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.

Fundraising Standards

The Foundation is registered with the Fundraising Regulator and is committed to high standards of transparency and accountability in fundraising.

10 Jun 2026

Now more than ever, we need to hold onto what strengthens us: compassion, respect, inclusion and a shared commitment to peace.

Speaking on recent events, Róisín Wood, CEO of the Community Foundation for Northern Ireland said: “On Monday night, terrible events unfolded in North Belfast and…

Foundation News

20 May 2026

Business and community leaders unite to shape the future of philanthropy in Northern Ireland

Leaders from philanthropy, civic society and community organisations are coming together to spark a vital conversation about the future of giving in Northern Ireland. The…

Events

20 Apr 2026

New Fund Launched in Memory of Lynda Bentham to Support Families Affected by Multiple Sclerosis

A new charitable Trust Fund has been established to honour the life and legacy of Lynda Bentham, who sadly passed away in 2024 due to complications from Multiple Sclerosis.…

Fund & Grant News