Our Work > Reconciliation
Reconciliation
Reconciliation is a cross-cutting focus across all of the Society’s work.
Peace and reconciliation are not the same thing. Reconciliation does not automatically follow from peace — it must be actively built.
The Honourable The Irish Society is non-political and non-religious. That is precisely what makes us trusted. It allows us to work across boundaries, bring people together and support the conditions in which stronger relationships, honest dialogue and shared understanding can grow.
Why this matters
Northern Ireland has made significant progress, but important work remains. Stronger relationships across communities, political traditions and sectors do not happen by chance. They are built over time through sustained effort, trust and partnership.
For the Society, reconciliation is not a separate programme area. It is a lens that shapes how we invest, convene and support communities across our work.
How reconciliation shapes our work
Across early years, waterways, culture and heritage, and our wider role as a trusted convenor, reconciliation shapes the way we work. It means supporting activity that brings people together, strengthens participation, widens understanding and helps communities build shared futures.
In practical terms, this can include supporting shared spaces, community-led projects, cultural and heritage activity, environmental stewardship, intergenerational participation and the quiet relationship-building work that often sits behind lasting change.
Our role
We do not define reconciliation for communities. We support the conditions in which it can be built.
Our role is to invest in people, places and communities; to bring partners together; and to use our long-standing links with the City of London and the North West and North Coast of Northern Ireland to widen opportunity, strengthen relationships and support public benefit.
What this leads to
Through this cross-cutting focus, our work contributes to:
- stronger relationships across communities
- greater confidence in shared places
- wider participation in civic and cultural life
- a more cohesive, prosperous and vibrant Northern Ireland for everyone, across every community
These outcomes are built gradually, through sustained support, partnership and shared effort.
Access funding
Our funding is designed to support community-led provision, strengthen organisations and create meaningful opportunities for children and families. Please review our programmes to find out more about the grants programmes we operate.