema draw and relaxing wellness area in the office showing our commitment to the staff team’s welfare.

Our staff are at the heart of everything we do here, they are our greatest asset and we’re so proud to be able to support them through a difficult cost of living crisis.

The Community Foundation for Northern Ireland has always upheld high standards for our employees, and we remain dedicated to doing so as an Accredited Living Wage Employer.

We are also excited that our colleagues based in Community House have become Accredited Living Wage Employers. We are really happy to set this example and hope to inspire others to follow suit.”

*87 correct at the time of writing

The Community Foundation for Northern Ireland will commission a large scale academic led research piece, involving a comprehensive literature review of all existing and relevant information, statistics, policy, and research related directly to the intersect between violence and against women and how women experience homelessness.

The Community Foundation for Northern Ireland is seeking a university with a suitably qualified and experienced senior research team or a senior researcher who will work collaboratively with a range of appropriate community, voluntary and statutory organisations to successfully deliver the project.

This will include, but will not be exclusive to, the NI Housing Executives End Homeless Now Strategy, Violence Against Women and Girls in Northern Ireland: NI Women’s Policy Group Research Findings April 2022, The Executive’s July 2023 Ending Violence Against Women and Girls report.

The research shall involve a range of direct engagements with a range of stakeholders who work directly with women with ‘lived experience’ with key stakeholders from the VCSE sector and establish a range of focus groups with people with lived experience to identify best practice, barriers to support and any gaps in service provision, and with others from relevant sectors, including those from distinct communities such as BAME women, LGBTQIA, young women, rural women, women with disabilities, and women experiencing addiction, and who are currently homeless, and any other distinct community group that emerges from research findings as significantly impacted by both issues.

Download the Tender Terms of Reference here.

How to get involved?

For all enquiries please contact:

Gemma McCaughley gmccaughley@communityfoundationni.org

Queries will only be accepted via email.

Responding to the Tender

Please contact:

Dawn Shackels dshackels@communityfoundationni.org

The closing date for receipt of tenders is Wednesday 10th January 2024. Tenders received after the closing date and time will not be considered.

* Note that the Community Foundation is not obliged to appoint the lowest, or any tender. 

Portview, partnering with Community Foundation for Northern Ireland, have donated digital devices to the use of local community organisations and charities to mark Giving Tuesday 2023.

As a business, Portview strives to give back. Portview have a rolling program of updating our computers once they reach a certain age and as part of our corporate social responsibility strategy we have worked with the Community Foundation to ensure that these devices reach organisations who need assistance in terms of digital capacity.

In 2022 devices were distributed on behalf of Portview to several charities including Rathcoole CREW, a newly formed women’s group, who have been using the laptops for a community drop-in service so they can help local people, especially women and families, to go online and seek out useful information about community, voluntary and statutory services, like information about heating payments, benefits and a range of other issues.

Other devices assisted organisations working on the Community Foundation’s leadership programme such as the Focus project at Creggan Enterprises in Derry.

Amie Gallagher from the Focus Project, Creggan Enterprises said:  

“The laptops were invaluable in supporting our participants on the Leadership Programme.   As single parents on low incomes purchasing a device wouldn’t be affordable.  Digital poverty is an issue that has been highlighted particularly during Covid and is a barrier to participation and progress.

“By having access to a laptop these women could complete learning.  They had the flexibility to do this in their own time, around their caring commitments, which is invaluable for mums.  They have gone on to design mini programmes and resources for our project as a result.”

Speaking today, Paul Scullion, Managing Director of Portview said:  

“At Portview, we are thrilled to reaffirm our commitment to community support through our collaboration with the Community Foundation for Northern Ireland on Giving Tuesday.

“As part of our ESG strategy we are committed to supporting digital capacity where it is needed most in society. The positive impact of our previous device donations, particularly at Rathcoole CREW and the Focus project at Creggan Enterprises, validates the importance of addressing digital poverty, especially for single parents facing financial constraints.

“As Managing Director at Portview, I am proud of our role in making a meaningful difference, and our continued partnership with the Community Foundation for Northern Ireland reflects our commitment to enhancing digital capacity across the community and voluntary sector.

“These donations play a crucial role in enabling organisations to access essential services, supporting education, outreach, program planning, and funding and we will continue to support these causes in coming years.”

John O’Doherty, Policy and Public Affairs Director at the Community Foundation added:  

“This is the second year that we have partnered with Portview on the distribution of digital devices and these donations have been hugely beneficial. These devices are instrumental in helping the charities that we support, providing the ability to access essential services whether it be in the field of education, outreach, the planning of programmes or funding.

“As Northern Ireland’s largest independent funder we work closely with organisations across the community and voluntary sector. We have identified the need to enhance digital capacity and this partnership helps us support what is a key pillar of the Community Foundation’s strategy.”

The Murlough Fund, established by John and Fiona McCowan, have donated an award of £5,000 between two local groups with the aim of breaking down loneliness and isolation.

The Northern Ireland Rural Women’s and Cushendun & District Development Association will both run programmes for older people, including art and craft workshops, dancing, mindfulness, gardening and yoga.

Speaking ahead of Giving Tuesday, John McCowan said:  

“Both myself and Fiona originally come from Northern Ireland. We were fortunate enough over our careers to be involved in fundraising activities and supporting charitable organisation and causes.

“We established the Murlough Foundation with the principle aims of addressing issues around access to, and support of, those in education, and to address issues regarding loneliness and isolation.

“We were keen to fund a couple of initiatives this year recognising that the current economic environment has made things even more difficult for the charitable sector and those they support. The applications for funding were so worthy across the board. It was really difficult to just choose just the two.

“Hopefully by supporting these initiatives we will be able to engage and help some of those most in need of engagement with others.”

Orla Black, Grants Director at the Community Foundation said:  

“Through partnering and supporting the Murlough Foundation, we at the Community Foundation were able to help target specific programmes and groups working to address loneliness.

“As we approach Christmas this is especially poignant given that the cost-of-living crisis has most certainly increased levels of isolation and loneliness, particularly amongst our older people.”

Louise Coyle, Director of the Northern Ireland Rural Women’s Network added: 

“The Northern Ireland Rural Women’s Network will offer older women in rural areas the opportunity to participate in activities that will help them to connect with other people who may also be experiencing feelings of isolation and loneliness.
“For many, it is the first steps of coming together that are the hardest. We would encourage anyone to make that step with us and come along to a very welcoming and open environment.

“This funding, which we are delighted to receive, will allow us to offer isolated women the opportunity to participate in our programmes in order to build their confidence and bring people together.”

Anne Godfrey, Secretary of the Cushendun & District Development Association, spoke on how their Set Dancing classes will be used to bring people together across the Cushendun area: 

“Cushendun is a community which places value on keeping traditional cultural activities alive. Part of the traditional cultural life of Cushendun and District has been, over generations, traditional music and dance. In particular, Set Dancing, which took place in houses in the area and was seen as an important part of the local tradition, which kept going until roughly the 1950.

“Set dancing, by its nature, encourages people to get to know and have fun with people they may not know at all or only slightly. Again, by its nature it encourages cross- generational mixing.

“As well as improving the physical and mental health of those who attend, an on-going set dancing class in the village, which is open to all, will enhance local connections, which are invaluable in a small village and rural area like ours.”

The Community Foundation for Northern Ireland have expressed their disappointment that Northern Ireland has not been allocated any funding under the latest round of Levelling Up and have called on the UK Government to reverse their decision.

Speaking on the announcement, Chief Executive of the Foundation Róisín Wood said:

“We are extremely disappointed with today’s announcement. Once again, the UK Government is failing to provide appropriate investment for Northern Ireland. Organisations in the community and voluntary sector are facing unprecedented demands on their services, and at the same time trying to navigate cuts to funding with the pressures of ever-increasing costs.

“Organisations have invested heavily in preparing applications and proposals under the Levelling Up fund, and today’s announcement will come as a further blow to the sector. The solution to the crisis in this sector will not be solved by more austerity, but by long term investment in organisations and services that work daily to change and save lives.

“We are calling on the Levelling Up Secretary Michael Gove to overturn this decision and to continue with this much needed investment in Northern Irelands businesses, charities, and communities.”

The Community Foundation for Northern Ireland welcome and support the call for a dedicated Women Health Strategy for Northern Ireland to improve health outcomes and health services for all women and girls within our society.

Speaking today, Dawn Shackels, Director of Programmes at the Community Foundation said:  

“The Community Foundation, along with women leaders from a number of grassroots organisations are supporting the call for dedicated and properly resourced Women’s Health Strategy for Northern Ireland.

“Despite Scotland, England and the Republic of Ireland prioritising women’s health, and Wales working towards finalising their actions, women in Northern Ireland are currently at a huge disadvantage in the absence of a dedicated and adequately resourced strategy.

“In November last year, the Community Foundation worked with women leaders from a wide range of grassroots groups to deliver a women’s engagement event titled ‘Nothing About Us Without Us’. Over 200 local women participated, for some it was the first time that they had been involved in discussions about issues that impacted them specifically, including the lack of a women’s health strategy here.

“They told us the strategy needed a life-cycle approach and must look at issues such as early and accurate diagnosis on a range of health conditions and tackling health inequalities being felt most by women in local communities here.

“Research highlights that there are a wide range of biological factors that impact on women’s health specifically. Women and girls experience various health needs and risks during their lives which are not the same for men. This may relate to starting and managing periods, choosing contraception, planning for pregnancy, managing menopause symptoms and chronic conditions such as heart disease, cancer, diabetes and much, much more.

“Our political institutions must listen to the experience of women and girls and design health systems around their needs. Women must be visible, vocal and valued at all levels of decision making.”

Engaging grassroots women on a wide range of issues that affect and matter to them will be a key focus of the Community Foundation’s work over the coming years under the banner of the Nothing About Us Without Us initiative.

The Foundation will continue to work closely with a coalition of women from grassroots organisations to spotlight important issues that impact on women’s lives.

