Philanthropy Fortnight 2019, the recent two week long celebration of generosity, highlighted the very real and positive impacts which philanthropy makes at a societal level and launched new funding opportunities for community groups and individuals.

Lead partners Fermanagh Trust, Belfast Charitable Society,Arts and Business NI and the Community Foundation for Northern Ireland launched new funds, held award events for recipients of existing funds and shared insights and learnings on different giving models; from corporate giving to giving circles and individual philanthropists to charitable foundations.

Some of the highlights of Philanthropy Fortnight included:

• A grants presentation by the Fisher Foundation to support 25 local people in 13 projects volunteering overseas this year across Africa, Asia, Europe and South America. The Foundation is managed by Fermanagh Trust
• 500 young people received funding and awards from the Enniskillen Yacht Club Charitable Trust and the Fermanagh Recreational Trust, also managed by the Fermanagh Trust
• A new Pears Community Spaces fund was launched by the Community Foundation and Pears Foundation, through which grants of £5,000 are available for groups and organisations to develop greater understanding and collaboration Six young people were awarded bursaries from the Thomas Devlin Fund to pursue studies in the creative arts
• The Barbour Fund managed by Belfast Charitable Society has a mission to address social disadvantage and reduce isolation celebrated a huge milestone having awarded over £100,000 to projects over the past few year. It has supported: over 1500 older people in care and independent living settings in a wide range of activities and in volunteering to help others. It supported the development of industry linked training courses with 18 trainees going directly into work alongside bursaries at Belfast MET and QUB.
• PwC highlighted their new corporate philanthropy model during Philanthropy Fortnight They have ‘adopted’ Malvern Primary School in West Belfast and provide a fully-funded breakfast club and after-school classes which its 100 plus pupils can avail of. Since the partnership began the school can report a significant increase in attendance in both the breakfast club and school plus more parental engagement.

Siofra Healy, Director of Philanthropy at the Community Foundation summarised, “Philanthropy Fortnight is an opportunity to celebrate that Northern Ireland is one of the most generous regions in the UK and the impact that generosity makes to our society. Generosity is not limited to a two week period however and over the last year, one in every eight people in NI benefited from local philanthropy through the Foundation with over £2m in grants awarded. While statistics can be impressive, the real impact can be seen when individuals’ lives are changed.

Marcella Walsh, Art’s Programme Co-ordinator, Arts & Business NI said, “Arts & Business NI’s participation in the Philanthropy Fortnight 2019 campaign is an excellent way to celebrate the generosity through Philanthropy for Arts projects and Business engagement, by highlighting successful stories and innovative collaborations. Crowdfunding has revolutionised the way in which organisations and artists can create and makes it easy for individual supporters to engage in 21st Century Philanthropic causes, make a difference and champion Arts and Culture in NI.”
Lauri McCusker Director at the Fermanagh Trust highlighted the importance of the fortnight’s events ‘‘Here in Fermanagh, Philanthropy Fortnight provided our Foundation with an important opportunity to shine a light on excellent examples of local giving for both local and international causes. It was a terrific positive experience bringing philanthropists and recipients together to share and celebrate their endeavours’’.

Paula Reynolds, Chief Executive at Belfast Charitable Society said, “Past and present philanthropists have made a real difference in Northern Ireland and this Philanthropy Fortnight we collectively celebrated the real difference that giving makes and highlighted how we need philanthropy today more than ever.”

Join the Telecommunity Grant-making committee and become the new community representative.

The Telecommunity Grant-making committee consists of representatives from the community sector, BT, and Unions. The purpose of the committee is to recommend grant-making priorities and make decisions on grant allocations for the Telecommunity Fund.

The committee meets up to five times per year and distribute grants on behalf of the Telecommunity Fund.

Expressions of interest for this post should be sent by email to Orla Black, Grants Director, oblack@communityfoundationni.org, by Friday 14th June 2019 at 1pm. Find more information

As one of the most charitable and generous regions in the UK, Northern Ireland is set to celebrate all the positive impacts that philanthropy makes during this year’s Philanthropy Fortnight, May 13th-26th*. Over 75% of us make donations to charity every year and the partnership between the Community Foundation, Fermanagh Trust, Belfast Charitable Society and Arts and Business NI, ‘Philanthropy Fortnight’ will tell the stories behind modern philanthropy in Northern Ireland.

Now in its seventh year, the organisations involved will share what motivates people and businesses to be generous, the wide range of causes supported by philanthropy and the tangible difference it makes to our community.

In the 1800’s, private philanthropy played a big part in NI society when middle class industrialists set up hospitals and ran poor houses out of concern for the poor and their standard of living. Belfast’s first maternity hospital was set up as a result of scant support for women in labour and to provide accommodation, food and medical supervision during childbirth. Managed and organised by a group of philanthropic women, this “Lying – In Hospital” is now Belfast Royal Maternity. In Derry, the first children’s home was set up as a result of the generosity of a local merchant, John Gwyn, through a gift in his will and today has been redeveloped as Brooke Park.

