The Community Foundation for Northern Ireland (CFNI) has long been committed to fostering trust and cohesion in our communities. The recent incidents of hate-motivated violence are deeply disturbing. These acts of division and fear have no place in our society. CFNI is unequivocal in its condemnation of Racism, Islamophobia, Xenophobia and all forms of hate crime. We immediately issued a statement of condemnation and accelerated the launch of the Equity in Action Fund. This fund will provide immediate essential resources to local changemakers already working daily in our communities to combat hate, misinformation, and disinformation. The fund is part of CFNI’s longer-term vision for a fair and inclusive society and working hand in hand with communities.
In Northern Ireland, the transition from what was essentially a bi-polar, structurally divided society, to one where there are multiple identities, has been challenging. Growing discontent within communities, in part may reflect wider societal challenges such as limited access to housing, employment and public services – areas where many feel the benefits of the peace process have not been evenly shared. Unfortunately, these frustrations, fuelled by misinformation and disinformation, have contributed to growing tensions and resentment.
Every day, people in our communities are facing targeted hate and harmful falsehoods, especially for those already on the margins. While large-scale systems are slow to move and react, grassroots organisations are already taking action, but they need our help. We are all too aware of how frightened people are and we feel it is our moral obligation to act as an advocate and voice for them. There is a need to change the narrative and to address broader issues of hate, racism, misinformation and disinformation.
A beacon of hope in crisis: How Community Foundation for Northern Ireland stands for peace and equity
The Community Foundation for Northern Ireland, established in 1979, has always stood as a beacon of hope, even through the darkest days of the conflict. It played a significant role in peacebuilding and reconciliation for decades and was pioneering in its approaches to bringing different communities together in very challenging circumstances. Its vision is ‘a fair and equitable society for everyone’. As Northern Ireland continues to evolve post conflict, increasing diversity has brought new opportunities – and new challenges. Through the Foundation’s ongoing work and engagement with communities across Northern Ireland, it became apparent that more was needed to be done to address racism, particularly fuelled by misinformation and disinformation. In response, the Foundation developed the ‘Equity in Action’ initiative – a focussed effort to promote inclusion, equality, and a stronger sense of cohesion among and between communities.
This work provided the basis for an urgent action responding to the recent surge in racist violence and intimidation across Northern Ireland. Below Róisín Wood, CEO, Community Foundation for Northern Ireland, describes their long-term and more recent rapid interventions.
In response the Equity in Action Fund will support grassroots organisations tackling hate crimes, particularly those working to promote peace, inclusion, and justice in our communities through a small grants programme, which will:
fund local projects addressing hate crime and disinformation
empower community leaders with tools and resources
uplift voices fighting for truth, justice, and equity
seed long-term resilience in the face of online and offline harm
We know that the ground where real change happens is not online but at the very heart of the communities, rebuilding social fabric and trust through in person conversations. For this reason, we are committed to invest in and collaborate with experts and grassroots organisations on this work, which is often underfunded. In this way, we are not just tackling hate, we are investing in people building and a stronger, more connected, and equitable future.
Our experience responding to the Covid-19 pandemic has shown us how crucial it is to be agile and responsive in times of crisis. The Equity in Action Fund is an example of this agility, enabling us to quickly mobilise support for communities facing new and evolving challenges. The Foundation will also continue to work with our partners across civil society and Government to support medium- and long-term programmes that support communities, challenge hatred, and foster trust and understanding.
CFNI is an advocate, an ambassador, an enabler for the community it serves, including people who choose to make Northern Ireland their home. More than ever, we are committed to shape and strengthen a more equitable and peaceful Northern Ireland for tomorrow.
