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The PEACEPLUS Change Maker Funding Programme is supporting three County Down organisations as part of a larger €300k pot shared by eleven projects.
The eleven diverse and innovative projects supporting people-to-people activities on a cross-community or cross-border basis were announced as the funders first successful applicants.
PEACEPLUS will be distributing €40m in tranches over three years to community and voluntary groups, with the projects being delivered on behalf of the Special EU Programmes Body (SEUPB) by Pobal.
County Down Projects
- Social Introduction and Integration of our Clubs Communities (€39,797) – Monaghan Special Olympics Sports Club and Newry Allstars Special Olympics Club will join up to create a cross-border programme of inclusive activities, shared learning and people-to-people activities involving athletes, family members and volunteers.
- Kintra na nÓg (€39,873) – Developed by Kingdom Youth Club in Co Down with Coolaney Foróige Youth in Co Sligo. Activities will include an educational workshop on peace and reconciliation, a Ceili dance workshop, surfing session and team building activities as well as interaction with PSNI Community team and residentials in Sligo and Down.
- People and Place (€17,947) – Down Community Arts and Newry Street Unite have developed the project to provide an environment where the two communities can engage in their shared Maritime Heritage in a safe space to learn from each other and build meaningful cross-community relationships between the people of Ardglass and Kilkeel.
The first batch of projects, spread across Northern Ireland and the border counties of Ireland, have been awarded a combined total of €290,513.
Co-operation Ireland, in partnership with Rural Action and East Border Region, has been contracted to provide free support to applicants to the programme.
Communities Minister Gordon Lyons said: “I am pleased to see the first round of Change Maker grants awarded to the eleven successful projects. This is just the start of a programme that will support smaller organisations, working at a community level, to make a direct contribution to peace and reconciliation. Very often these groups face difficulties in accessing funds yet can make a real impact in the areas they serve. The exciting and diverse range of activities to be delivered, across sports, the arts, heritage, and other themes offers a chance for everyone to get involved.
“I extend my best wishes to all the successful applicants as they commence their projects and encourage other eligible groups to avail of the funding opportunities provided through the PEACEPLUS Change Maker Fund.”
The Minister for Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht, Dara Calleary TD, and Minister of State with Responsibility for Community Development and Charities, Jerry Buttimer TD, welcomed the announcement. Minister Calleary said: “I am delighted that funding of €290,513 has been sanctioned through PEACEPLUS Investment Areas 1.2 and 6.2. This financial support will specifically enhance grassroot peacebuilding efforts by offering small grants to local community organisations. I am pleased that my Department of Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht will work again in partnership with the Department for Communities in Northern Ireland and the Special EU Programmes Body to provide this vital funding for these outstanding initiatives.”
SEUPB Chief Executive Gina McIntyre said: “The awarding of the first Change Maker grants marks a significant milestone in our shared journey towards lasting peace and inclusion across Northern Ireland and the border counties of Ireland."
“These eleven projects, each rooted in collaboration and community spirit, reflect the very essence of the PEACEPLUS Programme. “By supporting people-to-people initiatives that span generations, backgrounds and borders, the Change Maker Fund is helping to build deeper understanding and stronger relationships at a grassroots level.
“Over time, these connections will form the foundation of a more inclusive, peaceful and resilient society. We are proud to support this new wave of changemakers and look forward to seeing the transformative impact of their work.”
Pobal CEO Anna Shakespeare said: These newly funded projects showcase the imaginative ways in which local organisations aspire to build understanding and peace within and between communities. Projects will bring people together around the themes of sport, creative culture and arts, environmental and digital education, history, maritime heritage and agriculture.
“A cross section of people including youth, people with a disability, school children, farmers and local community members will participate in these cross border and/or cross community collaborative projects. We wish projects well as they embark on the delivery of these activities and we look forward to working with them to support their efforts to bring communities together.”
The Change Maker Funding Programme is an important element of the PEACEPLUS Programme as it allows communities and organisations to avail of investment in a more simplified form, but will still result in a significant impact.
These grants are provided under PEACEPLUS themes 1: Building Peaceful and Thriving Communities and 6: Building and Embedding Partnerships and Collaboration.
This scheme will be open for a few years with rolling calls. The latest funding call through the Change Maker Funding Programme is now open and will close on Wednesday 10 December. Funding of €20,001 to €60,000 is available through Investment Area 1.2, and €40,001 to €60,000 through 6.2.
Groups or organisations can register online to access support at: cooperationireland.org
Information about the Change Maker Funding Programme is also accessible via website: www.seupb.eu
For support enquiries, a helpdesk is available by contacting changemakers@cooperationireland.org
