The Community Relations Council (CRC) has today revealed that its Core Funded groups are generating a return of almost £6 for every £1 invested, proving that peacebuilding is not just a social necessity but a major economic asset for the region.
The figures were released today at the Making A Difference 2025: Building Trust, Building Peace conference, a major gathering of peacebuilders, policy makers, and strategic stakeholders held to showcase the impact of vital peacebuilding work that often goes unseen. The conference brought together practitioners from across the region to address critical themes including leadership succession, tackling burnout, and strategies for long-term economic sustainability.
Speaking at the event, CRC highlighted that an investment of £1.2 million into 30 Core Funded organisations during 2024-25 has successfully leveraged an additional £6.9 million from other funders – a multiplier effect that underscores the high level of trust these groups have in their communities.
Martin McDonald MBE, Chair of the Community Relations Council, said:
“For too long, the essential work of peacebuilding in the community has often gone under the radar, yet today we have demonstrated its undeniable visibility in the form of stability and economic return.
The groups gathered here today are not just delivering projects – they are the lifeblood of their communities. They provide the safe spaces and the trusted staff that enable peace to be sustainable.
“Our data shows that for every pound we invest, £5.76 is generated for peacebuilding by these groups. That is a return on investment that proves community relations is not a cost, but a value-generating necessity for the region’s future. As new divisions emerge, we must move beyond simply sustaining this work to actively enhancing it.”
The Impact of Stability
The conference revealed that CRC Core Funding is currently supporting work in over 480 locations across all 11 District Council areas. By covering essential operational costs – salaries, rent and utilities – this funding scheme provides the stability required for groups to plan longer term interventions rather than chasing short-term project funding.
This stability has allowed 30 organisations to reach over 19,000 direct beneficiaries and 56,000 indirect beneficiaries in the last year alone.
Read the Core Group impact profiles here.
Solutions for the Future
Attendees at the conference participated in breakout sessions focused on four key themes:
- People: Addressing the urgent need for succession planning
- Places: Identifying community hotspots that require on-the-ground support
- Peace Practice: Showcasing innovative approaches to reconciliation
- Prosperity: Developing income diversification strategies to ensure organisations remain sustainable.
The event concluded with a call to other funders and government departments to recognise these community anchors not just as beneficiaries of aid, but as strategic partners capable of delivering exceptional value for money while tackling the region's most complex challenges.
Further Info
The Community Relations Council (CRC) was established in 1990 to promote better community relations and recognises that peace-building is a long-term process. CRC provides financial support, policy advice, and guidance to community groups and organisations working to build a shared and peaceful society in the region.
Key Statistics from the Making A Difference 2025 conference:
- Total Core Fund Investment (2024-25): £1.2 million.
- Additional Funding Leveraged: £6.9 million.
- Return on Investment: £5.76 for every £1 invested.
- Reach: 480 locations across 11 District Council areas.
- Beneficiaries: 19,000+ direct / 56,000+ indirect.