Funding for Derry groups working with refugees

Approximately 50 Syrian refugees are expected to be re-settled in Derry and the wider North West in April.

It is believed that ten families will be re-settled in Derry.

The Community Foundation for Northern Ireland has now launched a new £75,000 fund with the intention of providing support for new arrivals and those in the process of trying to establish a new life in local communities here.

The New Beginnings Fund is now open for applications from Derry based organisations and community groups working with and welcoming refugees to Northern Ireland with applications closing on March 29.

Speaking about the New Beginnings Fund, Andrew McCracken, Chief Executive of the Community Foundation said: “We are delighted to be opening this new fund for refugees and hope that it can make a real difference to those trying to settle in Northern Ireland.

“Over the past few months we have seen an increase in initiatives in the wider community to help refugees. We are keen to boost this valuable work with strategic funding and would like to enhance the resources available by providing a centralised pot of money to which local organisations can apply for funding their work on the ground with refugees.”

The fund is aimed at small, local groups working with refugees with priority being given to groups with an income of less than £250,000.

Applications for up to £10,000 for individual organisations will be considered and grants for up to £20,000 will be awarded for collaborative bids involving multiple local partners. Further funding is also expected to be made available.