The staff of the Community Foundation for Northern Ireland have walked over 4 million steps in September in the build up to World Mental Health Day 2023.
The challenge, which saw £2 raised for each kilometre walked, will help establish a new fund to support and enhance wellbeing initiatives in local community and voluntary organisations.

Speaking on World Mental Health Day, Fiona O’Toole, the Community Foundation’s Wellbeing lead said:  

“Building up to World Mental Health Day the staff of the Community Foundation wanted to play a part in boosting, not only the Foundation’s staff team’s wellbeing but also that of organisations that we have supported, and continue to support, through our grant giving.

“The idea came about to establish a new, dedicated Wellbeing Fund, in order to be able to develop small grants for local organisations to support their own staff’s wellbeing in areas such as positive mental, physical and emotional health.

“Through working closely with thousands of these organisations one thing we realised is that the staff are excellent in providing much needed services for others, but on too many occasions they do not prioritise their own needs.

“Time, resources, or the specific nature of some grants just didn’t allow these groups to work on their own wellbeing. The Community Foundation, as Northern Ireland’s largest independent funder, aims to help address this in whatever way we can.

“Over the month of September our staff have walked over 4 million steps which is truly impressive. This will not only aid their own physical and mental well-being but is a fantastic start to helping the Community Foundation establish this brand new fund which we will be launching the details of in the coming weeks.”

Fibrus and the Community Foundation are delighted to support Killicomaine Residents Group through the Fibrus Community Fund Northern Ireland.

HYPE Learning has been going since last September and currently offers 12 young people access to digital devices one day per week.

Keith McCann, project coordinator at Killicomaine Residents Group, said the free service was open to children of all abilities from P5 to P7 at the local primary school.

Children who attend have said it has helped them learn on a different level as most of them do not have access to computers or tablets in their home environment.

Killicomaine Homework Club has received £2k worth of funding from the Fibrus Community Fund, in partnership with the Community Foundation Northern Ireland.

The money has allowed six iPads to be purchased, helping children involved in the homework club have access to the internet and digital services after school.

The homework club runs for two hours from 3pm to 5pm, and Mr McCann said that what it offers “could not be done without external support, from companies like Fibrus”.

Sophie, who attends, said she enjoyed going and doing her homework in “a really friendly environment”.

She added: “It’s really good to work with people, instead of having to do it at home. It’s much easier to research subjects online.”

Mr McCann said there was a huge demand for the service.

“Children in the area may not have internet or computers at home so at least we can now lend devices to do some homework in the short term.”

HYPE, which is the umbrella term for the Killicomaine Residents’ project, stands for ‘helping young people excel’.

Mr McCann added that it was about giving local children support that they otherwise wouldn’t have.

“These kids deserve the best chance that we can give them,” he said.

“Our concept is learning through play, you don’t have to encourage kids to play, so that’s what you want them to do, while ensuring the work they do ties back to the national curriculum.”

The homework club has not only had a transformational impact on the group as a collective but also on an individual basis as well, according to the project coordinator.

“If you’re a parent trying to get a child to do homework that they don’t want to do it can be very difficult,” said Mr McCann.

“But if there’s another feasible option – namely, of coming here and having fun whilst doing it – it means they’re getting it done and that’s also helping to reduce tension in the home as well.”

Catriona Henry from Fibrus said its Community Fund, with the support of the Community Foundation NI, was created to help local people like those in the Killicomaine area.

“Ensuring that children like those at the Killicomaine Homework Club have the same opportunities as their peers is why we created the Fibrus Community Fund. It’s fantastic to see how these iPads enhance the children’s learning experience, while they’re having fun with their friends.”

“We partnered with the Community Foundation NI to help level the playing field for those who need more digital support, and we’re proud to be involved in enhancing young people’s lives in Northern Ireland through improved digital literacy and access.”

Fibrus recently announced that it had allocated the entirety of its annual £60k Community Fund in Northern Ireland ahead of schedule due to overwhelming demand. More than 70 projects have received grants to tackle digital poverty, benefitting nearly 14,000 people living in Northern Ireland, since the fund was launched in 2021.

David Kennedy, Communications Manager at the Community Foundation NI, said projects such as the Killicomaine Homework Club show the importance and impact of the partnership with Fibrus.

“The partnership with the Community Foundation and Fibrus has had a real impact on the ground and in our communities in terms of building access to digital devices and learning,” he said.

“When we look at groups like the Killicomaine Residents Group providing a homework club to so many young people we can see how the Fibrus grants can impact on entire communities.”

£160,000 grant funding has been delivered for innovative, community led solutions to housing and homelessness at a Community Foundation for Northern Ireland event being held today at the Braid Theatre in Ballymena.

The Community Foundation’s Community Solutions to Housing and Homelessness programme supports the development, testing, and delivery of new ideas and collaborations addressing the root causes of housing issues and homelessness, by working with a range of organisations and giving voice to individuals with lived experience.

Eight groups pitched their ideas to a full auditorium made up of groups working on housing issues, those with lived experience and others who voted to allocate up to £25,000 per group, in a Participatory Budgeting process on the ideas they’d like to see developed.

Speaking following the event Gemma McCaughley from the Community Foundation said:   
“The Community Solutions to Housing and Homelessness programme saw eight groups, who successfully submitted innovative ideas on how to address the pressing issues we face in this sector, seek funding to support their programmes.

“The ideas were presented to an audience made up of those working closely in these areas alongside people with lived experience of housing issues or homelessness.

“An essential element to this programme is that those at the coal face, with direct experience of the myriad of issues facing our housing sector are centrally involved and have a key part to play in deciding what projects, in their view, can receive support.

“Each successful group received £25,000 to advance their project. Those who were not successful in the overall vote received £5,000 to develop their ideas further.

“The voting on each project is based on participatory budgeting principles – essentially people directly deciding how to allocate this funding through a process of democratic decision making.

“In essence what we will see is those who have direct knowledge and insight into the issues of housing and homelessness have a direct say in how they think these issues can be addressed.

“The Community Foundation are delighted to be supported in this programme by the Oak Foundation.”

Speaking after receiving funding Kate McCauley, CEO of Housing Rights said: 

“Housing Rights works to prevent homelessness, helping people to find and keep a home.

“The programme brought forward, which we are delighted to see funded, will build and develop an immersive experience about what it is like to experience domestic abuse and homelessness.

“Alongside this, specialist training modules will be available to build awareness and empathy among frontline staff who work in housing and homelessness arena in order to understand better that challenges and experiences of those women who have experienced domestic abuse.”

The event was held in the Braid Theatre in Ballymena from 11am to 4pm on Thursday 20th July 2023

Thirteen priority challenges have been identified including rental, temporary and emergency accommodation, homelessness affecting refugees, asylum seekers, members of the LGBT community and young people along with issues including mental health, the stigma of homelessness and violence against women and girls.

The six groups to receive £25,000 are: 

Housing Rights
Causeway Rural and Urban Network
Shelter NI
Mindwise & Counselling All Nations
DePaul Northern Ireland
North Down & Ards Women’s Aid

The two groups to receive £5,000 to develop their ideas further are: 

Derry GP Federation
Tanvalley & Anaghlone and Veterans NI Project

The CEO of the Community Foundation for Northern Ireland has called on government departments to support the Community and Voluntary sector by making funding more accessible, streamlined and sustainable.

Speaking at the launch of the Community Foundation’s new strategy for 2023-26, Róisín Wood CEO said: 

“The Community and Voluntary sector has suffered an incredibly rocky financial year.

“We have seen the ending of the European Social Fund, the failure of the Shared Prosperity Fund to match the loss of funding to the sector, and on top of that successive government departments cutting funding for vital community led initiatives, programmes and organisations.

“The current trend is that the sector continues to lurch from crisis to crisis in terms of sustainable funding streams. It is imperative that we change for the better the way the Community and Voluntary sector is funded.

“The Community Foundation have consulted widely, not just for the building of our new strategy but in our everyday work as an independent funder. What we are hearing most loudly is that current funding mechanisms urgently need to change.

“For instance, every separate fund applied for, either within one government department or even between departments, requires a new vouching process, a new set of questions, a new monitoring process. The time spent on this work takes a hugely disproportionate time from organisations working to deliver much needed services.

“To compound this there is an ongoing skills drain for the sector due to job insecurity, low wages and the inability to plan long term due to funding. Workers with families, mortgages or other commitments, who want to do this work, are being prohibited from doing so due to the uncertainty.

“The Community Foundation are calling for a greater level of collaboration to deliver for the needs of the community and voluntary sector.

“We must examine the learning from COVID when financial support was provided much quicker for essential services and we also must highlight how this sector in particular, helps government reach successive Programme for Government commitments.

“Failure to do so is a false economy. The lack of investment today into the sector will only cost much more, further down the line. When key community services that improve people’s health and mental wellbeing, skills and employability and financial position within our society are removed we are only kicking a much bigger problem down the line in terms of an ever shrinking budget from Stormont.”

The Strategy document can be found here

The Brian Conlon Foundation, in conjunction with the Community Foundation, are delighted to announce a new, second round of funding for groups in Newry city.

Funding will be made available for organisations and charities based in Newry city working to advance education, amateur sport, provide opportunities for young people from the local area, and assistance for communities in disadvantaged areas.

The Brian Conlon Foundation, set up in memory of Brian Conlon, will continue his legacy by supporting causes that were close to his heart and that he was passionate about.

Brian was hugely successful in many walks of life – a high achiever in education, entrepreneurship, sport and in business. When a knee injury ended his budding Gaelic football career, Brian turned his attention to business setting up First Derivatives from his mother’s spare bedroom in 1996. Now one of Irelands most successful companies, it employs nearly 3,000 people with fifteen offices globally. Thousands off local graduates have passed through the company’s HQ in Newry many of whom ended up being deployed to large financial institutions throughout the world.

