Strategic Priorities

Vision

A peaceful, prosperous, shared and just society

Mission

To connect people who care to causes that matter

In 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

Our Values

Generous

We encourage generosity in everything we do; we look out for each other; we deal with everyone with compassion, empathy and understanding. We are flexible in how we work with staff, donors and grantees.

Thriving

We see the potential within both our staff and the communities we work in and are committed to help both reach their full potential.

Together

We will only make the change we want to see together. We value participation, working with others and bringing people together.

Strategic Priorities 2019-2024

Building Sustainable Communities

Local community organisations have untapped potential that could be unlocked by access to more resources, new approaches, relationships, skills and technologies. We are working towards a stronger, resilient and sustainable community sector equipped to face the challenges of tomorrow by unlocking resources and skills, piloting innovative approaches, developing partnerships and encouraging entrepreneurial mindsets

Thriving after the Conflict

The conflict in Northern Ireland is still actively affecting the lives of some communities, individuals and families and we will continue to support and deliver a Peace Impact Programme. We believe that some communities are still struggling with the effects of the conflict but have the potential to thrive and we will work to support groups, leaders and potential leaders in those communities to make that happen

Community Voice

Everyone has the right to participate in the decisions that affect their lives and shape the society they live in. Public trust in government and politics is extremely low and there are few opportunities for people to influence the decisions that affect their lives – with the right support civil society can change this by reinvigorating civic participation and pushing for deeper democracy.

People on the Edges

We will always look out for those who are caught at the margins of society, in particular the refugee and asylum seeking community, the more vulnerable of the LGBT community, and the travelling community and we will work to support organisations who build capacity in these communities.

Promotion of Philanthropy

Beginning with the causes and issues that matter, our team will promote and guide giving in Northern Ireland. Working with individuals, families, businesses and other funders, we will connect networks of like-minded people, important causes and charitable organisations and help to evaluate the effectiveness of giving. Your local centre for philanthropy, we’ll share our expertise and provide philanthropy services, training and guidance. Over the next five years, we’ll grow new and more funding for the sector, supporting donors to make an impact.

Theory of Change

Our theory of change describes the change we want to make and the steps involved to make that change happen.

The Community Foundation has an impact on grantees (through funding approaches etc) and beneficiaries, (through the activities that they fund). We also have a direct impact on a social problem and on making communities, local areas and Northern Ireland a better place to live in, moved, and/or return to, through our grants plus and programme work.