fermanagh

people

places

philanthropy

2

The Fermanagh Trust...

was established in 1995 as a charity supportingcommunity & social development in County Fermanaghand its natural hinterlands. The Trust was establishedthrough a major endowment given by the BarrowCadbury Trust.

The Fermanagh Trust...

has a mission statement “to build the first county-wideCommunity Foundation in Ireland, North or South, thatwill support charitable endeavour, citizenship andpeace-building at local level. At its core will be the keyprinciples of sustainability, social responsibility andpartnership. It will be an exemplar for others to followin support of positive local social change”.

The Fermanagh Trust...

provides grant aid, mentoring, research, advice, supportand information to voluntary and communityorganisations in Co Fermanagh. It also informs policydevelopment at local and regional level. Underpinningthis is the building of its community foundationendowment, essentially a savings fund for the county,to provide long-term grant aid to the local community.

fermanagh trust

the

The Fermanagh Trust...

is led by five experienced trustees. Trustees haveextensive knowledge of the county and its communityactivities, and are highly committed to the socialdevelopment of Fermanagh and all its people. Thetrustees are: Joanna McVey (Chair), Jim Ledwith(Convenor), Kathleen Richey (Secretary), PaddyMullarkey and Frank McManus.

The Fermanagh Trust...

currently employs three members of staff: a Director, aFinance Officer and an Administrator (both part-time).

INDEX

The Fermanagh Trust 2

Celebrating Fermanagh 4

Making a Difference 6

Social Enterprise 8

Growing Communities 10

A Community Legacy 14

Peace-building and Citizenship 16

Fermanagh: a model? 18

3

4

The Fermanagh Trust is committedto delivering positive social changeto all people living in Co Fermanagh.

Fermanagh is unique in many ways.It is a scenic county with manynatural assets, and is dominated byLough Erne, one of Ireland’s majorwaterways. The majority ofFermanagh’s residents live in ruralareas, and the network of villagesand townland communities hasproduced a flourishing communityrich in heritage and culture.

The county’s peripheral location,along with its relatively small sizeand population, has led to thedevelopment of a strong sense ofidentity and place for its people.Fermanagh has the only county-widelocal authority in Northern Ireland,and this has also contributed to thedistinctiveness of character andplace. Fermanagh’s agricultural andmanufacturing sectors are in decline,but tourism and new technologiesare playing increasingly importantroles in the economic developmentof the area.

Celebrating Fermanagh’shistorical families

The McManus Clan organised its firstgathering with support from theTrust, to promote aspects of thecultural history of the county and itspeople. Funding has also enabledthe Clan to set up a bursary fund tosupport original research work onany aspect of Fermanagh or thewider Clogher Diocese area. A Clanmemorial was erected at Belle Isleand two books on McManus historyhave been published.

Helping communities findways of sustainingthemselves

In 2003, the Inish Rath islandcommunity on Upper Lough Ernewas struggling to survive. Throughthe mentoring programme, thecommunity – Hare Krishna devotees- undertook a review of all of itsactivities. Inish Rath now has a 5-year plan, encompassing social,economic and spiritual developmentfor the islanders, environmentalmanagement and a programme ofholistic and eco-tourism events.

Enabling communities tobuild knowledge together

The Belcoo and District HistoricalSociety promotes the importance oflocal history to create a shared senseof place for all members of thecommunity. ‘The Border Paper’ is across-border project examining theimpact that heritage has had onregenerating the Belcoo andBlacklion areas. Activities as part ofthe project, which have been

supported by the Fermanagh Trust,include education workshops forschools and visiting guest speakers.The Society is keen to promote thebenefits of heritage on healththrough encouraging people to getout and about in their locality toexplore historical and cultural sites.‘The Border Paper’ also includes visitsto major political institutions in a bidto develop understanding of thedecisions taken there and theirimpact at the local level.

Maintaining ruralFermanagh traditions

In 1995, a co-operative of 13 farmerson Upper Lough Erne needed topurchase a new cot (boat) for thetransportation of livestock. Theirlivelihoods depended upon access toa cot to farm over 1,000 acres of landon the lough’s islands. Part of thefunding had been raised from anumber of sources but the Trust wasable to make up the crucial balance,and so contributed towardssustaining an important part ofagricultural life in Fermanagh.

celebratingfermanagh

5

FERMANAGH FACTS AND FIGURES

l Fermanagh borders Tyrone in Northern Ireland and four of

the five border counties in the Republic - Leitrim, Cavan,

Monaghan and Donegal

l Fermanagh is virtually equidistant between Belfast and

Dublin, with each being 85-90 miles away

l The population of Fermanagh was over 57,500 in 2004

l Enniskillen is the county town and has a population of just

over 13,500 (2001)

l In the 2001 Census 55.6% of Fermanagh’s population stated

that they are Catholic, 36.1% Protestant and other Christians,

0.2% were of other religious beliefs with 8.1% having no

religion/not stating

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The ethos of the Fermanagh Trusthas been to be a ‘force for good’ forthe county. It has tried to achievethis by supporting activities at agrass-roots level. The Trust’s prioritieshave and continue to be thoseprojects which would not otherwisebe funded, as are seen by otherfunders to perhaps be too small-scale, too impractical, too low profileor even too sensitive.

The Trust believes it best adds valueto the county by providing manysmall-scale ‘seedling’ grants, ratherthan fewer large-scale awards. Inmany cases, Fermanagh Trust hasbeen only one of a number offunders of a major project. However,it is often one of the first to commitsupport and therefore has beenpivotal in generating further grantaid for larger-scale projects in thecounty.