Brian was immensely proud of his roots and his hometown of Newry and despite all of his success, he remained a humble and generous individual throughout supporting numerous people and deserving causes, often quietly.

A spokesperson from the Brian Conlon Foundation said:  

“Through his professional & personal endeavours Brian made a difference to many people’s lives. We hope that through this round of community funding Brian can continue to make a positive , tangible contribution allowing his spirit to live on in the local community in his home town of Newry.”

Siofra Healy, Director of Fund Development at the Community Foundation commented. 

“The Community’s Foundation is delighted to be partnering with the Conlon family as they pay tribute to Brian, with the Foundation established in his memory.

“The first round of funding last year saw over £34,000 distributed to ten groups in Newry and made a huge difference for those who successfully applied, in areas ranging from working with young people in drama, music and sport along with building skills and services for the local community.

“The second round will undoubtedly have the same impact and it’s release is testament to the lasting legacy of Brian in bringing positive change and highlighting his generosity in the Newry area.”

About Brian Conlon  

Brian passed away in July 2019 after a short illness, aged 53.  Entrepreneur and founder of First Derivatives,  he was a much-loved father, husband, son, brother, friend, and colleague.

Hugely successful in many walks of life, Brian was a high achiever in education, in sport and in business. When a knee injury ended his senior gaelic football career with Co. Down, Brian turned his attention to business and set up First Derivatives from a bedroom in his mother’s home. It is now one of NI’s most successful businesses employing over 2,500 people globally.

Despite his successes’, Brian remained a humble and grounded family man who faced both challenges and opportunities in his own life and who supported local and national causes in a quiet and understated way.

Long term, sustainable investment, security and funding strategies are needed for the Community and Voluntary sector. This is the message from CEO of the Community Foundation, Róisín Wood, following the announcement of the Shared Prosperity funding today from the Department of Levelling Up.

Speaking today Róisín Wood said:

“The announcement of the Shared prosperity Funding today is a welcome life line for so many within the Community and Voluntary sector.

“Unfortunately, there are those who did not receive funding. What it means for these organisations is what we have heard over the past week, including reduced programming, staff redundancies and an impact to those who use these services.

“The fact that organisations, whether successful or not, had to wait until the 11th hour to find out about their futures, alongside the huge amount of uncertainty faced by staff and service users alike, is unacceptable and cannot be allowed to happen again.

“We simply cannot have a sector that lurches from crisis to crisis due to under investment and the lack of stable funding opportunities. Such an approach prevents forward planning, provides uncertainty for staff, leads to the loss of skills from the sector in terms of retention, and ultimately it is no way to help the most vulnerable in our society.

“What we need are forward thinking funding strategies and sustainable investments to protect the vital work carried out the by the community and voluntary sector. To continue to chip away at the sector will only lead to increased pressures elsewhere that will cost much more in the long term.”

Róisín Wood, CEO of the Community Foundation, today gave evidence to the House of Lords inquiry into Digital Exclusion and the cost of living.

The House of Lords Communications and Digital Committee is looking at the impact of digital exclusion on individuals and more broadly how digital exclusion impacts on economic growth.

Speaking following the evidence session, Róisín Wood, CEO of the Community Foundation said:  

“The Community Foundation presented evidence today that highlights the need to have a unified Digital Strategy for Northern Ireland with a clear emphasis placed on digital exclusion having a detrimental impact on our economy, access to services and wellbeing.

“At present Northern Ireland is the most digitally excluded region within the UK, ranking below the UK average for adults with basic digital skills. There is also a very clear urban /rural divide with 17% of rural premises unable to receive decent broadband from a fixed line.

“The digital divide and digital poverty were very much exposed throughout the COVID pandemic. The current cost-of-living crisis is making things worse. When faced between the choice of heating and eating or having a digital device with an internet connection at home the former takes precedence.

“We currently have people not being able to access vital online services such as banking or the job market, attempting to gain qualifications on a mobile phone, or travelling for miles just to access a computer or a good internet connection in their nearest library.

“This is no way to advance our communities or to boost local economic growth.

“Through our recently published ‘Wired Up’ report we spoke directly to community organisations and those they work with we are very aware of the need for enhanced digital access and skills.

“We need a Digital Strategy for Northern Ireland brought forward and properly resourced, with clearly defined targets with collaboration between government, the private sector and the community and voluntary sectors.

“We must ensure such a strategy is aimed at building access and skills and ensuring that those most at risk of being left behind digitally are given the additional supports that are needed.” ends

Róisín Wood was joined at the Committee by;

• Professor Hamish Laing – Chair at Digital Inclusion Alliance Wales
• Sally Dyson – Head of Digital and Development at Scottish Council for Voluntary Organisation

The remit of the Committee can be found here or read the Community Foundation’s ‘Wired Up?’ report here.

Cross Border Civil Society Partnerships receive Grants 

All-Island civil society partnerships combatting the far right, promoting human rights, boosting climate action and improving access to the arts are among those receiving new supports from the All-Island Fund.

Sixteen partnerships are benefiting from grants from the fund which has been operated by the Community Foundation for Northern Ireland in conjunction with the Community Foundation Ireland over the past two years.

Each involves civil society organisations on both sides of the border coming together to tackle social, environmental as well as rights issues which impact on people across the island.

This is the second round of grants supported by private donors. It brings total support issued to community and charitable groups to almost £535,000 (£150,000 in this round).

Partnerships will be focusing on a broad range of issues.

• A new manual on climate justice will increase awareness on both sides of the border. While ending damage caused by ‘extractivism’ including mining is the aim of a partnership between Friends of the Earth and An Taisce.
• On migrant rights ambassadors of sanctuary are being appointed to promote integration in schools and colleges. Uplift Ireland and Act Now are working together to establish methods for monitoring the rise of the far right across the island. Preventing gender based violence is the focus of a continuing project by the Sexual Exploitation Research Programme and Belfast and Lisburn Women’s Aid.
• Improved services for children with long term illnesses and their families is the focus of work by Children’s Heartbeat Trust (NI) and the Children in Hospital Ireland (ROI). Ensuring better outcomes through early intervention in young lives will be promoted by those working with children in the North-East and in Northern Ireland.
• Breaking down the barriers for women and girls to careers in engineering will see relevant skills promoted in primary schools on a cross border basis by experts in Limerick and Derry.
• Creative exchanges are the focus of a relationship between arts organisations.
• Leading human rights campaigners on both parts of the island are working together to ensure all laws are compliant as well as examining policing reforms and policies. LGBTQ campaigners close to securing an All-Island ban on conversion therapy will bring a wider focus to their cooperation.

Announcing the second round of grants, Róisín Wood, Chief Executive of the Community Foundation for Northern Ireland said:  

“There is no doubt that we are dealing with a wide range of serious and indeed very topical issues that respect neither border nor jurisdiction. Finding solutions and sharing knowledge is important to our island, our future, our rights, entitlements, and the environment we live in.

“The cross-border work between these groups has been exemplary. The need for a strong, independent civil society, ensuring that those involved, including those directly impacted or with lived experience, have a voice that can reach right up to the highest level is so important.

“Seeing the benefit of this work over the past two years has been uplifting. Twenty-five years on from the Good Friday Agreement, the reality of all island collaboration, making changes that benefit all of the people who share this island, is something that we are delighted to be supporting.”

Denise Charlton, Chief Executive of Community Foundation Ireland added: 

“A quarter of a century since the Good Friday Agreement it is important to ensure that we have a strong civil society which has an all-island focus. It is a reality that the challenges facing society do not end at the border. Climate change does not end at Dundalk, human trafficking does not stop at Newry. The voices of the far right are getting louder – whether you are in Kerry or Derry.

“Meeting these and many other challenges requires a perspective which goes beyond one jurisdiction. Community workers, advocates and campaigners bring that perspective. For two-years we have been working to promote and strengthen those voices and we are now proud to be taking the next step.” ends

The Community Solutions to Housing and Homelessness is OPEN for expression of interest.

The Community Foundation is delighted to offer a new round of Community Solutions to Housing and Homelessness.
The programme, funded by the Oak Foundation, supports the development of project ideas and community solutions to challenges on Housing and Homelessness issues, by working together with a range of organisations and giving voice to individuals with lived experience of housing and homelessness in Northern Ireland.

Gemma McCaughley, Innovation and Voice programme officer said:

“We are delighted to offer a new round of the Community Solutions to Housing and Homelessness programme. This year we can support up to 10 project teams to participate in stage one of the programme, the innovation process.  We have seed funding grants of up to £25,000 each to support the testing and development of the solutions developed by the programme in stage two.”

“We hope to inspire innovation in addressing the root causes of Housing stress and homelessness in Northern Ireland and are calling on those working in Voluntary, Community and Social Enterprise organisations to work together to design new services or campaigns for change, or both. We are therefore encouraging collaborative project teams to be formed which will comprise of VCSE organisations, public sector representatives and people with lived experience of the issues.

“Collaboration is encouraged but not essential and project teams can comprise of individuals from one organisation. Fundamental to the programme is that people with lived experience of housing stress and homelessness are at the heart of the design and delivery of the solutions being developed.  Instrumental in our overall programme design is that representatives with lived experience are involved in all stages of the programme including the programme steering group and awards panel.

We are looking for early stage ideas or approaches that address one of 13 priority challenge areas identified.

See here for full details on the challenge areas and programme criteria.

This application should be submitted with reference to the Community Solutions to Housing and Homelessness Programme guidance notes, available with this application.

Registration closes on Thursday 23rd March at 4pm.

Support available

A programme officer is available to support groups and organisations with any queries they may have in relation to this application, and provide an opportunity to discuss their project idea or seek help with team formation.

Please note, successful project teams will be informed on 29th March and must be able to commence the programme in the first week April 23.  Programme dates are available in the guidance notes.

For more information on this programme, contact Gemma McCaughley at gmccaughley@communityfoundationni.org

The Westminster government must live up to its promises and at a very minimum replace European structural funds that have been lost due to Brexit.

