The Programme

The programme is managed by the Northern Ireland Rural Development Council (RDC) and funded by the International Fund for Ireland. It is designed to facilitate community organisations that wish to co operate on a cross community basis to work on issues of common interest.  As well as training, support and mentoring, funding may be available to undertake joint projects. 

The programme is open to urban and rural groups operating within Northern Ireland and the Border Region of Ireland.

The programme aims to:

Increase the capacity and confidence of unionist and nationalist communities to work together.
Foster and develop relationships within and between communities.
Be a catalyst for groups to engage in partnership and take decisive action toward new and innovative programmes/projects, which will benefit their communities.
Encourage sustainable partnership working and promote continued reconciliation and peace building activities.

What does the Programme involve?

The programme will target up to 46 community organisations willing to work in partnership from across Northern Ireland and the border counties.  It will provide a range of training, mentoring and support to help groups develop their respective partnerships with a view to then jointly delivering a small project.

Successful applicants will be able to avail of the following menu of training, mentoring and support:

• Good Relations Training (complusory)
• Networking Opportunities
• Study Visits
• Project Development and resources
• Partnerhip agreements and arrangements for managing joint projects

For further information please contact John Kelly, Yvonne Breen or Kirsty Lancashire at RDC on 028 86766980.