The Circle of Change Fund continues to demonstrate the power of community-led philanthropy.  

29 Sep 2025

To date, 60 people from a wide range of communities across Northern Ireland have participated in five circles, mobilising hundreds of people to invest over £100,000 in grassroots projects that tackle key social issues and strengthen social cohesion.

The Circle of Change is a unique model where 15 people from different backgrounds commit to learning about Northern Ireland through each other’s stories and contributing to a better future together. Members raise funds and collectively decide how best to invest them in local projects that reflect the priorities they have identified.

At a recent celebration event at The Duncairn Arts Centre in North Belfast, the impact was highlighted through inspiring stories from funded groups. These included:

• Conway Education Centre – Tunes Translated, led by Catherine Crean, who delivered a 12-week Irish Traditional music programme in Belfast that brings together locals, migrants, refugees, and asylum seekers through music
• TAMHI, who are training young leaders from diverse ethnic backgrounds to deliver peer-to-peer mental health education
• Forthspring Inter Community Group, who ran intergenerational workshops, storytelling circles, and a community art exhibition in North Belfast exploring identity, mental health, racism, and belonging.

Tim Magowan, a member of the latest Circle of Change group, said: 
“The real power of the Circle of Change is seeing communities come together, define their own priorities, and create solutions that make a lasting difference.”

“Thanks to our brilliant Circle of Change, their donors and our partners Development Trusts NI, Locality and Community Foundation Northern Ireland for their fantastic support.”

Orla Black, Director of Grants and Fund Development at the Community Foundation for Northern Ireland, added: 

“The Circle of Change has shown the power of community-led philanthropy. By building relationships across divides and pooling resources, people are not only funding vital grassroots work but also strengthening social cohesion in Northern Ireland. We are proud to support this model and the transformative projects it has enabled.”

The Community Foundation for Northern Ireland is proud to administer the Circle of Change Fund and to celebrate the meaningful impact it continues to have in communities across Northern Ireland.