Key frontline services within the community and voluntary sector which provide vital support to local communities will be set to close or be drastically reduced as up to 1,700 staff from the community and voluntary sector are at risk with the loss of the European Social Fund.

That is the message coming from Róisín Wood, CEO of the Community Foundation who stated today:

“The community and voluntary sector in Northern Ireland is a life line for so many people and is embedded in our rural areas, our towns and our cities.

“The loss of the European Social Fund, a key driver behind so many valuable employability and skills programmes in the community and voluntary sector, will be a huge blow.

“Key frontline services, which provide vital support to local communities and some of the most vulnerable in our society, will undoubtedly close down or be drastically reduced as up to 1,700 staff from the sector are at risk of being made redundant.

“There were promises from the Conservative government that European structural funds, such as the European Social Fund, would be, at a minimum, matched. This is a promise that has so far fallen far short.

“There has been huge scepticism within the sector towards this commitment and in the meantime invaluable frontline services, staff, their livelihoods, and key skills within the sector are set to be lost.

“This comes at a time when we are in the depths of a cost-of living crisis, poverty is on the rise, and Stormont departments face a £500m cut.

“Whilst we have no government at Stormont, and promises from Westminster are not being kept, the Westminster government must address this shortfall before it is too late and our communities are left to pick up the cost of this failure for decades to come.”

Following on from another hugely generous response from the public last November, the RTÉ Toy Show Appeal is now open for applications from children’s charities right across Ireland.

The first of two grant round applications will open from today (16th Jan 2023). In the first round, grant applications are invited from organisations who are undertaking larger scale projects (up to maximum grant level of €75,000).

A second grant round, inviting applications from smaller, community level groups will open for application in early February.

The 2022 RTÉ Toy Show Appeal awarded grants to over 160 different charities, with a project supported in every county.  This is estimated to have benefitted over 1.1 million children and family members.

This year the appeals charity partner, Community Foundation Ireland, is inviting applications under three strands:

Addressing Essential Needs – for groups which are supporting the most vulnerable children, including those whose homes have been hit by the cost-of-living crisis.
Improving Health and Wellbeing – supporting services for children with disabilities and those which promote good health and wellbeing.
Creativity and Play – recognising the importance of play in terms of children’s overall development, this aims to ensure that every child has access to arts, play and creative spaces.

Announcing the opening of applications, Dee Forbes, Director-General of RTÉ said: 

“The Late Late Toy Show not only celebrated some of Ireland’s most amazing children, it created enough money to help change the lives of children across the island of Ireland in the months ahead. The funds raised are a testament to our audience’s generosity, and their passion to help children. These grants will be a lifeline to many different charities and to everyone that donated to make this possible, a huge Thank You.”

Róisín Wood, Chief Executive of Community Foundation for Northern Ireland, added: 

“The RTÉ Toy Show viewers have once again been extremely generous. The previous year’s funding has money will made a real difference in our communities and this work will continue tin 2023. This year the Appeal raised over €3,800,000 which will be distributed through two open grant rounds.

“The cost-of-living crisis has impacted right across our society with organisations supporting children also feeling the pressure. Being able to support the transformative work that these organisations do and to help build a stronger future for our children is what this fund is all about. We are delighted to be partnering with RTÉ and the Community Foundation Ireland to make a difference right across the island.”

• Funding will be used to provide support to 12 organisations across island of Ireland
• £450,000 being fast-tracked for vulnerable groups with immediate needs

Bank of Ireland is donating £890,000 to organisations supporting those most at risk from cost of living pressures. The donation will be targeted to a range of groups including children and families at risk, older persons, those with disabilities, lone parents, international protection applicants, and low-income families.

The Bank is making £445,000 available immediately with the remainder £445,000 to be allocated in March.  The first £445,000 is being fast-tracked to 12 organisations working with vulnerable groups across the island of Ireland with grants ranging from £22,000 to £89,000. It will support established, national organisations that are alleviating the cost of living crisis through the provision of a range of practical supports. The second allocation will be divided across approximately 50 smaller non-profit organisation, with average grants of up to £8,900 being distributed in March.

As with previous similar donations, the Bank is working with The Community Foundation of Ireland and the Community Foundation Northern Ireland who have advised the Bank on a wide range of social issues and organisations that require immediate financial support, and is managing the allocation of the funding on behalf of the Bank.

George Higginson, Director of Northern Ireland, Bank of Ireland UK, commented: “Many people are facing difficult choices as a result of the rising cost of living and we want to do what we can to help those most in need.

“As part of the community here in Northern Ireland we are making this donation to help some of the most vulnerable at this time.  We are working once again with our long-term partners at the Community Foundation for Northern Ireland to ensure the donation is distributed to those charities and organisations who can target the funds and make a real difference. We are grateful to them and the Community Foundation Northern Ireland for their dedication and help. ”

Róisín Wood, CEO, The Community Foundation Northern Ireland said: “The cost-of-living crisis is a major priority for our work here at the Community Foundation and we are delighted to be partnering with the Bank Of Ireland Cost of Living fund which will make a very real impact across the island of Ireland.

“The groups in Northern Ireland that have been funded to date will address a wide range of pressing issues, all of which have been exacerbated by this crisis. They will be working closely with, low-income families at risk, lone parents, people with disabilities, asylum seekers and refugees, vulnerable children and more.

“This fund will make a meaningful difference to people’s live as well as boosting the community and voluntary sector which provides critical supports throughout society, allowing this work to continue and grow.”

The beneficiary organisations identified by the Foundation who will receive funding from Bank of Ireland in NI are: Barnardo’s NI, Oasis Caring in Action Antrim, Belfast and Lisburn Women’s Aid.  In ROI, The Children’s Rights Alliance, Focus Ireland, Enable Ireland Disability Services, Age Action, One Family, Tribli CLG, Crosscare, Irish Refugee Council, Immigrant Council of Ireland and Children’s Rights Alliance will receive funding.

The Cost-of-Living crisis is impacting right across our society with many now struggling to heat homes, buy food and pay rent. Some of our poorest families are left with £29 per week after essential items are paid for and are in real risk of being plummeted into desperate circumstances.

Every household in Northern Ireland will soon receive a household energy payment of £600 to help with electricity and fuel cost. For many this is a much needed form of support, however there are those who may find they don’t need this payment.

If you would like to use all, or part, of your payment to help families and communities in need you can do so through a donation to our Energy Support Appeal.

The Community Foundation will use your donation to make a real difference to people’s lives by supporting charities and groups working to help those struggling this winter.

“Almost 72% of Northern Ireland will be in fuel poverty in 2023 (551,000 households)”

Consumer Council NI

“The Community Foundation knows that rising prices across fuel, food and general living costs are resulting in increased poverty, increased destitution and a lower standard of living for many in Northern Ireland.”

Róisín Wood, CEO Community Foundation NI

Donate Now

The Acorn Farm, I Can Grow project is calling for 200 families in Derry/Londonderry and Strabane to roll up their sleeves and get planting. No experience is needed!

The hands-on growing programme supports families and households to grow their own fruit and vegetables at home in their yards or gardens. Families will be provided with everything they need to grow food at home, including being supported by horticultural experts from The Conservation Volunteers.

The Acorn Farm, I Can Grow programme, is an environmental project led by the Community Foundation for Northern Ireland. It is delivered in partnership with Derry City and Strabane District Council, The Conservation Volunteers, Derry Healthy Cities and Social Farms and Gardens NI.  The food growing programme is one element of a larger five-year project which involves a range of community initiatives and the capital build of a new Acorn Farm at St Columb’s Park funded by the UK Levelling Up Fund.

Register your interest here.

It is supported by the National Lottery Community Fund’s Climate Action Fund – designed to help communities living throughout the UK reduce their carbon footprint.

The Acorn Farm’s development phase supported 260 families to grow their own vegetables over an 18-month period 2020-2022. Those involved in this new phases are encouraged to take up tools and learn the basics of food production at home which, in the longer term, will assist in the creation of a more sustainable food system throughout the city.

Shauna Kelpie, Community Foundation, NI commented;  
“Sustainable food production has never been more important in terms of boosting local food supplies, reducing food miles and our carbon footprint. The I Can Grow project has already kick-started a strong growing movement within city, helping families become more self-sufficient while also bringing lots of health and economic benefits. We encourage everyone, no experience is needed, to get involved and try something new.”

Developing Healthy Communities Chief Executive Edel O’Doherty says: 
“I Can Grow is a fantastic opportunity for individuals to come together and cultivate their own fresh produce. Not only does this provide numerous health benefits, such as access to nutritious food and the opportunity for regular physical activity, but it also allows for a stronger sense of community and social connection. Even the act of growing itself can provide a sense of calm, reduce stress, and improve mood. We are excited to see the positive impact this programme will have on the health and wellbeing of our community.”

Conor O’Kane , Growing Resilience Project Officer with Social Farms and Gardens NI says: 
Acorn Farm’s  “I Can Grow” project is a brilliant way for families to take their first step on the ladder to growing more fresh, healthy, nutrient-dense food at home; with plug plants, a growing bed and peat-free compost supplied, and expert horticultural advice on tap, it’s a great way to get your family growing together, cutting emissions and improving local biodiversity.

Kate Beggs, Director of The National Lottery Community Fund Northern Ireland, said: 
“We are delighted that National Lottery funding is supporting I Can Grow, a project that offers many benefits to everyone who gets involved.
“This project, funded through our Climate Action Fund, is a great opportunity for people to come together to learn about food growing, sustainability and how this goes towards reducing our carbon footprint. And it’s also a great way to be physically active.
“Each week, thanks to National Lottery players, £30 million is raised for good causes like this and we look forward to hearing of the positive changes that this will undoubtedly make to the lives of those involved.”

