Promoting good and effective funding practice
Sharing insight and learning

Forum members represent their own organisations which are actively distributing funding on a regular basis in Northern Ireland – these are charitable trusts and foundations as well as arm’s length and other bodies distributing public funds.  The Forum does not make grants or donations and recognises the independence of each of its members.

Our Purpose

The Forum creates opportunities for members to meet in a confidential space to network, share information, to facilitate collaboration and influence policy and practice where appropriate so that members become increasingly effective grant makers to benefit communities across Northern Ireland.

Our Objectives

To advance the funding practices of members by:

  • Supporting one another, particularly newer and smaller members
  • Sharing good practice, insights and trends
  • Reflecting together on issues relevant to the funding landscape

To facilitate collaborative initiatives across members by:

  • Networking
  • Sharing insights and information about changing needs
  • Identifying and facilitating appropriate joint responses or joint initiatives

To, where appropriate, influence wider policy and practice relevant to grant making by:

  • Identifying issues around which Forum members can unite and influence stakeholders’ practice or policy where it affects Norther Ireland for the benefit of: communities; the Voluntary and Community Sector;  Forum members; and the broader funding landscape.
  • Encouraging investment in Northern Ireland’s Voluntary and Community Sector to include: (i) attracting new funders to invest (or increase investment) in Northern Ireland and to join the Forum; and (ii) encouraging various forms of social investment including philanthropy within and for the benefit of communities.

Governance

Members appoint a Chair and Vice Chair from among its membership to each serve two year terms with a possible year’s extension.  Members also have the opportunity to join several sub groups and special task groups.

The Forum meets at least four times per year, or more often as required, and members are encouraged, where possible, to attend at least two of the four annual meetings.

Governance arrangements, including the Forum’s Terms of Reference, are subject to review by members every two years.