The International Fund for Ireland (IFI) has officially launched its new five-year strategy, marking the next chapter in its 40-year history of peacebuilding across Northern Ireland and the border counties of Ireland.

At the point of launch of this 5-year strategy, it is anticipated that the IFI has £20m-£25m and will continue to seek investment in response to need. This strategy signals a shift toward a needs-based, community-led co-design model, prioritising local needs to address issues that threaten to destabilise peacebuilding efforts.

The launch event took place at Black Mountain Shared Space which is a former interface beside the Million Brick Peace Wall in West Belfast and one of the many success stories supported by the IFI and its partners in recent years. More than 30 metres (approx. 100ft) of barrier in the Ballygomartin Road was removed to make way for this state-of-the-art, cross-community shared space facility.

More than 200 stakeholders, including representatives from the UK and Irish Governments, US Consul General and international observers, came together to mark four decades of progress and hear the Chair of the IFI set out its exciting vision.

“As we celebrate 40 years of the IFI, we remain committed to its role as a supporter of risk-takers, our new strategy aims to empower local communities to identify their own challenges, fostering sustainable peace through tangible partnerships and innovative problem-solving,” said IFI Chair, Shona McCarthy.

“We seek to unearth quiet peacebuilders - individuals and organisations whose work in arts, culture, sport and enterprise contributes to social cohesion, even if they do not traditionally define themselves as peacebuilders.

"Our internationalism, independence, and ground-level relationships remain central. This strategy allows us to be agile and flexible, taking the necessary risks to walk alongside those we seek to support,” she added.

The IFI continues to benefit from its unique international backing, providing a level of neutrality and independence that allows it to remain a trusted partner in the Peace Process. Key to this is the longstanding financial support from the US Government who, last month, announced support totalling $4 million for the IFI. The UK and Irish Governments continue to support the IFI’s work, including a commitment of €4m for 2026 from the Irish Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade.

Attending the launch, Junior Minister Joanne Bunting said: “This fortieth anniversary event is an important opportunity to recognise the lasting and positive impact the International Fund for Ireland has had and to reflect on what can be achieved when collaboration, commitment and a shared purpose come together.

“Today is also especially important as the International Fund for Ireland launches its new five-year strategy, which will build upon the success of the work over the last 40 years, for which I am so grateful to everyone who played a vital role in empowering people and transforming communities.”

Junior Minister Aisling Reilly added: “I am delighted to be part of the launch of the International Fund for Ireland’s new five-year strategy and to celebrate 40 years of its remarkable work across our communities.

“The International Fund for Ireland has always been about supporting people, listening to communities and providing opportunities for our people to come together right across the island. Everyone involved over the years has played a vital role in something truly transformative, which has changed lives and helped to shape a more peaceful and shared future for all.”

The IFI’s new strategy is built around key pillars designed to empower communities, drive economic regeneration to ensure job opportunities, particularly in areas where there is clear commitment to peacebuilding. The IFI also remains dedicated to providing young people with pathways away from paramilitarism and championing creative collaboration by using the arts, sports, and culture to build bridges between unlikely partners.

By sharing its peacebuilding expertise and collaborating with global partners and statutory bodies, the IFI aims to equip communities with the sustainable models and strategic impact needed to thrive independently. Ultimately, the IFI is committed to empowering people and communities, giving them the confidence, skills and opportunities to actively shape a shared future.

IFI Chair, Shona McCarthy added,

“While this strategy marks a definitive shift in our direction, it is built upon the foundational successes of the last 40 years; we remain committed to integrating the expertise of our long-term partners and the proven methodologies of our previous programmes into this new framework."

“Ultimately, the IFI’s objective is to ensure that the Peace Process is self-sustaining; by sharing the insights gained since our inception, we are focusing our efforts on transitioning leadership to local hands to ensure a lasting legacy."

To deliver this vision, the IFI will implement a dual-track approach to funding:

Managed Open Call - a transparent process for new partners to pitch projects aligned with the IFI’s goals. By opening doors to fresh sectors and local experts, this ensures the IFI remains driven by new ideas and innovative community approaches.

Direct partnership approach – this will enable the IFI to work in a targeted and collaborative manner with organisations operating in areas of greatest need in Northern Ireland. The IFI will proactively engage with communities and organisations serving marginalised and disadvantaged groups to identify priority needs and opportunities for support.