Mayor of Derry City and Strabane District Council Cllr Sandra Duffy said;  
“The I Can Grow project is an important element of the Acorn Farm initiative. I am delighted to hear that the I Can Grow programme will support up to 200 families and households in this Council area to grow food at home with support from The Community Volunteers horticulturalist. This will bring communities together to tackle food sustainability in the city and district and encourage more people to take climate action through better food choices and sharing learning to change behaviours. I am delighted that more families will be able to grow their own healthy, home-grown food and make a positive impact on reducing our carbon footprint, and I look forward to seeing more people across the Derry City and Strabane District Council area getting involved and growing together.”

We would like to say a huge thank you to all the members of the Acorn Giving Circle as you celebrate this 10 year milestone. Throughout your time you have supported a fantastic 82 organisations in your local area that are proving vital support to those who need it most.

The Acorn Giving Circle is made up of a group of women who aim to make a positive contribution to improving the lives of people living in Derry ~ Londonderry and Strabane, in a small but meaningful way through pooled personal donations.

When the pooled donations reach a target amount, the funds are made available in the form of small grants. These grants support local charitable or community groups and organisations. The Giving Circle prioritise its support to where the need is greatest and where it can make a small but important difference.

Some of the organisations that have received support over the past 10 years are:

Greater Shantallow Community Arts 

Christmas can be a difficult time for some people, the preparations themselves can often lead to unnecessary worry for many parents to create the perfect entirety that they see as a successful Christmas. The Giving Circle supported Greater Shantallow Arts to provide 100 children and their parents with the opportunity to enjoy a feel-good Christmas event. Targeting families who otherwise would not have had the opportunity.

Oliver Green, Director at Greater Shantallow Arts commented; “Twas The Week Before Christmas'” has been immeasurable in the positive knock-on effect with the children’s family, friends and wider community. The immense appreciation from the 100 children and their families was overwhelming.”

Bogside & Brandywell Health Forum  

With the help from the Giving Circle funding Bogside & Brandywell Health Forum ran a successful health week targeting families with young children. Throughout the week the children learnt the importance of healthy eating, experimented with healthy recipes and new foods. These sessions were also done alongside various physical activities such as karate, gymnastics, football etc, keeping their bodies and minds healthy.

Laura McGuinness, staff member commented; “The children were greeted every morning with a healthy breakfast before starting our schedule of activities. It was noticed that a lot of children did not have something to eat at home prior to coming to our health week. We provided information during that time to parents about healthy lifestyles and better life choices for them and their children.”

Allegri Choir 

Supported on their journey by the Giving Circle, Allegri has supported individuals of all ages by providing access to music and drama as a way of encouraging individuals to feel empowered, gain a sense of belonging and promote inclusion.

Margaret Kelly, Chairperson of Allegri said; “We work to eliminate all barriers to arts participation, harnessing the creativity and self-expression of individuals. We offer access to the expertise and guidance of professional musicians and use music to promote cross-cultural understanding. Thank you to the Giving Circle for all your support, without you we could not have supported so many wonderful individuals”

This Giving Tuesday the Acorn Giving Circle awarded almost £10,000 to celebrate 10 years of giving. Below are a list of local organisations supported.

If you would like to find out more about the Acorn Giving Circle or get involved please contact Shauna Kelpie,  skelpie@communityfoundationni.org

Christmas came early for 18 local organisations who received a welcome funding boost at the Community Foundation for Northern Ireland annual Giving Tuesday event at the Playhouse, Derry.

On Tuesday 29th, people joined the celebrations as the Foundation brought communities together to celebrate Giving Tuesday, a global day of giving, recognising the important role individuals involved in philanthropy, by contributing their time, skills and knowledge to support communities thrive.

The Community Foundation’s Acorn Giving Circle, celebrated their 10-year anniversary by awarding £10,000. The Acorn Giving Circle is a fund made up of donations from generous individuals in the Derry/Londonderry area who aim to make a positive contribution towards improving the lives of people and the community in their locality. Since 2012 they have awarded small grants to charitable and community groups where the need is greatest and where they can make a significant difference.

One of the successful grantees was Holy Child Parents and Teacher Association. Recognising the harsh impact that the cost-of-living crisis is having on families £1,000 was awarded to support children from working families ensuring they receive a healthy meal at school.

Shauna Kelpie, Senior Fund Development Officer for the North West area commented; 
“We are delighted to be celebrating Giving Tuesday, which has become an annual event for the Community Foundation since 2017. However, this is our first-year celebrating Giving Tuesday in Derry!
“A huge thank you must go to all the members of the Giving Circle who are celebrating this 10-year milestone. Throughout this time, they have supported a fantastic 82 organisations in the local area who provide vital supports to those who need it most. It is a shining example of that big word that everyone stumbles over… philanthropy, and the way generosity and giving can change people’s lives for the better.”

The event also saw a further £16,000 being awarded to groups through the Ulster College People’s fund through the community foundation recognising the important impact of community arts programmes.  One of the successful grantees was Allegri. Who received £2,000 funding award.

Rachel Tennis, Chairperson at Allegri commented; “We are absolutely delighted to have received this funding which will go towards our sixth Every Voice Festival, a community singing festival held here in the city. For an organisation such as Allegri, the impact of awards like this is huge and we are very grateful to the CFNI for their support, especially in these challenging times.”

Thirty North/South partnerships were formed under an All-Island Fund set up by the Community Foundation for Northern Ireland and The Community Foundation for Ireland last year.

The partnerships gathered in the Carrickdale Hotel, not far from the Irish border (27th/28th September) to decide the next steps for working together. The All-Island fund supported work on a range of issues ranging from climate action to women and migrant rights. Further focus was given on an all-island ban on gay conversion therapy whilst others focused on young people. Total funding was €410,000.

Maintaining the momentum from our coming together, both The Community Foundation for Northern Ireland and the Community Foundation for Ireland have produced a report capturing many of the conversations, learnings and knowledge sharing which took place.

Read the full report here. 

The Community Foundation for Northern Ireland is calling for a Digital Strategy for Northern Ireland to be brought forward.

The call was made at a breakfast launch of ‘Wired Up’, a report, commissioned by the Foundation assessing digital skills, inclusion and capacity in the Community, Voluntary, and Social Economy sectors.

(Click here for full report)

Speaking today at of the launch, Róisín Wood, CEO of the Community Foundation for Northern Ireland stated:  
“One of the major learning outcomes of successive Covid 19 restrictions was to highlight the digital divide and digital poverty within the sector and communities.

“The Community Foundation, in conjunction with our grantees, conducted an initial study on Digital Needs and Digital Inclusion across Northern Ireland.

“It very quickly became clear that a deeper and wider report into digital needs and inclusion was required. As such the “Wired Up” report explored the current levels of digital skills and inclusion in the Voluntary, Community and Social Enterprise Sector. It brings forward four clear recommendations not least the need for a dedicated Digital Strategy for Northern Ireland.

“The publishing of this report is timely, and the fact that members of the public, private and community sectors are engaged at this launch is a fantastic first step. The need for a cross-sectoral approach to achieving the recommendations is crucial.

“If we are to become truly innovative, inclusive, and sustainable we need to lay out a clear and definitive strategy combining the delivery from the community and voluntary sector with the skills, expertise, and access to digital capabilities from the public and private sectors.

“This is a key area for any future Executive to tackle and the Community Foundation is calling for a Digital Strategy for Northern Ireland to allow all of our citizens to be able to access and benefit from the technologies and skills that for too many are currently out of reach.”

Over 200 women from a wide range of grassroots organisations came together for an event aimed at amplifying their voice.

The “Nothing About Us Without Us” event focused on the culmination of three years of work aimed at highlighting the lack of a consistent, effective, and cohesive approaches by decision makers to engage grassroots women on issues that matter to them and affect them. It was also a space to encourage local women to connect with each other and have the opportunity to express their views and opinions on issues that matter to them or affect them

The event has been co-designed by a group of women activists from a range of backgrounds, who are connected to programmes operated by the Community Foundation NI, Social Change Initiative, and St Stephen’s Green Trust.

Speaking after the event Dawn Shackels, Director of Programmes at the Community Foundation for Northern Ireland said: 

“The purpose of the, “Nothing About Us Without Us”, event is to provide a space for women from grassroots organisations to come together and spotlight issues of importance to their work in achieving change.

“Women want to be listened to, to be heard, to be engaged on the issues that affect us and matter to us, whether that’s about what’s happening in our community, the cost-of-living crisis, the education of our children, decent jobs, a health service that works for everyone, peace and stability.

“Many feel that across society greater effort is required by decision makers to find new and better ways of reaching out and engaging women into important discussions.

“There is a role for everyone to progressively lead the way in creating an environment which ensures the range of diverse thoughts, views and opinions women hold are effectively heard at all levels.”

Speaking about the call for action on a Women’s Health Strategy, Dawn Shackels added:

“Health issue are, quite rightly, prominent in the current news agenda.

“One of the key elements for action emanating from this event is to call for Stormont to develop a ground-breaking Women’s Health Strategy, one that fully considers what needs to be in place for women, at various stages in their life, to achieve and maintain good health and wellbeing.

“Womens health strategies’ have advanced elsewhere with Scotland being the first, England following whilst the Minister for Health and Social Services in Wales has requested the production of a Women’s Health Plan.

“We need to see one delivered for Northern Ireland. We need the women at this event and elsewhere making this call to be heard.”

Supporting Communities to Grow, Be Confident and Meet Their Potential

Is your group one that is managed by and works with people from either ethnic and/or LGBTQIA+ communities?

Does your group wish to learn more about how to make stronger funding applications and how to be more strategic in your planning?

Does your group want an opportunity to meet with a range of funders from across the United Kingdom?

If the answers to all of the above questions is yes then the Community Foundation for Northern Ireland’s New Voices Programme could be for your group.

What is the New Voices Programme?

