# IFI launches 5 year strategy

- Link: https://fundraising.co.uk/2006/02/02/ifi-launches-5-year-strategy/
- Published: 2006-02-02T00:00:00+00:00
- Author: Howard Lake

The Irish Minister for Foreign Affairs, Mr Dermot Ahern T.D., and Secretary of State
for Northern Ireland, Mr Peter Hain MP, have welcomed a new initiative by the International
Fund for Ireland to promote reconciliation in the North and border counties. The
launch of the five year strategy, entitled Sharing this Space, brings to an end 
much of the Fund’s work in economic development, in favour of reconciliation, cross-
community and cross-border links.

The new strategy coincides with the 20th anniversary of the Fund’s foundation by
the Irish and British Governments in 1986 to channel international funding to marginalised
communities. The US, EU, Canada, Australia and New Zealand have all contributed 
to the Fund’s work in the North and Southern border countries.

The fact is that the needs of the North and border counties have changed substantially
and for the better since 1986 – not least in economic terms. Reconciliation and 
cross-border links are the new priority and I’m pleased to see that the Fund is 
addressing these through this strategy Minister Ahern said.

## Advertisement

 [⌊Posthub advert. You create the campaign. We'll handle the postal journey. Get started at post-hub.co.uk.⌉](https://fundraising.co.uk/ads/posthub-20261007-300x250/)

Minister Ahern also welcomed the Fund’s focus on youth.

The Fund’s legacy will be the extent to which it has helped open the eyes of children
and young people to the possibilities for a better future, he said.

The Secretary of State commented This is an appropriate change in direction at this
time given the greatly improved economic situation on both sides of the border. 
In these circumstances the Fund’s decision to focus on reconciliation and integration
themes is welcome and timely.

The International Fund for Ireland is an international organisation established 
by the Irish and British Governments in 1986 with the objectives of promoting economic
and social advance and of encouraging contact, dialogue and reconciliation between
unionists and nationalists throughout Ireland. Contributors to the Fund are the 
United States, the European Union, Canada, New Zealand and Australia. Its total 
expenditure since 1986 is more than ‚€750m.

The Fund’s budget for 2006 is ‚€36 million. Funding priorities will include grassroots
level reconciliation and cross-community projects. In addition, the Fund will seek
to address the root causes of deprivation in the most disadvantaged areas by using
shared economic concerns as a platform for regeneration and cross-community activity.
The Fund will also continue its pioneering work with children and young people throughout
the North and border counties.

 * **[New services for fundraisers in Ireland](https://fundraising.co.uk/2006/02/02/new-services-fundraisers-ireland/)**(
   2 February 2006)
 * **[Modernisation Fund decisions due in April](https://fundraising.co.uk/2006/02/06/modernisation-fund-decisions-due-april/)**(
   6 February 2006)
 * **[Dublin fundraising conference announced](https://fundraising.co.uk/2006/02/06/dublin-fundraising-conference-announced/)**(
   6 February 2006)