The Honourable The Irish Society has made a special grant to Building Community Resource Centre, Ballymoney, to support its Ethnic Communities Programme. This targeted support will help strengthen the Centre’s work with ethnic minority communities, providing practical support, creating safe and welcoming space, and helping to build connection across communities.
While this grant sits outside the Society’s core programmes, it reflects the Society’s longstanding commitment to supporting communities, particularly at times when they are under pressure.
The Building Community Resource Centre plays an important role locally — working alongside individuals and families, supporting inclusion, and helping communities to connect, participate and thrive.
Alderman Vincent Keaveny, Governor of The Honourable The Irish Society
“The Society’s work is grounded in supporting people, places and communities, and in bringing people together across different perspectives. At times when communities are under strain, that commitment becomes even more important as we have sadly seen over the last number of days across Northern Ireland.
This support recognises the vital role that organisations like Building Communities Resource Centre play — providing both practical and group support and a sense of safety and belonging for individuals and families, particularly those who may feel most vulnerable.
As a Society, we are committed to being present, accountable and engaged in the communities we serve. This grant is a clear expression of that commitment — supporting work that strengthens relationships, builds understanding, and helps communities to move forward together.”
Katherine Murphy, CEO, Building Community Resource Centre
“This investment recognises the importance of long-term, community-led support and will enable BCRC to continue delivering meaningful services. The funding will provide vital support for the ongoing delivery of BCRC’s projects and services across the community. Through our Ethnic Communities Programme and wider community initiatives, we focus on bringing people together, creating connection, promoting understanding, and creating opportunities for individuals and communities to thrive. The funding will help sustain programmes that build hope, strengthen relationships, improve community safety, and support inclusive participation across our diverse communities.
In the current funding landscape facing the community and voluntary sector, this support has come at a crucial time. It provides much-needed stability and enables us to continue delivering meaningful work that supports people from all across our community. This funding will help us sustain and grow projects that bring people together, strengthen community connections, promote safety and wellbeing, and create opportunities for learning, support and development. It reinforces BCRC’s long-term commitment to building sustainable, inclusive, peaceful and cohesive communities where everyone feels valued, connected and able to reach their potential.”