NICVA, in conjunction with the International Fund for Ireland (IFI), has now commenced year two of the £2.1 million Community Leadership Programme (CLP) for Northern Ireland and the southern border counties. Una McKernan from NICVA commented: “This is now the second year of this very successful programme. The first 27 groups have almost completed their training and learning and are showing lots of evidence of improved leadership skills”. This Programme, delivered by NICVA, was launched in January 2009 and continues to offer exciting and innovative training and learning oppor [ ... ]

Following its recent meeting in Armagh, the Board of the International Fund for Ireland visited SAVER/NAVER in Markethill, County Armagh. The International Fund for Ireland has a long association with SAVER/NAVER, having provided assistance towards the extension of Bingham House and support for the organisation’s ongoing work through the Fund’s Community Bridges Programme. SAVER/NAVER has also benefited from participation in the Fund’s AMBIT Programme. As well as visiting SAVER/NAVER’s premises in Markethill, the Board also heard presentations from participants in the Fund� [ ... ]

International Fund for Ireland announces £5.9m/€7m to promote reconciliation and peace building Following its recent Board meeting in County Armagh, the International Fund for Ireland has announced £5.9m/€7m to support a wide range of reconciliation and peace building projects. Among the beneficiaries of this latest funding package are eight cross-community partnerships between grassroots community organisations across Northern Ireland and the southern border counties. The partnerships are all participating in the Fund’s ground-breaking Integrating Community Organisations Pr [ ... ]