Northern Ireland has benefited from over £175 million in philanthropic grants towards peacebuilding and social justice according to the Association of Charitable Foundations.

This investment and the impact of philanthropy on peace and reconciliation in Northern Ireland will be amongst topics discussed at a major conference taking place in Belfast from 6-8 June. Jeff Raikes, CEO of the world’s largest philanthropic organisation, the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, will address more than 500 delegates at the 23rd European Foundation Centre Annual Conference. The theme of the conference is the role of philanthropy in achieving peace through social justice.   

According to John R Healy, Conference Host Committee Chair and Chairman, Philanthropy Ireland,“Belfast has emerged from thirty years of conflict to establish itself as an exciting destination. The city provides the perfect location for lively discussions on how philanthropy can help divided communities resolve their differences.

“The conference will explore the social justice approach to philanthropy and its relevance to divided societies.  Foundations active in Northern Ireland over the last three decades have learnt that grant-making has the greatest impact when it is focused on those who are most marginalized and those who advocate for social change,” said Mr Healy.

Looking ahead to the conference Avila Kilmurray Director of The Community Foundation for Northern Ireland said “The conference will use Belfast’s historic backdrop to explore global peace and social justice issues.   Innovative conference sessions and inspiring site visits will enable delegates to understand how a former conflict zone can move from a violent past to a vibrant present and they will learn how foundations can play a key role in supporting this process.”

A host of world class speakers will join Jeff Raikes, including celebrated South African judge and human rights activist Albie Sachs. Providing a local focus, Jackie Redpath, CEO Greater Shankill Partnership and Geraldine McAteer CEO West Belfast Partnership will be sharing their experiences of how they worked to secure peace through social justice and how foundations supported their efforts.

It is the first time that the conference has been held in the UK for 19 years and Belfast beat off stiff competition from a number of key European destinations to host the event. The conference will be the essential meeting place for foundation professionals from Europe and around the world to share experiences and to debate peace and social justice and other pressing philanthropic topics

“A key area for debate will be how to evaluate philanthropy’s impact in times of austerity”, continued Avila Kilmurray.  “There are daily reminders of how the current financial crisis is having a devastating effect on the economic, social and political stability of our society. That makes it all the more important that foundations understand their own impact.”

The three day conference programme includes sessions on risk-taking in philanthropy; a role for foundations in the Israel/Palestine conflict; how foundations can introduce to their work a focus on gender; and the opportunities for philanthropy to address climate change issues. For more information on the conference visit http://www.efc.be/AgaConference

ENDSFor further information contact Louise Carson or Caroline Murphy at Aiken PR on 02890663000 or caroline@aikenpr.com

Notes to EditorsAbout the EFC The European Foundation Centre (EFC), founded in 1989, is an association representing more than 230 public-benefit foundations and corporate funders active in philanthropy in Europe and beyond. The EFC develops and pursues activities in line with its objectives: creating an enabling legal and fiscal environment for foundations; documenting the foundation landscape; strengthening the infrastructure of the foundation sector; and promoting collaboration, both among foundations and between foundations and other actors, to advance the the public good in Europe and beyond.www.efc.be

About foundations in Europe It is estimated that there are some 110,000 foundations in Europe, collectively spending between 83 and 150 billion euros annually on projects and programmes, and providing employment to up to one million Europeans. Foundations come in many shapes and sizes, with some offering grants while others prefer to operate their own programmes. In towns, cities, regions and countries across Europe, they can be found running or funding hospitals and universities; protecting historic buildings, promoting cultural activities, stimulating economic development and employment, supporting scientific excellence, advancing civil and human rights, engaging in environmental conservation, and much, much more.