“Enormous things are also being achieved today through Philanthropy in NI, things which simply wouldn’t happen without the generosity and involvement of local people” said Siofra Healy, Director of Philanthropy at the Community Foundation.

“During philanthropy fortnight we want to celebrate the difference modern philanthropy is making by recognising the value of what is being achieved and highlighting the impact on local lives. Our hope is to encourage even more philanthropy, stimulate debate about what philanthropy means and highlight the joy of giving amongst the young and old, individuals, families and businesses.”

Activity over the fortnight will include the launch of new funding opportunities, a celebration of giving by the Barbour Fund and Fermanagh will go global with the Fisher Foundation as they present 25 grants to local people working in 13 projects volunteering overseas this year across Africa, Asia, Europe and South America.

“Investing in our youth is a major passion for modern day philanthropists, said Lauri McCusker, Director of Fermanagh Trust and during the fortnight both Enniskillen Yacht Club Charitable Trust and the Fermanagh Recreational Trust will present awards to young people whilst in Derry, The Change Something Fund panel of young people will make decisions about how funding should be spent in their city.

Paula Reynolds, Chief Executive of Belfast Charity Society is chair of the NI Charitable Trust Group and said, “Past and present philanthropists have made a real difference in Northern Ireland and giving has always been hugely important here. Get involved by following the conversations at #philanthropy fortnight and let us know what generosity means to you. This celebration will showcase how generous we are in NI, the difference philanthropy can make and how we need philanthropy today more than ever.”
#philanthropyfortnight19

‘Tea and Philanthropy; Anne McKay of Mornington Community, Ormeau Road Belfast and Julie Sherlock, Community Foundation for Northern Ireland discuss what generosity means to them this Philanthropy Fortnight.

*According to NICVA research

Compared to UK wide, in NI three quarters (76%) of adult population gave to charity in last twelve months (NICVA Individual giving research ) UK wide the figure is 60%- Reason we are higher is linked to higher church attendance and higher values of donation given to religious causes in NI compared to UK wideWomen are more likely to give than men but men tend to give higher values.Average amount given over 12 months is £141.34 in NIMain reason for giving is because they were asked by a street collector, family member or friend

Most popular causes supported are in the following order
Health, Hospitals & hospices, Children and youth, Religion and faith

Value-wise most donations are given to health (26%) followed by religion( 22%)66% of people gave to just one cause and 34% gave to two or more causes.

It’s always been the role of the Community Foundation as an independent funder in Northern Ireland to be looking out for what’s coming next, what’s up ahead and where the gaps that we should be stepping into are, that others can’t (or won’t?) fill.

It’s been more than 4 years since I started as CEO and we’ve come to the end of one cycle of strategic thinking, about to start a new one. Looking back over the last chapter, 2016-2019, we’ve achieved a lot, including enabling substantial new funding for Northern Ireland and using that funding to surpass our target to support 2,000 communities. This month, we’re launching our plan for the next few years, and along with that, a refreshed look for the Foundation.

Many of you will be aware of our history; We were established in 1979 as the Northern Ireland Voluntary Trust, with an initial government investment and began life as a grant giving organisation. Against the background of a divided society and the existence of a huge number of community groups, we used our expertise to build relationships within communities and make funding available where we knew we could make an impact. As the funding environment has changed, we’ve stayed true to that DNA, but focused more on how we bring new streams of funding into the third sector in Northern Ireland; ‘Connecting people who care to causes that matter’. Our 2019-2024 strategy maintains that core focus and we frame it into two key focus areas; ‘achieving impact’, which refers to our grant making and other direct work; and ‘inspiring generosity’ where we help people and organisations to give more and more effectively.

In thinking about that impact we want to achieve in the next 5 years, these are the themes where we see the need to step up:

Building Sustainable Communities – we so often see that local communities are way ahead in the innovative, cohesive and positive changes they are making. We will work to support more sustainable, entrepreneurial, innovative work by small organisations in local communities.

Community Voice – increasingly, people feel like their voice isn’t being heard; democracy at a global and local level needs support and re-vitalising. We will work to help communities find their voice and use it.Thriving after the conflict – we believe that some of the communities still struggling with the effects of the conflict have the potential to thrive and we will work to support groups, leaders and potential leaders in those communities to make that happen

People on the edges – we 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.

Of course, the Community Foundation can’t achieve these impacts without our diverse network of donors, funders, grantee partners and ambassadors, so we hope you’ll work alongside us in delivering these priorities. It’s in our nature to be an organisation of quiet, powerful conversations and we look forward to more of those with you.

2019 promises to be a very exciting year for the Foundation, with the announcements of new funds due imminently, Philanthropy Fortnight happening on May 13th-26th and an official 40th celebration in September. In the meantime, keep following the conversation on our social media platforms, sign up for our newsletter and where you can, get involved.

Warmest regards,
Andrew

On Good Friday we woke up to the horrific news that a young woman had lost her life in a cruel and senseless way whilst doing the job she loved. Our sincerest sympathies go to Lyra McKee’s partner, family and friends. The irony of this day some 20 years on from the signing of the Belfast/Good Friday Agreement is not lost on many of us. In her own words, Lyra was from the “Good Friday Agreement Generation.” A generation that we believed would never have to live through the horrors that we did, but as she said, “reap the spoils of peace.”

