Northern Ireland Development Fund

The Northern Ireland Development Fund was set up in response to the challenges facing Northern Irish civil society 'post peace process' and the need for people to respond to changing political and social environments. 

The £3 million fund is run in partnership with The Henry Smith Charity, who administer the grants.  The Fund recognises the need to nurture civil society leadership in Northern Ireland as part of contributing to a new and vibrant society. The approach has been to back people rather than projects and to bring the selected individuals together, share perspectives and identify opportunities to work together. 

Following an encouraging pilot in 2008/9 there have been two further annual funding rounds. As well as grants, we have invested time in helping leaders take up opportunities to collaborate and create alliances across sector lines.

In 2011 the Foundation’s contribution to the fund was £417,025 (this is in addition to our funding through the Main Fund to Northern Ireland).

Grants made since 2009

Avec Solutions & Landmark East - Maurice Kinkead
CO3 Chief Officers 3rd Sector - Majella McCloskey
Committee on the Administration of Justice - Aideen Gilmore
Disability Action NI - Karen McGrath
Falls Community Council - Gerry Mc Conville
Fermanagh Trust - Lauri McCusker
Forum for Alternative Belfast - Mark Hackett
NIACRO - Olwen Lyner
NICVA (Northern Ireland Council for Voluntary Action) - Lisa McElherron
Northern Ireland Alternatives - Debbie Watters
Oh Yeah Music Centre - Stuart Baillie
Orchardville Society - Alan Thomson
The Junction - Maureen Hetherington
The Playhouse - Pauline Ross
VOYPIC (Voice of Young People in Care) - Vivian McConvey
Youth Action NI - June Trimble

Please note this fund is not open to applications.