Through a network of peer mentors and partners the New Voices Programme will support your group, through a mixture of in-person and group meetings and 1-2-1 meetings on line that will focus on the following:

● Building the capacity of your organisation to submit strong applications to major UK-wide funders

● Supporting and developing leaders who are serving your communities

● Developing effective governance, including financial management, Trustee/Committee expertise, policies and practice

● Enhancing your connections to potential funders, including Garfield Weston, Tudor Trust, Esmee Fairbairn, Joseph Rowntree Charitable Trust, the Community Foundation and others

● Encouraging your group to be creative when developing projects for funding – working with partner organisations in your areas, reaching out, and including all stakeholders in scoping of need

The main areas covered during the course of ‘New Voices’ include;

● Business planning and preparedness skills

● Developing sustainable ideas and projects

● Developing a case for support with funders

● Impact measurement

● Access to funding

● Assessing Need and Bid Writing

● Whole systems’ approaches and Impact Measurement

● Beyond Grant Funding – Corporate Support & Community Fundraising

● Big Gift Fundraising

There is no cost to be part of the programme, all that is required is your commitment to participate, to reflect, to share learning and experience. The total time commitment for the Programme is circa 30 hours and how this is managed by the group will be through discussions and agreement with an allocated mentor. It is anticipated that much of the time commitment will be spent in the group meetings so that experience, knowledge and learning can be shared.

Should demand exceed the number of places available, preference will be given to groups that:

● Focus their work with people from ethnic minority and the LGBTQIA+ communities;

● Have been operating for under 5 years;

● Have an annual income of less than £30,000 per annum.

Find out more at an online information session on

Wednesday 7th December 7.00pm – 8.30pm

To register contact Michael, mhughes@communityfoundationni.org

The CEO of the Community Foundation for Northern Ireland has called for the immediate restoration of an Executive ahead of the deadline for an election to be reached on the 28th of October 2022.

Speaking ahead of the deadline Róisín Wood CEO of the Community Foundation said:  

“The Community Foundation has supported over 1,000 grassroots organisations this year alone benefitting 1 in 3 individuals in Northern Ireland.  As a funder, we listen and engage with our grantees on a regular basis. Their voice matters to us and the challenges they are facing matter to us.

“We work and support local community groups, who work with some of the most vulnerable and marginalised in our society including those who are experiencing or facing homelessness, asylum seekers and refugees, older people, those with special educational needs, and many, many more.

“An overriding theme, recurring at our grantee network, is the huge challenge of the Cost-of-Living Crisis. Those we work with are facing spiraling energy bills, heating bills, facing choices of protecting front-line services and keeping their doors open. This is the stark reality right across the community and voluntary sector.

“Only this week we have seen an expert review, commissioned by the Department for Communities has called for new welfare mitigations, but these cannot be acted upon without an Executive. We cannot bring forwards an Anti-Poverty strategy without Executive approval and we are facing further public spending cuts under a new Prime Minister, Rishi Sunak, and the Chancellor, Jeremy Hunt’s, forthcoming budget announcements with no local ability to respond.

“In order for those organisations we represent and support to receive the levels of assistance needed to survive and to continue to provide vital services for so many we need the immediate restoration of an Executive at Stormont. We need local politicians to make the right decisions that support local people and organisations. Anything less is a dereliction of duty at this time.”

The Community Foundation, NI held an exciting evening at the Braid Theater, celebrating the success of seven projects, that have been part of the Foundations Civic Innovation Programme. Over 75 individuals joined at the theatre to hear more about Civic Innovation happening right on their doorstep.

The Community Foundation for Northern Ireland’s Civic Innovation programme has awarded over £900,000 of funding. Supporting community-led projects that put people at the centre of decision-making, using a variety of creative approaches, giving communities the tools and knowledge to do so. Tools such as citizens panels, digital engagement and participatory budgeting.

Each project comprises a collaboration of voluntary and community groups, individual contributors and in some cases statutory bodies. The issues covered by projects include educational segregation, climate change, Irish language rights, community planning and peacebuilding.

Some projects include:

The ‘Commoning Possibilities’ project is led by Garvagh Development Trust in collaboration with the Rural Community Network, independent artist Anne McMaster and St Columb’s Park House.  The group was awarded almost £87,795 to engage diverse groups of residents in two localities (Garvagh and Derry) in dialogue and local action around living well together, with the land and with nature.

Meanwhile, the ‘Growing Food, Growing Community’ project developed in partnership between Holywood Transition Town, Holywood Shared Town, Derry City & Strabane District Council and the Acorn Fund was awarded a grant of £81,467 to develop democratic and participatory ways for communities to engage with the food system and its climate impacts, to encourage community growing initiatives and effect policy change.

Gemma McCaughley, Innovation & Voice Programme Officer commented.

“We are thrilled to have supported seven powerful projects through the Civic Innovation programme. Civic Innovation is a concept that is gaining increased relevance as our society recognises that we all should be empowered to be problem solvers. Civic innovation encourages community-driven ideas and solutions to address inequality and build trust. So far the Civic Innovation programme has invested £900,000 into innovative projects which are making change across Northern Ireland.”

To find out more about the Civic Innovation programme click here.  

Thirty partnerships were formed between organisations North and South under an All-Island Fund set up by the Community Foundation for Northern Ireland and The Community Foundation for Ireland last year.

The partnerships gathered in the Carrickdale Hotel, not far from the Irish border (27th/28th September) to decide the next steps for working together. The All Island fund supported work on a range of issues ranging from climate action to women and migrant rights. Further focus was given on an all-island ban on gay conversion therapy whilst others focused on young people. Total funding was €410,000.

Across an island of 7 million people, in each and every county communities are working to address everyday challenges that affect our citizens in very similar ways.

A year on from the launch of the fund the partners gathered with leading campaigners from North and South, as well as a range of international speakers to review their work to date and discuss how it can be further advanced.

Dawn Shackles, Director of Programmes, closed the convening with some final remarks:

“There is no doubt that we are dealing with a wide range of serious and indeed very topical issues that respect neither border nor jurisdiction. Finding solutions and sharing knowledge is important to our island, our future, our rights, entitlements, and the environment we live in.

“We have, over the course of this fund and the Convening conference, heard emotive and moving stories through case studies and contributions and I have no doubt that everyone who attended has felt compelled to ensure that the work continues.

“The need for a strong, independent sector and voice was strongly echoed during the conference, and the important role for philanthropy to create and maintain that space.

“Ensuring that those at the coal face of the challenges that exist and who have lived experience are involved at all times is essential in shaping the decision-making process was a central theme.

“The learning that has taken place within organisations, communities, and across the many stakeholders seeking to build support, influence, lobby advocate, and to ultimately make change has been immense.

“Both Community Foundations on this island understand that it can be difficult harmonising work across two legislative jurisdictions as policy can vary on the issues that were discussed in the conference.

“On the ground, the pragmatism of seeing tangible mutual benefit from working together, from fostering friendships to taking advantage of economies of scale often trumps wider political considerations.

“It is a new future that’s taking shape. It remains vital to continue to build relationships and connections to address today’s circumstances.”

You can view the full list of organisations supported by the All-Island Fund here.

Watch below to see what some of the partner organisations have to say.

Children’s Law Centre, Belfast, and Children’s Rights Alliance have been working together to support the voice of young people in decisions made affecting their future.

The Rainbow Project, Belfast and LQBT Ireland are working together to ban conversion therapy across the island.

The Community Foundation for Northern Ireland is proud to be working with  Kingsbridge Healthcare Group to distribute funding through The Kingsbridge Foundation. The fund is managed and supported by The Community Foundation, alongside an advisory board of Kingsbridge staff from across their hospitals and clinics in Belfast and Ballykelly.

£29,000 of funding has recently been awarded to five organisations, supporting work in the areas of health and wellbeing.

LIPS and Mindskills, two charities that support families and individuals affected by suicide, received £10,000 each.

Equine Enrichment CIC, based in the North West improves mental, physical, and social well-being through interactions with horses received £3,000 as did two Belfast-based charities TAHMI and Streetbeat, who both support young people to overcome mental health challenges.

This week the Kingsbridge advisory board of staff visited Mindskills and xxx in Belfast hearing firsthand from staff and service users just how important the work carried out and the services provided by these charities are.

Medical Director of the Kingsbridge Healthcare Group and Chair of the Kingsbridge Foundation Advisory Board, Dr Martin Shields said;

“This new fund has been established in order to make a positive impact on health and wellbeing in our communities. We have been truly inspired through visiting some of the groups and charities we have funded who are out on the ground delivering much-needed mental health support.

“We are delighted to be in partnership with the Community Foundation NI who work with us each year to guide and advise the Kingsbridge Foundation Advisory Panel.”

Marcus Cooper, Fund Development Manager, Community Foundation NI commented,

“Meeting with the organisations is a fantastic way for the Kingsbridge team to see just how important their funding is. The cost of living crisis is hurting household finances, which will only increase the need for mental health support, particularly as these difficulties intensify over the winter. We are proud to be working with over 70 funds set up by individuals, families, and companies to help them make as big an impact as possible in the communities they care about, right across Northern Ireland.”

84 Community Groups from Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland share over €900,000 to improve their local areas  

From an urban life corridor seeking to improve local biodiversity and engage people of all ages in Derry, to a project in Antrim helping the older generation and the physically challenged connect with nature, 84 local voluntary and community-based groups have been selected to share over €900,000 in funding from AXA Ireland.

It’s all part of AXA Parks Fund, an initiative to support sustainable, community-led projects creating or improving green spaces in their localities. It is estimated that over 350,000 people will benefit from the 84 projects being funded. The Community Foundation, Northern Ireland partnered with Community Foundation Ireland to deliver the AXA Park Fund.

“The support from AXA will help us engage more members of the local communities in particular the funding will help us to improve access for the older generation and those who are physically challenged by installing outdoor seating and wheelchair friendly raised beds.” – Lizzie Whyman, Groundwork NI

Karen Healy, Environmental Officer, Creggan Country Park explains  “Our focus is on highlighting urban green spaces rich in biodiversity to bring people of all ages closer to nature through outdoor recreation, and new learning opportunities

Everything from sensory gardens and walking trails to wildlife preservation, the selected projects may be diverse in nature but are unified in their mission of preserving and enhancing local environments and improving the health and wellbeing of their communities. View other funded projects here.