Today, instead of telling the news story, Lyra has tragically become the news story.

Over the last 40 years the Community Foundation has worked tirelessly to support the most marginalised, the most vulnerable in our society. We have and continue to take risks in support of peace, in support of a better future for all, in support of creating a peaceful, shared and just society- it’s our mission, our raison d’etre and it’s more important now than ever. We recognise that there will always be dissenting voices and whilst that voice needs to be expressed and heard, it must be done peacefully.

Today is however a wake up call for us all. If we want a peaceful, shared and just society then we must work harder for it and even harder to keep it. Our politicians must get back around the table and start genuinely working together for the good of everyone. Times up, there is no space for excuses. To the community gatekeepers, intent on ruling communities through violence and coercive control, ask yourselves is this really the way to achieve your objectives?

Today, tomorrow and the months ahead Lyra McKee’s family and friends will try to make sense of the senseless and will try to comprehend the incomprehensible. Lyra was meant to reap the rewards of peace. We all were. We need to work together and work harder to make sure the ‘spoils of peace’ reach and benefit us all.

Techies in Residence, a Community Foundation programme has announced six new tech and charity partners for its next round.

One of the partnerships between Derry~Londonderry based charity Our Future Foyle and illustration and design agency Us Folk, will develop an online toolkit for families and members of the public dealing with issues relating to the suicide search and recovery process on the River Foyle.
Mel Carroll of Us Folk said, “One of our award winning illustrators who has a background in producing comics with a particular focus on grief, will produce the visual content for this online platform which has a focus on self care. This is extremely sensitive subject matter and we are delighted to have been trusted as the partner for the project delivery.”

Other tech partners working on the programme are Damgeo, the Creative Workers Cooperative, Zoo Creative and Metadeck and the charities selected to participate are Centred Soul, Include Youth and Proud, PPR (Participation & the Practice of Rights), Foyle Parents & Friends Association and Advice NI.

Techies in Residence, funded by Comic Relief and delivered in partnership with Innovate NI, is in its fourth year and matches local charities and social enterprises with digital technology partners. Participants collaborate to build new digital products that have direct benefit for people and communities in Northern Ireland. Previous successful partnerships include Parenting NI, who launched an information and support app for parents in 2018 with tech provider Kippie CIC; uHub who built an end user app which aims to support people with their mental health, help reduce pressure on statutory services and promote links between the user and their local community and voluntary organisations and Mencap NI, who developed a virtual reality app to support and prepare those with learning difficulties to navigate everyday situations.
Paul Braithwaite, the Community Foundation’s Head of Innovation & Voice said:

“The credibility and momentum that Techies in Residence has built up over the past four years, demonstrates that there is an ongoing need for tech for good projects. It gives social enterprises and charities a platform to look at issues in a new way and apply an end user focused methodology to solving them.

“We enjoyed a high level of interest in participation from techies and charities again this year and I look forward to seeing the results of this cohort’s work as they identify digital solutions for a range of social issues.”

The partnerships will deliver the following outcomes:

Centred Soul & Damgeo will develop a digital platform to enable people experiencing peri-natal mental illness and birth trauma to connect and communicate with each-other in a safe space;Include Youth along with Proud and Damgeo will design an inspiring web application for young people that can drive self-sufficiency and promotes independence and ownership of wellbeing and employment status;PPR (Participation & the Practice of Rights) and the Creative Workers Cooperative will work together to turn PPR’s existing housing rights complaints system into an online application which enables self-management, collective action and scaling;Foyle Parents & Friends Association & Zoo Creative to develop an app to allow people with disabilities to independently explore Derry’s walls and city centreAdvice NI and Metadeck will create a spending tracking tool to help people manage their money better and know where to get debt advice should they need it

As we head towards the end of another tax year, the Community Foundation which provides donor services and advice on charitable giving in Northern Ireland is encouraging donors to give tax efficiently and add value to charitable donations.

Commenting on this planned approach, Siofra Healy, Director of Philanthropy at the Foundation, says; “I am regularly asked about the best way to make a charitable donation and this will generally depend on a number of circumstances; the person’s interests, values and motivations, amount they want to give, timeframe, intentions and causes they wish to give to and their personal circumstances. Donors are increasingly savvy and people planning a special gift want to know that their donations are well managed and making an impact. This is where well- planned tax efficient giving can make a difference. For example, someone thinking of making a donation to a cause, doing so in a tax efficient way could increase the value of the donation, and in certain situations substantially reduce the tax bill.

