Northern Ireland Community Relations Council - About Us - News - New funding for minority ethnic communities

27 January 2009

It was Gung Hei Fat Choy (Happy New Year) for minority ethnic communities today (26th January) as Junior Ministers encouraged applications for a £1million fund for voluntary and community groups.

The announcement was made by Jeffrey Donaldson and Gerry Kelly as they joined in celebrations to mark the Chinese New Year of the Ox.

The Ministers encouraged applications from voluntary groups working with or representing minority ethnic communities for the funding which is designed to promote good relations between people of different ethnic backgrounds.

During the celebrations with members of the Chinese community at the Europa Hotel in Belfast, the Ministers recognised the important contribution community and voluntary organisations make to life here.

Junior Minister Donaldson said the funding, which would run for one year until the end of March 2010, would provide vital support for local groups.

Mr Donaldson said: “Although Government and the public sector can play a key role in facilitating and encouraging integration between minority ethnic people and indigenous communities, it can not address the challenges we face alone and all sectors have a part to play.

“We see local action as the cornerstone of our future work and recognise and appreciate the valuable work performed on the ground by local community organisations. The Chinese Welfare Association, with its partner groups, is a key contributor to this work.”

Junior Minister Kelly also encouraged indigenous organisations which are working with minority ethnic people to apply for funding as well.

He said: “We are committed to promoting racial equality and good race relations and our funding is solid evidence that we are making good on that commitment, especially given that this funding scheme represents a substantial increase on that provided in previous years.

“The launch of this fund demonstrates OFMDFM’s continuing commitment to supporting the capacity building of local organisations who are working to promote integration between minority ethnic communities and our indigenous population. These organisations are to be congratulated and supported for the work which they continue to do on the ground in advising and assisting those who have come to live here.”

The Minority Ethnic Development Fund is available for 2009-10 financial year, ending on 31 March 2010. The application process will be open run until the 2 February 2009.

NOTES TO EDITORS:

1. 1. Details of OFMDFM’s Minority Ethnic Development Fund are available from www.ofmdfmni.gov.uk/minority_ethnic_funding.