Description

The Northern Ireland programme of the Joseph Rowntree Charitable Trust funds work that promotes peace, equality, inclusion, and human rights across Northern Ireland. The programme aims to foster a society grounded in democracy, human rights, and equality, where political and societal differences are managed non-violently and public discourse encourages understanding and reconciliation. It prioritizes projects that seek to bring about lasting, systemic change and that center the voices of marginalized or underrepresented groups. The Trust welcomes initiatives with a broad impact across Northern Ireland, and will consider proposals that build relationships across the island of Ireland and with Britain.

Priority Areas

1. Strengthening Human Rights and Equality

   • Ensuring implementation of human rights commitments.
   • Policy initiatives and advocacy to counter racism, classism, misogyny/sexism, homophobia, and transphobia.
   • Amplifying anti-racist voices in power and accountability systems.

2. Reimagining Society

   • Fostering inclusive, participatory political landscapes.
   • Promoting responsible, evidence-based public discourse.
   • Supporting progressive social movements.

3. Cultivating Peace and Reconciliation

   • Promoting understanding of the root causes of past violence.
   • Supporting non-violent transitions from paramilitarism to civilian life.
   • Encouraging democratic, anti-sectarian approaches to managing difference.