“Gift aid is the most widely known and used mechanism for tax efficient giving and if you pay income tax or capital gains tax, this government operated scheme enables registered charities to claim back 25p for every £1 donated to that charity. As a donor, you need to make a gift aid declaration and ensure enough tax has been paid for the charity to make the claim. In addition, higher and additional tax rate payers can also benefit further.”
Discussing the benefits of Gift Aid for higher and additional tax rate payers, Siofra added; “Firstly, the donor can claim back the difference between the basic tax rate (currently 20% plus rate paid, either 40% or 45%) and it is often surprising to higher and additional tax ratepayers that giving a £5,000 donation to charity (at 40% tax rate) actually only costs them £3,750 and the charity gains £6,250, after gift aid is claimed.
“Secondly, a charitable gift could reduce the top rate of income tax, particularly if total income, before making a charitable gift falls marginally into the higher or additional rate tax band. The tax relief for higher rate tax payers is even more beneficial for those who fall into the ‘60% tax trap’. There is a band of income that is tax free up to the annual personal allowance. If the adjusted net income exceeds £100,000 the personal allowance is reduced by £1 for every £2 of income in excess of this limit so someone with adjusted income of £123,700 or more will not be entitled to the 2018/19 £11,850 personal allowance. When this happens that slice of income between £100,000 and £123,700 is taxed at an effective tax rate of 60%. By making a charitable donation this will reduce the level of net adjusted income, so a person just above the £100,000 limit giving to charity could bring their adjusted net income below that limit, preserve the personal allowance, and effectively get tax relief on the donation at 60%.

“This concept of adjusted net income also applies to the High Income Child Benefit Charge which claws back child benefit via the tax system if either partner has adjusted net income of more than £50,000. The child benefit is clawed back on a sliding scale until, at £60,000, all child benefit is lost. Making charitable donations is one way of reducing the adjusted net income below £50,000 so that child benefit is preserved.
“A lesser known fact about gift aid is that in some circumstances the opportunity exists for a donor to carry back a claim to the previous year. The decision to carry back has to be made on or before the self-assessment return for the earlier year and, in any event, before 31 January following that year so donations made between 6 April and the following 31 January can be carried back.

“I recently advised a donor who received a legacy and wanted to give this to the causes his loved one cared about. If the donation was made in one financial year it would have exceeded his gift aid capacity, but by using the carry back scheme, unused capacity from the previous year enabled him to give through the Community Foundation and for charities to receive maximum benefits,” Siofra advises.

A note of caution; not all donations are eligible for gift aid, anyone unsure should check with the charity or a tax adviser before making a claim or a declaration, e.g. company donations, donations on behalf of someone else, donations where no tax has been paid or where a benefit is attached are not generally eligible for gift aid. Siofra added that “The amount claimed under gift aid by registered charities in the UK annually is substantial at over £1.2b and goes a long way in funding the charity sector yet, HMRC have reported that £600m goes unclaimed every year! If you are eligible to claim gift aid and you haven’t done so, imagine the impact and difference this could make to your favourite charity.
“Gifting of assets (shares, land and /or property) is less popular however it is another great way to give tax efficiently and can often be a smart financial decision. Relief is available for ‘qualifying investments’ and land, where the asset is donated or sold to a charity at less than the market value. Individual circumstances can vary but it’s worth noting and knowing that there is no capital gains tax payable on land, property or shares you donate to charity. In addition to the capital gains tax relief there can be a deduction from net income of the net benefit to the charity, plus incidental costs (broker or legal fees), less any disposal proceeds or other benefits received on disposal. With both capital gains tax relief and income tax relief applicable, this form of donation can be one of the most tax effective ways to give to a cause. Whilst only applicable to qualifying shares listed on a recognised stock exchange, and land, the actual rate of relief will depend on individual circumstances and differ depending on whether the shares are donated outright to charity, sold by the donor and the proceeds donated to charity, or sold at under market value to charity.

“Unlike gift aid, Tax relief through gifts of shares, land or buildings must be claimed within the year of the donation and cannot be carried back. Seeking advice from a tax expert is advisable as share giving can be flexible over many years, partly sold and partly donated or sold for capital gain and then gift aided over a number of years, depending on what works best for an individual’s circumstance and the charities benefiting. Another consideration is that many charities, particularly smaller, local groups do not accept shares as donations and rather than forfeit this relief a donation through for example the community foundation may be an option.

“Studies have shown that tax reliefs are not a motivation in itself to give to charity and have little impact on a donors decision to give to a charity, however they do and can maximise a gift to charity and thereby encourage more generosity. Most donors want to maximise their giving and a planned approach can make a donation go further, but there is no one size solution to fit all and expert advice is crucial when it comes to higher earners and those with more complex tax arrangements,” Siofra concluded.

Local charity and community groups are set to receive an unprecedented boost through an anonymous donation of £1m to be distributed to local communities. Donated through the Community Foundation, the Keadue Fund will provide grants to organisations tackling social need over the next ten years.

Conal McFeely, Creggan Enterprises welcomes the launch of the new £1 million Keadue Fund to fund projects based in Derry~Londonderry, along with Síofra Healy, Director of Philanthropy, Community Foundation Northern Ireland and Shauna Kelpie, Acorn Fund Development Officer, Community Foundation Northern Ireland

The donation which is further proof of NI’s position as the most generous region in the UK, will be used to help fund projects based in Derry~ Londonderry and the North West which help tackle a range of issues including homelessness, educational disadvantage, and mental health.
The donation comes at a time when communities are increasingly struggling and speaking about the new Keadue Fund, Síofra Healy, Director of Philanthropy at the Foundation said:

“The donor had been thinking about doing this for a while. They want to use their success and good fortune to give back to their community and make a significant difference and impact on the lives of others, particularly people affected by inequality and those who are experiencing personal and family crisis, often through no fault of their own.

