INTERNATIONAL FUND FOR IRELAND

The International Fund for Ireland was established as an independent international organisation by the British and Irish Governments in 1986. With contributions from the United States of America, the European Union, Canada, Australia and New Zealand, the total resources committed to the Fund to date amount to £628m / 753m, funding over 5, 800 projects across the island of Ireland. The Fund focuses its efforts in Northern Ireland and the southern border counties of Cavan, Donegal, Leitrim, Louth, Monaghan and Sligo. The Board of the Fund is appointed jointly by the British and Irish Governments. It is assisted by an Advisory Committee comprised of senior officials appointed by the two Governments.

To read the Agreement establishing the Fund click here. The administration of the Fund is provided by a Secretariat, headed by Joint Directors General based in Belfast and Dublin. A range of bodies including government departments act as managing agents for the Fund. In addition, the Fund has engaged the services of a team of Development Officers, located across the southern border counties, who act as local contact points for the Fund and assist prospective applicants to identify and develop proposals.

They also monitor the ongoing operation of projects, providing assistance as necessary. The United States of America, the European Union, Canada, Australia and New Zealand are represented by their international observers at meetings of the Board. In 2006 the Fund’s five-year strategy, Sharing this Space, was launched as a final phase of activity to promote peace-building and reconciliation in Ireland.