Northern Ireland

While great progress has been made as a result of the peace process, Northern Ireland remains deeply divided. The legacy of conflict continues to permeate nearly all aspects of life, as sustained segregation and discrimination perpetuates social inequity. Today, the global recession and United Kingdom-wide pressures on public expenditure are threatening public services in Northern Ireland, which remains one of the most deprived regions in the UK. Though there is strong public support for the peace process, its benefits are experienced unequally, particularly in disadvantaged communities.

Since the early 1990s, Atlantic and our grantees have supported a broad range of activities. In the early years, we provided significant support for higher education and for the voluntary and community sector. Many of the foundation’s activities have also focused on building a lasting peace. Atlantic has been active in helping to ensure that disadvantaged people, particularly children and older adults, are able to access rights, justice and public services.

Atlantic and our grantees seek progress toward social justice, including work to promote accountability, strengthened political leadership, and improved implementation of equality and human rights commitments. We believe that such progress will be possible if communities, particularly those with the greatest need, are engaged in advocacy on their own and others’ behalf.

Grantmaking in Northern Ireland

The Ageing Programme focuses on improving age-based employment practices, increasing direct services for older adults, encouraging growth and collaboration in the age sector, and strengthening the voice and social action of older adults.

The Children & Youth Programme promotes the value of prevention and early social investment in children’s lives, and seeks to advance children’s rights by supporting advocacy for the implementation of the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child.

The Reconciliation & Human Rights Programme is focused on securing an enduring capacity to protect rights, particularly the rights of immigrants and people with disabilities, and promoting reconciliation through shared education and peace-building initiatives.