“Helping local people by setting up the Keadue Fund is a perfect way for them to give back to a wide range of people and projects. The Community Foundation has enabled this and is supporting the donor to reach the projects and people most in need, advising on where and how to make an impact,” said Síofra.

Shauna Kelpie, Fund Development Officer at the Foundation spoke of the relief amongst community groups in Derry~Londonderry working at the front line of mental health issues,isolation and disadvantage:

“This is going to make a big impact, and on behalf of the people and organisations that will benefit, I can’t thank the donors enough. Although we are known for our generosity in NI, this long term and planned support for the local community is unprecedented in the North West and very encouraging for everyone involved.”

“The Foundation aims to inspire generosity and to connect people who care to the causes that matter, and we are privileged to be able to distribute this money on behalf of the the Keadue Fund. With grant sizes typically between £10k and £20k we know it will make a massive difference to so many people, at a time when it is desperately needed.”

The Keadue Fund opened for applications on 11 February 2019 and will close at 1pm on 8 March 2019. Grants are available to organisations and constituted groups which are supporting local people through short and long term crises caused by a range of social factors including, but are not exclusive to; poverty, ill health, addiction, disability, family break down, abuse, bereavement, loneliness and isolation, or low educational attainment.

To find out more about the Keadue Fund or the Community Foundation, visit: www.communityfoundationni.org

The Institute of Directors Northern Ireland and the Community Foundation is working in partnership to support mental health issues in 2019.
The Foundation, an independent charitable trust, exists to connect people who care with causes that matter in NI, and IoD NI, the leading business organisation has chosen mental health as the issue it would most like to address in the coming year.

Gordon Milligan Chairman IoD NI and Siofra Healy Director of Philanthropy Community Foundation

Under the partnership, five local charities have been selected to benefit from a new fund and the Foundation will match-fund monies raised by IoD NI members. The IoD NI Leadership Lunch in November raised £2453 in support of mental health issues which was doubled by the Foundation to bring the total raised to date to £4906.

The partnership which runs for one year will directly support Links Counselling Service, Mid Ulster Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy, Foyle Search and Rescue, PIPS Charity Newry and PIPS Charity Belfast.

All the benefiting charities work to help those affected by mental health and their loved ones. They are a mix of small local charities which are making a great impact in the communities they serve, covering a range of geographical areas and offering support in crisis situations, as well as undertaking preventative work and delivering counselling services.

Gordon Milligan, Chairman, IoD NI said: “We are pleased to be working with the Community Foundation to partner five local charities in order to raise awareness around the issue of mental health.

“As one of the main causes of sickness in the UK, bad mental health is a major driver for low productivity levels. Therefore, by investing in wellbeing, we not only help employees to thrive but enable businesses to thrive also.

“We very much look forward to showcasing the work of the Community Foundation, and helping to raise funds, across our busy calendar of events throughout the coming year,” said Gordon.

Mental health problems are widespread in Northern Ireland affecting one in five people with rates among young men particularly concerning and those who live in poorer areas suffer from a wider range of health issues.

For many there is a stigma attached to issues of mental health – particularly amongst men who won’t ask for help due to a fear of being stigmatised as ‘weak’.

Siofra Healy Director of Philanthropy at the Community Foundation said: “We know from our Vital Signs research that incidences of mental health issues experienced by people in NI are 20% higher than in England or Scotland. We are therefore delighted to work with IoD NI to help deliver funding where it is most needed.

“With a significant and increasing amount of applications to us for support being in relation to health and well-being projects, we understand and can see the great need that exists for mental health support in NI, and we will match pound for pound the money raised.

‘We would like to thank the IoD NI for helping to address this issue and on behalf of the charities and people that will benefit. This will help make a huge difference to people in our community,” said Siofra.

Donations towards the fund can be made at IoD NI events throughout the year.

We wish to contract support for 3 – 4 days a week between Jan and March 2019 for marketing to key stakeholders, including organising a range of events, campaigns and engagement opportunities in support of our Communications and Fund Development Strategy.

This work is in support of business development and will play a hands-on role developing and delivering an engagement plan that aims to cultivate relationships with funders and make a real difference to the Foundation’s position and profile. It will include desktop research, managing partnership and sponsorship opportunities and delivering a rolling programme for donors, ambassadors and prospects using a broad range of tools and channels.

Looking back on 2018 I am pleased to say it has been another exciting and successful year for the Community Foundation for Northern Ireland. Our aim is to connect people who care to causes that matter; having looked at our grants data for the year, we have given £1,772,835 in 452 grants to our local community.

We supported communities, fundholders and donors in ways that have had a lasting impact and which have helped to tackle poverty and inequality, and promote a peaceful, prosperous and inclusive society.

