Lord Peter Melchett’s contribution to the Community Foundation remembered

31 Aug 2018

Andrew McCracken Chief Executive of the Community Foundation reflects on the contribution of Lord Peter Melchett to community Development in Northern Ireland.

The Community Foundation, formerly known as the Northern Ireland Voluntary Trust (NIVT) was saddened to learn of the passing of Lord Peter Melchett on 31st August 2018 at the age of 71.

Lord Melchett was instrumental in the formation of NIVT in 1979 which provided crucial intervention in NI communities at the height of the troubles, and had a significant impact on community development.

Thanks to the support of Lord Melchett, we were formed with an initial fund of £500,000 and a determination that we would be totally independent of government, almost 40 years later the Community Foundation continues to exist.

Since 1979, the Foundation has awarded over £100 million in grants to community groups and maintains the original vision of independence and community focus of NIVT.

It is due to the foresight and innovation shown by Lord Melchett in the 1970’s that the Community Foundation is today able to play such a key role in communities across Northern Ireland, connecting people who care to causes that matter. We wish to extend our condolences to Lord Melchett’s family, and also our thanks for his vital contribution to community development in Northern Ireland.