The Ann McGeeney Trust Fund for women – looking back, reaching forward

About Ann

Ann McGeeney was born on the 3rd of June 1962 in Cornonagh, a small townland outside Crossmaglen in South Armagh, Ireland.  She began her working life in Crossmaglen as Manager of the newly formed Regeneration of South Armagh community organisation (RoSA) so began a working life dedicated to working with and for the community in deprived areas, across the border, supporting peace building and inspiring women to be confident and make a difference to their lives.  Ann worked in dangerous and difficult times but despite intimidation, confrontation and challenge she never diverted from that in which she believed or in the defence of those in whom she believed.

Ann died on the 11th of September 2014 from cancer, following a diagnosis in June the previous year.  She had shown no signs of illness up to that point.  Her life had been an exceptionally active one – running, cycling, kayaking, walking her beloved hills.  During her illness, she never allowed it to stop her working and continuing to exercise with family and friends.

In recognition of her life and work her family, friends and work associates agreed to establish the Ann McGeeney Charitable Trust.

Now in 2024, the Ann McGeeney Trust Fund and the Women’s Fund for Northern Ireland have partnered to offer funding opportunities for individual women who require a small amount of financial aid to support them towards fulfilling their potential. The fund will provide bursaries to individuals to help build resilience, remove barriers to employment and training, and/or build on opportunities they may have to achieve a positive future.

Who can apply:

• Individual women aged 18 and over, living in Northern Ireland (and Republic of Ireland), who are striving to get into, or back into employment.
• Applicants will preferably be affiliated to a constituted community/women’s group and have the support of that organisation, however, if you are not, you will still be eligible to apply.

While not exclusive, the Fund welcomes applications for Bursaries that address the following:

•  Personal development and confidence building
• Overcoming barriers to employment, education or training
• Making the first steps towards re-entering the workplace

*In exceptional circumstances the panel may offer support for education fees, providing they are for short term courses only, and that there are further barriers for the applicant around accessing such a course.

Examples of the types of activities that may be supported:

• Basic training support materials – books or equipment for example
• Interview training
• Mentoring
• Travel costs to access relevant training (public transport for up to six months)
• Childcare during employability training (up to six months)
• Access course

The Fund will not support

The Foundation will not fund organisations or activities which promote causes that are contrary to our purposes.  Causes and activities that are contrary to our purposes include, but may not be limited to, those outlined in our investment policy.  We will not therefore fund organisations or activities which we determine are linked to the promotion of armaments, alcohol, human rights abuses, tobacco or pornography.

In addition, the Fund will not support:  

• Salaries
• Formal education fees, for long term courses, e.g. Degree, MSc, courses over one year in length
• Travel outside of Northern Ireland
• Holidays/residentials
• Vehicles or related costs
• Equipment
• Parties & shopping trips
• Promotion of religion or politics

Please note: The Community Foundation has a new database and application and monitoring system.

To apply applicants will be asked to log in to a new fundseeker portal which will store applications and monitoring reports. You will login to see any submitted applications, and any monitoring reports required here. All our funds will use this new system for applications and monitoring.  Please find the ‘How to Apply‘ guide.  We advise that you read this document before you apply.