As the year comes to a close we are delighted to launch our 2017/18 annual report which shows significant progress across three mission critical areas as it reached the halfway point of its current three year strategy. The report shares stories of some of the wonderful organisations, and people we worked with during the year, and we hope you take the time to read some of the highlights!

We have been lucky enough to work with wonderful staff on two Big Lottery Funded projects that are coming to an end this December, Building Change Trust and Space & Place. Our Space & Place project has supported communities to develop new shared facilities on the site of underused or contested spaces and has already delivered 25 amazing spaces. The Foundation will facilitate the opening of the remaining five projects in the New Year.

Building Change Trust is an independent charity, but I am proud of the work of the Foundation in supporting its Board and managing its work with its £10 million National Lottery grant over the last 10 years, and in having led the development of the consortium behind it.

However the end really is just the beginning. As a Foundation, supporting communities to thrive is written in our DNA, and we will take up the baton of innovative funding from BCT, and will continue to find new ways to support communities, harnessing our expertise to enable both large and small scale donors and funders to have an impact on communities who need it most.

I am excited for what the future holds at a time when it really is all up for grabs given the current political climate, and with Brexit looming on the horizon. Whatever the New Year brings, we will continue to connect people with the causes that matter to them, we will work side by side with communities, donors, fundholders to help make Northern Ireland a better place for all.

We look forward to another year of supporting communities and enabling generosity in Northern Ireland, but in the meantime we wish you a Happy Christmas and a prosperous 2019.

Andrew McCracken
CEO Community Foundation for Northern Ireland

The Community Foundation for Northern Ireland is working alongside Deep RiverRock on their new #ThirstForBetter campaign
The campaign aims to celebrate and help Community groups raise vital funding, enabling them to continue to do the things they love.

How it works

Community Groups sign up online, then receive donations of 10p/c from supporters with each redeemed bottle code (Found on the reverse of Deep RiverRock labels). Groups from all over the country have already received thousands of donations so far, helping them continue to follow their pursuits and passions!

Double Donations To celebrate the season of goodwill, Deep RiverRock will double all donations. DOUBLED throughout the months of November and December. That means with every code redeemed, the chosen Community Group will receive 20p/c from their supporters.

This is a great opportunity for Community Groups and their supporters to really boost their funding. So, if you or any groups you know want to get involved in the Thirst For Better campaign be sure to let them know about Double Donations.

Registration and further information is available at deepriverrock.ie/thirstforbetter
Be quick Double Donations end 31 st December.

The Community Foundation for Northern Ireland are hosting a ‘Bites session’ with the IOF on the results of the Major Donor Project research in Northern Ireland.

Northern Ireland has not realised its potential in relation to philanthropy.

The Major Donor Project worked with a number of charities in Northern Ireland, taking the theory of major donor fundraising and seeing what actually works here.

‘Blockers’ identified to growing philanthropic income include the view that there are not enough wealthy people giving to charity, or many who do give do not do so in a strategic way and while many charities in Northern Ireland have a strong community fundraising base they neglect or ignore the potential of major donors.

On 21st November, the Community Foundation will launch the learning from the Major Donor Project and the general feedback from participating organisations.

The report, in the form of a toolkit, outlines the generally accepted principles and main elements of major donor fundraising whilst reflecting the experience of major donor fundraising locally.

This report, along with one of the standard major donor fundraising guides, would be a good starting point for organisations considering a major donor campaign.

Researched and written by Paul Artherton the project was originally funded by Giving Northern Ireland and is being completed and launched by the Community Foundation Northern Ireland.

Between 2pm and 4pm on 21 November 2018, 147 Trust, Duncairn Avenue, Belfast, BT14 6BP, off the Antrim Road.
Paul will present the findings of the project and there will be an opportunity for discussion and questions.
Book here now.

Whether you’re representing your workplace, your family or yourself, come along to Ormeau Baths, on ‘Giving Tuesday’, 27th November and hear from amazing charities making a big difference in your local community.

Whilst each charity will have just 6 minutes to pitch their project, you will have time to vote for your favourite cause, ask questions, donate and celebrate your giving over a glass of bubbly and a bite to eat.

The Foundation will double donations on the evening up to £5,000 so make your Christmas giving go further this year with your Community Foundation. #NIGives #GivingTuesday

Book here now for what promises to be a wonderful event!

The Charities

MACs

Work with children and young people (aged 11–25) who haven’t had a fair deal. They may be experiencing homelessness, substance abuse, self-harm, mental health issues, leaving care or they are generally at risk. They aim to get children and young people where they want to be by using programmes designed by and for them.

Urban Community Chef

They are committed to developing strategies to help communities come together through the medium of food celebration. Using profits to subsidise equipment and courses for under funded communities, they believe that good food should be accessible to everyone and not a luxury for the few.

Mind your mate and yourself

Established as a direct result of an increase in local suicides the group was formed by a number of bereaved family members and volunteers.
The aim of the organisation is to provide support to families and communities dealing with various health issues as well as providing services that will help support individuals struggling with; bereavement, self-harming, relationship problems, bullying, mental/physical health and financial issues. Problems that have become so common in our communities that many people find aspects of their every-day life overwhelming.