Roisin Wood, CEO Community Foundation “

“There has never been a more important time for our green spaces to flourish in local communities and this funding is supporting some fantastic projects that will revitalise our green spaces. This fund encourages the creation or restoration of an environment where people can socialise, relax and provide a space for physical and mental wellbeing. As well as helping to contribute to the improvement of the health and well-being of people in local communities these projects will also help to restore engendering pride in neighborhoods. The Foundation is delighted to be working with Community Foundation Ireland again, delivering the new AXA Parks Fund for communities in the North.”

Commenting on the project, Antoinette McDonald, Customer and Marketing Director at AXA, says

“AXA Parks is about helping local communities to thrive by empowering them with the resources they need to bring projects to life. Small, local groups continue to work tirelessly to deliver meaningful projects in their local communities. As a business, we want to do what we can to support them as well as helping to address the climate and environmental challenges we all face.”

The author Eli Khamarov once wrote “Poverty is like a punishment for a crime you didn’t commit”. The ‘Cost of Living Crisis’ is a euphemism for poverty. The Cost-of-Living Crisis is a term that hides the very real effects that exacerbates poverty or pushes more and more people into the poverty trap.

Too many are waking up each morning wondering what they did to deserve the circumstances they find themselves in, how they will make ends meet, how to get to the end of the week. Such instability, on a very human level, has not been this rife in a generation.

The punishment for poverty is wholly unjust. It incarcerates our society by removing services, jobs, threatening family lives, the sense of ownership of our destiny and our own esteem.

Each week, families are joining the ranks of the ‘working poor’. The inability to heat a home, to meet mortgage, rent or other necessary payments, to buy essentials such as food, clothes and to provide for children.

The word ‘crisis’ makes this situation sound temporary – it is not. We have been at the coalface of over a decade of austerity driven policies from Westminster, the spending power of Stormont has been curtailed as a result, and to compound this we now have a global crisis that has seen fuel prices soar with the price of essential goods rise as result. Inflation is set to hit a high of 13 per cent. All this as incomes stagnate and winter approaches.

The Community Foundation recognises the need to act. Over the past three months, the Foundation has allocated £300,000 towards tackling the Cost-of-Living Crisis. £200,000 has been allocated towards an Older Peoples fund with a focus on food and fuel, a £50,000 donation has been made to the Fuel Bank Foundation to build local initiatives, £20,000 to the Rio Ferdinand Foundation to assist the employability prospects of refugees and asylum seekers, a section of our society closest to the edge, and our own Staff & Trustees fund has made a donation of £25,000 to the Trussell Trust to tackle hunger. We have also contacted our existing grant holders to allow them to reprofile budgets and targets in response to this crisis.

We intend to do more. We continue to examine what we can do as a Foundation, to build more partnerships and provide guidance in areas such as the Emergencies Leadership Group reconvened by the Communities Minister, Deirdre Hargey.

It is very clear that we need to see an urgent response to the very real challenges that people in our communities. A flexible and agile community and voluntary sector are already stepping up to the mark. But this challenge cannot be the sole domain of charitable foundations and trusts, food banks and grassroots organisations. There must be an Executive in place at Stormont.

Currently there is over £435m that can be released if an Executive is formed that can be used to ease pressures. The formation of an Executive would also see the ability to bring forward a much needed Anti-Poverty Strategy which is crucial at this time. Furthermore, a functioning, collective Executive will have a stronger voice to demand more spending powers and tax varying abilities from the Exchequer providing more tools to tackle this crisis.

With every day that passes more and more people will be struggling to make ends meet. Let us see all those elected stand up for these people, be their voice and champion by returning to an Executive tomorrow… before it’s too late for many.

The Community Foundation has awarded £73,000 of funding towards projects tackling

housing and homelessness issues in NI. 

The Housing and Homelessness Innovation and Voice programme, supported by the Oak Foundation, supports the development, testing and delivery of new ideas and collaborations addressing the root causes of housing issues and homelessness in NI.

Our panel of experts and individuals with lived experience listened to each organisation as they presented their plans to the Community Foundation.

Roisin Wood, Community Foundation CEO shared with us her experience of being involved on the panel.”Covid has shown us that the Community and Voluntary sector can be agile, flexible and innovative. We must build on the best of these innovations and find new ways of working. 

“Three very moving presentations from very different organisations highlighted the importance of developing and delivering meaningful services responding to the needs of housing and homeless challenges in NI. In partnership with Oak Foundation we are proud to have invested in three innovative projects that focus on supporting female homelessness, refugee and asylum seekers and early intervention solutions.”

“Despite this, much more can be done to support individuals and families who find themselves in this situation. Recent news stories have highlighted the devastating consequences of living on the streets. We urge our political leaders to get back to power sharing and find solutions to financially support society’s most vulnerable, delivering a better outcome for Northern Ireland.”

What is the programme all about…

Three organisations who received funding are:

Horn of Africa People’s Aid NI (HAPANI) – £25,000

Challenge: Homelessness affecting refugees and asylum seekers.

Solution:

Retreat Housing Project, will focus on addressing housing needs and inequalities for Asylum seekers, refugees and migrants. This project has three parts.

1.Financial generator service.

This will assist asylum seekers and those in a state of destitution in securing housing, through providing them with deposits and financial assistance to secure the initial agreement.

2. Online advice portal.

This will contain a range of advice and services to cover all needs and languages. Language barriers and a lack of education can result in asylum seekers and refugees not being aware of the support available for them or how to avail of this.

3. Advocate

The organisation will advocate on behalf of refugees and asylum seekers living in Northern Ireland. Working closely with local politicians and housing bodies to improve the housing and homelessness crisis.

Men’s Action network and Ark Housing – £25,000

Challenge –  Addressing early intervention as a priority challenge addressing Housing and Homelessness.

Solution: 

Developing an early intervention digital platform which connects individuals with local advice services and support. By identifying individual needs, the platform will provide information on a wide range of local services and support available, relating to housing provision, mental health support, financial support and others. The service user will use this app to increase their understanding of the process and remain central to the process as they move towards becoming rehomed.

Kith & Kin Financial Solutions, Voypic and MAC’s  – £23,000

Challenge – Addressing female homelessness 

Solution: 

Currently there is no long-term system strategy for transition to independent living for young females in N.I and support organisations all have their own standards. At the age of 18 a young female will move from care into independent living, often unsure of what to expect or how to adjust to this new way of living.

By co-designing a process engaging with young women who have experienced this transition Kith and Kin financial Solutions aim to develop a new, agreed set of standards (or principles) to improve the experience for young women.

All three projects have been on a 12 month journey with the Housing and Homelessness programme, run by the Foundation. Finding solutions and ways of collaborating to reduce duplication and streamline support services for those most vulnerable in our communities. The programme will reopen for applications in the Autumn.

The Community Foundation for Northern Ireland launched a fund to help address the Cost of Living crisis for groups working with older people or projects run by older people, for older people.

The Older People’s Fund will see applicants being able to seek support for projects aimed at assisting with the two of the main elements of the cost of living crisis – Food and Fuel.

Speaking today CEO of the Community Foundation, Róisín Wood, said: 

“The Cost of Living crisis is affecting many sections of our society. We are in unprecedented times with ever increasing costs in terms of fuel, energy and food prices. We hear on a daily basis that people are having to make the stark choice to heat or eat.

“In recognition of the needs of older people, the Community Foundation has therefore brought forward the Older People’s Fund with a particular focus on food and fuel.

“Among the hardest hit by the cost of living crisis are older people. Older people are often on fixed income, and the rising cost of food and fuel can lead to having to choose between eating or heating.

“The latest cost of living research for Age UK found around 65,000 households aged 60+ will have insufficient income to cover their essential spending this year.

“Around 25,000, almost 40%, of pensioners here are currently living in poverty or just above the poverty line. There are concerns that over the next few months and into the winter that older people will suffer even further.”

“The Older People’s Fund fund is aimed at making a real difference in supporting organisations who assist older people to keep warm, have access to a nutritious meal, reduce the isolation and vulnerability of older people and boost access to potential benefits and entitlements that they may not be aware of.”

“If anyone would like more information or would like  to get involved or further support this fund please get in touch with the Community Foundation or visit our Just Giving page – www.justgiving.com/campaign/olderpeoplesfund.”

The fund will be open to constituted groups within the community and voluntary sector who work with older people or projects run by older people for older people.

The Commissioner for Older People, Eddie Lynch said: 

“I am deeply concerned about the impact rising costs will have on tens of thousands of older people on low and fixed incomes, who will be making the decision between food and sitting in cold homes as they can’t afford to meet their energy bills. For many months I have been pressing government ministers and the main political parties to take strong, decisive action to tackle the crisis we find ourselves in.

“The initiative from The Community Foundation to provide financial support for those most at risk of food and fuel poverty this winter will be welcomed by many older people’s groups in Northern Ireland.

“The grant will provide a real difference to many organisations and the older people they assist, but we also need action from the NI Executive to help those most at risk of poverty, with a scheme that directly puts extra money in the pockets of those who need help to live in a safe and warm home.

“I encourage eligible groups to apply for The Older Peoples fund, as I worry that if support for living costs is not provided, this winter we could see increased illness, hospitalisations and many excess deaths that could have been avoided.”

The Community Foundation for Northern Ireland are delighted to launch a five-year environmental project through the Acorn Farm in St Columb’s Park. The ambitious project is encouraging people to take climate action through better food choices, growing programmes, climate focussed activities and sharing learning to change behaviours.

Special thanks to the National Lottery Community Fund who have funded the £1,697,257  project to bring communities together to tackle food sustainability in Derry/Londonderry.

