About Us

Working hand in hand with communities to build a better future.

We’re an independent, grant making trust, inspiring generosity and achieving impact.

The Community Foundation want to see a place where generosity and fairness changes lives, communities flourish, and everyone feels they belong.

We Inspire Generosity

Matching generous people to important causes, we manage and award grants to hundreds of charities through donations and funds set up by our donors. Beginning with the causes and issues that you care about, our team guide you with your giving and connect you to a network of like minded people, social entrepreneurs, important causes and charitable organisations.

Whether you want to make a one off, regular or lifetime donation, help charities and social enterprises thrive with a social investment, give now or in the future we’re happy to share our expertise, support and advice so get in touch.

Our Grants Achieve Impact

Responding to need, we’ve 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. We’re rooted in a tradition of community connections, risk taking and innovation and we like to help smaller, community-led organisations that work directly with people who are at the margins of society. Funding through the Foundation ranges between £250 to £1m.

Empowering the local community to effect change, the big issues and themes we are currently focussed on include building sustainable communities, community voice, thriving after the conflict and people on the edges.

Start A Fund

Setting up a fund through the Community Foundation is similar to having your own charitable trust but without the hassle of administration.

Our Impact

In the last 40 years, we have awarded over £100 million in grants to individuals & local communities.

Apply For A Grant

Find all our open grants here with details on the types of projects we support, who’s eligible and how to apply.

13 Dec 2024

Grow Your Own Fresh Food in 2025: Join the Acorn Farm Project’s ‘I Can Grow’ Programme!

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…

Foundation News

28 Nov 2024

Tender Opportunity: Nothing About Us Without Us

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…

Foundation News

28 Nov 2024

Q&A with Community Foundation for Northern Ireland Trustee, Jane Wilde CBE

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…

Foundation News