Ups and Downs

Family based group that supports families who have a child/young adult with Down Syndrome. We aspire to give support and information to our members and also to organise events and activities for our children.

If you would like more information please do not hesitate to contact Rachel Leitch, Marketing Executive.

The Foundation was at the Personal Finance Society (PFS) conference in Belfast this month talking about our services for professional advisors and their clients. Conor Cahalane, Promethean Finance and Ambassador for the Foundation, highlighted the benefits of exploring philanthropic goals and strategy with clients.

A local independant charitable trust connecting people who care with causes that matter, the Foundation makes a difference through impactful philanthropy and helping people and businesses to structure their giving in the most effective way.

Research tells us that 66% of HNW individuals would like their advisor to raise the topic of philanthropy with them and when speaking to clients about giving, the Foundation is an ideal partner, adding value through advice and support. We can:

• Meet with you and your clients to discuss requirements
• Help assess and advise on need within a particular cause, geographical area or charity
• Take away some of the concerns the client may have (admin, sourcing appropriate opportunities, due diligence, compliance)
• Provide additional value through match funding
• Support tax efficient giving

Mervyn McCall of the McCall Foundation, which is managed through the Community Foundation, talks about the joy and experience of ‘giving whilst living’ and said

“My Financial Advisor introduced me to the Community Foundation which has been great for me. The team there make it all work”

If you would like to find out more about the Foundation, our work and how we can help you and your clients please contact Siofra Healy, Director of Philanthropy.

If you’d like to know more about Tax Benefits and Charitable Giving, you can join us for a breakfast meeting on 14 November 2018 with Alan Gourley, Tax Director at Grant Thornton. For more information please contact Rachel Leitch

Andrew McCracken Chief Executive of the Community Foundation for Northern Ireland believes that with the NI Assembly in suspension for the foreseeable future, now is the perfect time to give NI citizens a voice.

The Community Foundation for Northern Ireland has a long track record of supporting innovative community initiatives. Since 1979, the Foundation has awarded over £100 million in grants to community groups – and to this day, maintains its original vision of independence and community focus, whilst a socially just NI lies at the heart of its vision for communities.

Along with Building Change Trust which is housed and staffed at Community Foundation HQ, we have provided funding for the Citizens’ Assembly being delivered by Involve. We believe this form of democracy in the hands of ordinary people, is more vital than ever as a means to keep democracy alive and well in NI.

The Citizens’ Assembly which is due to meet for the first time next month, represents a unique opportunity to provide communities with a voice – something which is particularly relevant in the world in which we now live.

Approximately 50-100 citizens will debate and make recommendations regarding our social care system over two weekends this Autumn. It is a unique and innovative way for them to have a say in an issue which politicians are yet to resolve.

Northern Ireland recently (almost) broke the Guinness world record for the country without a government for the longest period in peacetime, the fact that laws can still be passed at Westminster ruled us out of the running for this top accolade, but nevertheless, the fact remains – communities across NI remain short-changed by the ongoing political stalemate.

MLA salaries are to be cut following months of public outcry, and alongside this, Secretary of State Karen Bradley has announced that elections are to be postponed for the foreseeable future. With public trust in politics and government and an all time low, deep public engagement has never been more necessary. Citizens’ Assemblies have been used around the world to complement the role of elected representatives in breaking deadlock around contested issues.

This citizens’ assembly initiative will be the first in Northern Ireland and is intended to not only provide vital public input on a critical issue, but also to test the value of the approach as one which could be used by government and politicians in future.

The Citizens’ Assembly will have the opportunity to consider the wider NI public aspirations for a social care system here – an area which impacts on some of the most vulnerable members of our society. MLA salaries may be going down, but with an ageing population and rise in the incidence of chronic health conditions, the need for social care by many in our community continues on an upwards trajectory.

The people of NI surely deserve better than the status quo and whilst the Citizens’ Assembly currently has no legislative or statutory decision-making powers, it will be able to make concrete recommendations for future decision makers to help bring our social care system into the 21st century.

This ability for people to have a say in how their communities are impacted by the policies and decisions of those with power, goes to the core of the Community Foundation’s vision of a socially just Northern Ireland.

It is our hope that this people power will help push the boundaries of the current stalemate so that when we do have an Assembly up and running, Northern Ireland isn’t completely playing catch-up and will help ensure a healthier future for our social care system.

For more information, go to www.citizensassemblyni.org or follow on Twitter: @CA4NI More information on Involve can be found at www.involve.org.uk/about/about-involve or on Twitter @InvolveUK

In partnership with the Bank of England, the Community Foundation was delighted to welcome Mark Carney, the Bank’s Governor to Northern Ireland this week.

Mr Carney met with senior leaders from the business community and the voluntary sector at a private event in Belfast’s new Grand Central Hotel, on Thursday 13 September.

The Governor heard about the business and social issues impacting on NI and the work of the Foundation supporting local communities.

