Belfast CC Good Relations Fund now open

By James Laverty - last updated on 13 August 2012

The BCC Good Relations fund is open to community groups and other organisations involved in reconciliation and cultural diversity

The aim of the Good Relations Fund is to support community engagement in the context of good relations work. This is the active process of making connections and developing quality contact between individuals and communities, for the purpose of challenging stereotypes, developing respect and understanding and building sustainable relationships, which transcend cultural, religious, ethnic divisions.

It aims to promote good relations between people of different religious and political beliefs and different racial groups with a maximum grant available is £10,000.

The objectives of the Good Relations Fund are to encourage groups through quality contact to:

build awareness, dispel myths and stereotypes and address sectarianism/racism
promote and encourage trust and understanding through dialogue, learning about others and developing meaningful relationships
provide space to deal with the legacies of the pastsupport the transformation of local neighbourhoods into spaces that are safe, shared and welcoming.

Who can apply

The Good Relations Fund has been set up to help formally constituted organisations within the Belfast City Council area such as

community development groups;
minority ethnic groups;
projects for young adults;
faith-based groups; and
other organisations involved in community relations, reconciliation and cultural diversity.