A message from Maeve Our relationships with and support for communities and individuals at the edge of society, who are vulnerable, marginalised and isolated is more important now than ever. Chairperson It is with feelings of great pride and privilege that I look back at 2019/20 and reflect on the impact of our work at the Foundation. What a year it’s been. Celebrating the Foundations 40th birthday, awarding over £4 million to 700 communities reaching 383,644 beneficiaries and towards the end of year stepping up to the mark as one of the first funders to respond to coronavirus within the community. As a board, we continue to support and are very proud of our work with people who really want to deliver impact and improve their communities. A highlight for me this year included the launch of the Lightbody Foundation and Gary’s focus on making a real difference to communities and families locally. So many people are benefiting from his generosity, it is truly inspiring and I’ve no doubt that his leadership will encourage others. Our new partnership with the Irish Football Association, aimed at supporting football clubs developing a disability or a women’s section also stands out. For all our funds and programmes and partnerships, ensuring giving is done effectively and connecting to communities in need is important to us. And never more so since coronavirus. Our relationships with and support for communities and individuals at the edge of society, who are vulnerable, marginalised and isolated is more important now than ever. As we complete the second year of our five-year plan, we remain dedicated to building sustainable communities and giving communities voice. Impact Report 19/2 Supporting three organisations with a seed fund to develop a tech solution to their challenge proved timely and I’m pleased that we will be continuing this programme into 2021. Those on the edge of our society and their untapped resource of skills, knowledge and abilities will not be left behind by the Foundation. We’ll continue to support them to build a collective resilience and create sustainable futures, enabling them to develop skills, realise potential and build on their ambitions. However, all this is not possible without a committed team. I am lucky to work alongside such dedicated staff, trustees, ambassadors and donors who are passionate about making a difference to local people in Northern Ireland - Thank You. The Board of Trustees and staff of the Foundation were very saddened by the death of our former Trustee Joe McKnight in September 2020. Joe had stepped down from the Board following two terms of office, in March 2020 and had made a huge contribution to the Foundation as a Trustee, Vice Chair of the Board and also as the Chair of the Finance and Resources Committee. Joe will be greatly missed by all at the Foundation. Back, left to right - Niamh Goggin, David Bass, Claire McGonigle, David McCurley, Shelley Martin, Front, left to right - Mary Mckee, Joe McKnight, Maeve Monaghan, David Gavaghan Trustees joining the board during the year included: Glenn Bradley, Gráinne Brown, John Gordon, Dr Adrain Johnston, Suzanne Lagan, Dr Sophie Long, Ciaran Moynagh and Dr Jane Wilde. 3
4 Publizr Home