The project, which is partnered with Derry City and Strabane District Council and the Conservation Volunteers, will also build networks across sectors, driving a new inclusive food movement in Northern Ireland and across the UK.

The funding comes from The National Lottery Community Fund’s Climate Action Fund, which was set up to help communities throughout the UK reduce their carbon footprint and show what is possible when people take the lead in tackling climate change.

Roisin Wood, CEO, Community Foundation NI, said: “We are thrilled to receive this National Lottery funding to build on the work we have already started. The Acorn Farm has the potential to transform how local families and communities make choices about the food they grow and eat. The benefits will be far reaching as food choice impacts climate, health, mental well-being, cost of living and our social interactions.”

The Acorn Farm Project was initially supported by £200,000 from The National Lottery Community Fund’s Climate Action Fund in 2020 to support local families to grow their own produce at home and start developing the Acorn Farm at a former MOD site. This new funding will support the next stage of the Acorn Farm to become a food growing hub with a learning and skills development centre and sustainable food events venue.

Paul Sweeney, Northern Ireland Chair, The National Lottery Community Fund, said: “From 25 years of funding environmental projects across the UK, we know that local community action is at the heart of delivering solutions that not only minimise the impact on the environment, but also offer extra benefits for communities. We are delighted that our Climate Action Fund is now open for applications.”

“It is inspiring to see the progress made at Acorn Farm and in Derry/Londonderry so far in climate action and we look forward to seeing what they will achieve with this new money.

“Thanks to National Lottery players we’re bringing these communities together so they can address climate change, learn from each other and have an impact within and beyond their communities.”

Welcoming the National Lottery announcement, Mayor of Derry City and Strabane District Council, Councillor Sandra Duffy, said: “It’s fantastic news that such a community focused approach to promoting sustainability will now have the resources to engage a wide number of local people of all ages through a diverse and creative programme of activities.

“The Acorn Farm has the potential to really drive change through making more people aware of the many healthier choices out there, and during the current cost of living crisis offering practical ways for people to help reduce household expenditure. Working in tandem with our partners in the Acorn Food Network we can take a proactive approach to climate action and a more sustainable future.”

Riding for the Disabled Association, Coleraine provides equestrian therapy, challenges and fun to over 150 riders each year, of all ages with varying disabilities.

Participants can experience horse activities including carriage driving, riding, competitions and dressage, all whilst learning new skills. All while working as part of a team, communicating with others and learning to recognise and take responsibility for another’s well being (horses, riders).

Dunmore Community benefit Fund supported RDA to purchase a back-up battery system, this is used to store excess energy generated from solar panels on their site. Reducing running costs for the organisation releasing money that can be spent transforming lives.

RDA provides a new dimension to restricted lives, encourages independence and does much to improve a wide range of medical conditions. A fantastic team of volunteers supports the personal development of riders. The overall experience promotes amazing confidence and life skills shaping a positive physical, mental and social health.

Today (19th July) Roisin Wood, Community Foundation NI CEO was delighted to join ‘National Conversations on Civic Innovation’ sharing examples of civic innovation in Northern Ireland. The event was hosted by The Research and Innovation Office, Glasgow and other panel members included Stevie McGowan, from Glasgow City Council and Pauline Grandison, The Coalfields Regeneration Trust.

Civic Innovation is a concept that is gaining increased relevance as our society recognises the fact that we all should be empowered to be problem solvers. Civic innovation encourages community-driven ideas and solutions to address inequality and build trust. In 2020 the Foundation launched a new initiative called the ‘Civic Innovation programme’.

The Programme supports communities and individuals to find their voice by raising awareness of the need for more public participation in decision making. So far £900,000 has been invested into innovative projects which are making change across Northern Ireland.

Civic innovation has huge potential for wider scope and reach in addressing social and environmental issues. However, it does pose some challenges:

Accessibility 
Civic innovation as a concept can be out of reach for many people or organisations in terms of buy in. Why? The language that is used can be high level – we need to ditch the jargon and bring the concept alive by ensuring it remains about getting more people involved as change makers.

Lack of trust in Government
Politics in Northern Ireland remains divided, within Westmister polarisation is growing, and issues such as Brexit and the Cost of Living crisis will have a real impact on people’s outlook, time and willingness to engage. The ‘everyday survival’ can consume people’s efforts. It can be difficult for communities to engage in discussion on other issues /build relationships.

Collaboration is not always easy! Competing priorities and managing relationships can be a barrier
 

Costs and sustainability

Giving time, space and resources for creative thinking and testing innovations, – costs money; creates risks: not all innovations will work and that is ok! In terms of sustaining those that do survive, what happens after funding ends? Can the project continue to run without funding support?
 

The Community Foundation has been working with local organisations and has made a tremendous impact on giving local people a voice. The willness of organisations and individuals to take part and make their voice heard clearly highlights the need and desire within communities.

We have seen individuals get involved in the running of their local forest, making changes that they want to see that will benefit the users. An Irish language project has been re-engaging with active language communities in understanding, designing and assessing language rights promised in the New Decade New Approach agreement. We now see these rights and entitlements being legislated for within Westminster.

Time never stays still and neither does civic innovation. Civic Innovation Programmes can and do work – Investment is key. That’s not just financial investment but support in terms of guidance, time and direction.

To find out more about the Civic Innovation programme click here or get in touch at gmccaughley@communityfoundationni.org

Work is set to begin on the initial site clearance of the old MOD site at St Columb’s Park in advance of the wider Acorn Farm regeneration project funded by the UK Levelling Up Fund and Derry City and Strabane District Council.

The £6.2 million Acorn Farm, is an exciting new environmental project that will enable the development of a high quality innovative urban food growing hub with a learning and skills development centre (Acorn Farm Skills Academy) as well as a sustainable food events venue. It will also boast high quality sustainable visitor infrastructure and experience with associated support infrastructure.

The works will prepare the site for the creation of an urban growing space within the City, as part of the wider improvement plans for the park. Council is currently preparing a tender to be advertised to appoint a Design Team to take forward the wider design development of the Acorn Farm project over the summer.

Welcoming the appointment of the contractor, the newly installed Mayor of Derry City and Strabane District Council, Councillor Sandra Duffy, said: “I am delighted to see works begin on the preparation of the site to make way for the next phase in the redevelopment of the St Columb’s Park site.

“The Acorn Farm project will be central to environmental activity at one of the City’s most important green spaces. It will provide learning opportunities and facilitate new programmes promoting greener more sustainable ways of living. I look forward to seeing the work progress and the roll out of the Acorn Project in its entirety.”

Speaking as work commenced today, Shauna Kelpie, Acorn Fund Development Officer at the Community Foundation said: “It’s fantastic to see the innovative Acorn Farm being one step closer. This farm will be a huge resource for the local community, breaking new ground in providing sustainable food and environmental best practice. We are all very aware of the climate crisis that we are in and the farm will allow local people to get directly involved in learning about sustainable foods but also directly tackling climate change.”

Welcoming the news today, a spokesperson for UKLUF said: “The Acorn Farm St Columb’s Park Regeneration project is one of three local projects to secure UK Levelling Up funding of over £15, of this £5.6m has been allocated towards a £6.2m capital build for Acorn Farm.”

Minister for Levelling Up Neil O’Brien said: “I’m delighted to see work start at St Columb’s Park, supported by more than £5.6 million in government funding, which will greatly improve the sustainable food growing sector in Derry-Londonderry.

“We are levelling up every corner of the UK, working to improve access to environmental projects such as this hub in Northern Ireland offering learning and skills development to local communities.”

Robert Shearman from The Conservation Volunteers organisation, said: “This is a wonderful project which will inspire people across Derry City and further afield to grow their own food and become more self-sufficient, while reducing their impact on the environment. The Acorn Farm will also be a significant attraction for visitors and tourists.”

Every year the Community Foundation for NI continues to be amazed at the generosity of individuals, families and business in Northern Ireland. As one of the most charitable and generous regions in the UK, Northern Ireland is set to celebrate all the positive impacts that philanthropy makes during this year’s Philanthropy Fortnight, June 13th – 24th.

Over 75% of us make donations to charity every year. ‘Philanthropy Fortnight’, now in its eighth year, a partnership between The Community foundation NI, Belfast Charitable Society, Fermanagh Trust, Arts and Business, Chartered Institute of Fundraising NI and The National Lottery Heritage Fund, sharing their stories behind modern philanthropy in Northern Ireland.

During Philanthropy Fortnight we will share what motivates people and organisations to be generous, the wide range of causes supported by philanthropy and the tangible difference it makes to our community. We hope to inspire and encourage even more philanthropy, stimulate debate about the impact of philanthropy and highlight the joy of giving amongst young and old, individuals, families and businesses.

Commenting on the importance of Philanthropy, Siofra Healy, Director of Philanthropy Community Foundation for Northern Ireland, said:

“The Foundation’s mission is to inspire and promote giving by connecting people who care with causes that matter. Thanks to the generosity of our donors, we envision a society where everyone can prosper and live in peace; we encourage and support those who want to give and empower the local community to effect change.

Over the past 18 months through the pandemic, we have seen philanthropy have an enormous impact in communities across Northern Ireland. Its quick response meant vulnerable individuals received the support they needed, children received the tools they needed for home schooling, food parcels, essential befriending services etc.

“We know that philanthropy is a deeply personal choice based on individual passions, interests and experience. The Foundation makes it easy for individuals who want to give to connect with their goals, ensuring that their giving is both impactful and meaningful to them and the communities they support.”

Philanthropy is thousands of years old and today, in Northern Ireland it continues to provide new opportunities and transform lives.  In 2021 the Foundation awarded over £8 million, supporting 1 in 3 individuals in Northern Ireland.

Find out more about how your giving could transforms communities, click here. 

Pictured left to right – Paula Reynolds, Chief Executive at Belfast Charitable Society,  Siofra Healy, Director of Philanthropy, Community Foundation NI and Paul Montgomery, Chair of the Chartered Institute of Fundraising NI.