Community Foundation Director of Philanthropy Siofra Healy said: “Given our vision of a peaceful, shared and socially just society, we were delighted to have the opportunity to work with the Bank of England and welcome Mark Carney to Northern Ireland, and to share with him the significant opportunities and challenges economically and politically here.”

A local charitable trust that connects people who care with causes that matter the Foundation is the independent voice for both the voluntary sector and those that fund it. The discussion with Mr Carney, a public supporter of Community Foundations was very much welcomed.

Bank Of England Northern Ireland Agent, Frances Hill said “Our role in NI is to make sure that the Governor and the Bank of England have a well-rounded view of economic conditions and prospects from across the country. This event was a great opportunity for the Governor to gather first hand the most up-to-date information, views and experiences from Northern Ireland.”

The Community Foundation for Northern Ireland has launched a new and independent service to promote, profile and grow philanthropy in Northern Ireland.

Building on the Foundation’s experience of advising High Net Worth Individuals, Corporates and Institutional donors on effective and strategic giving, the Foundation is taking ownership of the work previously undertaken by Giving NI, who it has always worked closely with to promote philanthropy.

The service will ensure that people and organisations giving strategically in NI, have access to independent advice, good guidance and options around flexible ways to give.

Creating a centre of expertise for the promotion and practice of giving, the Foundation expects to encourage more funding into the sector and will also convene networks and forums for peer learning and conduct further research into strategic giving in NI.

Welcoming the development, Community Foundation Chair Maeve Monaghan said: “We know that there is room for growth in strategic giving in Northern Ireland and as a local Community Foundation we are well placed to lead and facilitate this.

“Working closely with partners such as professional advisors, sister organisations and government, the new donor service division will encourage and advocate for a better environment and appetite to support strategic giving in our mixed economy.”

Giving NI was set up with support from Atlantic Philanthropies to encourage a more resilient and sustainable voluntary sector in NI and the new service will build on this work, providing guidance and encouragement for those seeking to support the charitable and voluntary sector.

Commenting Gary Mills Chair of Giving NI said: “The Community Foundation has a long track record of encouraging generosity in NI and the Board of Giving NI are pleased that our concept and work will live on and thrive under the umbrella of the Foundation.

Under the new arrangement, Giving NI will no longer operate and a new donor services team at the Foundation will be led by Siofra Healy, Director of Philanthropy.

For more information contact Siofra Healy Director of Philanthropy at the Community Foundation on shealy@communityfoundationni.org or on 02895 905527

Andrew McCracken Chief Executive of the Community Foundation reflects on the contribution of Lord Peter Melchett to community Development in Northern Ireland.

The Community Foundation, formerly known as the Northern Ireland Voluntary Trust (NIVT) was saddened to learn of the passing of Lord Peter Melchett on 31st August 2018 at the age of 71.

Lord Melchett was instrumental in the formation of NIVT in 1979 which provided crucial intervention in NI communities at the height of the troubles, and had a significant impact on community development.

Thanks to the support of Lord Melchett, we were formed with an initial fund of £500,000 and a determination that we would be totally independent of government, almost 40 years later the Community Foundation continues to exist.

Since 1979, the Foundation has awarded over £100 million in grants to community groups and maintains the original vision of independence and community focus of NIVT.

It is due to the foresight and innovation shown by Lord Melchett in the 1970’s that the Community Foundation is today able to play such a key role in communities across Northern Ireland, connecting people who care to causes that matter. We wish to extend our condolences to Lord Melchett’s family, and also our thanks for his vital contribution to community development in Northern Ireland.

The Community Foundation for Northern Ireland has launched a new and independent service to promote, profile and grow philanthropy in Northern Ireland. Building on the Foundation’s experience of advising High Net Worth Individuals, Corporates and Institutional donors on effective and strategic giving, they will take on the work of Giving NI, raising awareness of philanthropy and growing purposeful giving in NI. 

A priority for the new service is to ensure that people and organisations giving strategically in NI have access to independent advice, good guidance and options around flexible ways to give. 

Creating a centre of expertise for the promotion and practice of giving, the Foundation expects to encourage more funding into the sector and will also convene networks and forums for peer learning and conduct further research into strategic giving in NI.  

Working closely with partners such as professional advisors, sister organisations and government the new donor service division will encourage and advocate for a better environment and appetite to support strategic giving in our mixed economy.  

Giving NI

Giving NI was set up with support from Atlantic Philanthropies to encourage a more resilient and sustainable voluntary sector in NI and the new service will build on this work, providing guidance and encouragement for those seeking to support the charitable and voluntary sector. 

Welcoming the development, Community Foundation Chair Maeve Monaghan said: “We know that there is room for growth in strategic giving in Northern Ireland and as a local Community Foundation we are well placed to lead and facilitate this” 

Commenting Gary Mills Chair of Giving NI said: “The Community Foundation has a long track record of encouraging generosity, grant-making and building capacity in NI.  The Board of Giving NI are pleased to align our services with the Foundation and delighted they will build on this much-needed work”

Under the new arrangement Giving NI will no longer operate and a new donor services team at the Foundation will be led by Siofra Healy, Director of Philanthropy.