PEACEPLUS Change Maker grants support Derry grassroots projects

Eleven diverse and innovative projects supporting people-to-people activities on a cross-community or cross-border basis will receive a total of almost €300,000 after the first successful applicants to the latest PEACEPLUS funding stream were announced. 

The PEACEPLUS Change Maker Funding Programme is 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.

The first batch of projects, spread across Northern Ireland and the border counties of Ireland, have been awarded a combined total of €290,513.

Among the local funded projects are:

• The White Handkerchief (€39,995) – An initiative with Millennium Forum in Derry and Hawk’s Well Theatre in Sligo. The project aims to promote peacebuilding, reconciliation and cultural connection among young people through a cross-community and cross-border theatre project.
• Talks & Tours (€20,000) – Eglinton Building Bridges will lead on a new heritage engagement programme in the Campsie and Eglinton areas on the outskirts of Derry, employing a central theme of World War 1 and World War 2 to explore how different communities experienced and perceived both wars.
• United Communities Through Sport (€19,617) – The project brings together Oxford Stars Football Club and Claudy Harps Football Club. Both areas, while different in terms of population density and demographics, have historically experienced division rooted in political, cultural, and religious identities.
• Connect For Change (€19,280) – A partnership between Lincoln Courts Youth & Community Association and Enagh Youth Forum. It sets out to provide an environment where the young participants (aged 13 to 16) can engage in shared activities, learning opportunities and diversionary activities at times of heightened tension within the area.

Change Maker is focusing on activities which enhance community cohesion and bring communities and groups together on a cross-community or cross-border basis, with the aim of embedding and enhancing existing relationships, and establishing new relationships and networks.

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.

€8.4 million PEACEPLUS project launched to support those at risk of frailty

The cross-border Co-operation and Working Together (CAWT) Partnership has launched its PEACEPLUS-funded Early Frailty Intervention Project (EFIP).

“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.”

Minister Buttimer added: “Congratulations to all the successful applicants. These projects will allow community groups, particularly those with fewer resources, to work together to solve challenges and benefit everyone. This collaboration will have a positive impact on all communities involved.”

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. This scheme will be open for a few years with rolling calls. 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: “As an organisation with a long-standing, ongoing commitment to PEACE programmes for many years, we in Pobal welcome the announcement of this new generation of PEACE projects. 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.

Derry MLA brands Executive's legislative programme 'uninspired' and 'weak as water'

Mark H Durkan criticises lack of action on housing and tackling poverty in new legislation

“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. We look forward to continuing our work with the Special EU Programmes Body on the PEACEPLUS Change Maker Funding Programme and strongly encourage eligible organisations to consider applying to one of the many calls open at present.”

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.

The next funding call through the Change Maker Funding Programme will open to applicants on Wednesday October 15 and will close on Wednesday, December 10. Funding of €20,001 to €60,000 will be 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: https://cooperationireland.org/projects/peace-plus-change-makers-funds/

Information about the Change Maker Funding Programme is also accessible via our website: https://www.seupb.eu/peaceplus/change-maker-funding-programme.

For support enquiries, a helpdesk is available by contacting changemakers@cooperationireland.org.