About Us

Connecting People Who Care With Causes That Matter.

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

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.

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.

16 Jan 2020

Women and girls projects in Northern Ireland receive £131,600 funding boost from the Tampon Tax

Grassroots groups working across Northern Ireland from Limavady to Banbridge have been awarded much-needed grants worth £131,600.00 to help support local women and girls…

Foundation News

16 Jan 2020

Lightbody Foundation Awards £70,000 just in time for christmas

Seven charities have benefited from a second round of funding from the Lightbody Foundation, set up by the popular Snow Patrol artist, Gary Lightbody in partnership with…

Foundation News

9 Jan 2020

Aquinas Pupil joins forces with the Community Foundation to support Ardoyne Afterschools Club

Aquinas Upper Sixth pupil Oisín Cahalane has raised £500 in partnership with the Community Foundation for Northern Ireland to fund new games and play equipment for…

Foundation News