Small-scale grant aid has alsoallowed the Trust to support agreater number of localcommunities, and thus positivelyaffect the lives of more ofFermanagh’s people.

Improving the quality of lifein isolated areas

Until 1995, Tullyvogey townland onthe Fermanagh / Donegal borderwas without mains water.Fermanagh Trust provided grant aidwhich proved to be the catalyst forattracting major funding for thiscritical infrastructure project. In 2000,the Trust worked with localauthorities on both sides of theborder to get a small stretch of roadresurfaced, and so re-opened.

making a difference

Tullyvogey has become a model inNorthern Ireland for isolated ruralcommunities struggling to accessbasic services.

Raising the standard ofcommunity facilities

Little Treasures CommunityPlaygroup in Kinawley wasstruggling to provide services to pre-school children with poor access andtoilet facilities, and no kitchen.Working with a mentor in 2003/04led to accessing funding tocompletely renovate the building.As a result of the renovation,capacity at the playgroup hasincreased and in 2004 Irish PresidentMary McAleese officially opened thenew facilities.

Helping to kick start major projects

In 2000, Fermanagh Trust supportedthe purchase four derelict houses inSallyswood, Irvinestown. Thesehouses were transformed into adynamic new building - the ARCHealthy Living Centre. ARC provides

a holistic approach to health careaddressing physical, psychological,social, educational, environmentaland economic issues. The centreensures accessibility of servicesthrough links to rural transportinitiatives and childcare provision. Arange of health and educationactivities and services now operatefrom the ARC Centre including drug,alcohol, sexual health, women’s andchildren’s support services. A rangeof arts and adult education classesalso take place at the centre.

Helping others to reachthose most in need

The St Vincent de Paul Centre inEnniskillen provides a range ofemergency response services toFermanagh families facing economichardship. In 1999, a Trust mentorhelped secure funding to renovatenew premises, resulting in adedicated retail shop with storage,meeting, training and office spaces.The new base enabled St Vincent dePaul to work with more peoplethroughout the county, at a timewhen demand for their services wasat an all-time high.

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FERMANAGH TRUST’S GRANT AID

l Over £500,000 has been awarded in support by the

Fermanagh Trust since 1995

l Grants have varied in size from £100 to £7,500

l More than 200 community projects in Fermanagh have been

financially supported through the grants programme

l Short-term loans have been provided to local

community organisations, often to help with their cash flow in

between receipt of major grant awards from government

agencies. Without this financial assistance, a number of these

organisations would not have been able to subsequently

deliver the vast range of projects to Fermanagh communities.

Providing a voice for county-wide issues

In 2002, the Department ofEducation wanted to introduce morefree pre-school places in primaryschools. There was widespreadconcern that this would underminethe extensive cross-communityplaygroup provision in Fermanagh,by re-segregating children in mostlysingle-identity schools. A successfulcampaign was made to theDepartment by many of the county’scross-community playgroups,facilitated by The Fermanagh Trust.

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The Fermanagh Trust undertakes anumber of projects directly, todeliver resources and services on acounty-wide basis but also tocontribute towards its ownsustainability and growth. Incomegeneration is critical in order tomaintain the endowment fund –Fermanagh’s ‘piggybank’ for long-term community funding.

Providing leadership andencouraging sharingresources

The Centre is the Fermanagh Trust’smost ambitious project to date. ByAutumn 2006, a purpose-builtcommunity resource centre will beestablished in Enniskillen’sBroadmeadow area. As well ashousing the Trust offices, the centrewill offer affordable office andmeeting room space for localcommunity and voluntaryorganisations, in a safe and neutralvenue. It will also provide a focus forreconciliation, facilitate communityinnovation, stimulate localdevelopment and provide sharedresources and support forFermanagh’s not-for-profit sector.

Encouraging technology andvirtual communities

fermanagh.info is a website projectrun by Fermanagh Trust Initiatives. Itprovides a single source ofinformation, events and happeningsfor the county’s voluntary andcommunity sectors. The websiteencourages collective working,provides a valuable source ofrelevant information and enables

socialenterprise

small community organisations toreduce costs and increase efficiencythrough shared IT resources. Theproject has facilitated the installationof PC’s throughout the county andenabled a number of organisationsto establish a web presence.

Building local capacitythrough training

The Trust has long recognised thatthe geographical remoteness of thecounty from major urban centresmeans that access to training andeducation for local community andvoluntary organisations andindividuals interested in communitydevelopment is severely limited.Over the last 10 years, FermanaghTrust has provided training innegotiation, facilitation, conflictmanagement, funding, creativity,leadership and technology. It hasalso run workshops on subjects asdiverse as sustainability, anti-sectarianism, disability, communitymentoring and criminal justice.

Delivering qualitycommunity consultancy

The Fermanagh Trust undertakes avariety of consultancy work. This consultancy is often with or for

organisations who share its vision ofcommunity development, and since2002 the Trust has been an AssociateConsultant to Diversity Challenges, a community relations project.Consultancy work is also undertakenwith those whom the Trust mightnot otherwise come into contactwith, such as large businesses. TheFermanagh Trust is currentlyexploring several models forcommunity-based training.

Working with businesses toinvest in local communities

The Trust is working with wind farmcompanies, to try to establishcommunity funds linked to businesspresence. Such funds can provide apositive legacy for local areas wherefarms are established, ensuring thatthe businesses considers the impactof and benefits for the immediatecommunity by demonstratingresponsible corporate behaviour.

9

FERMANAGH TRUST’S SOCIAL ENTERPRISE

l More than 1,000 people have benefited from training and

workshops provided by the Trust

l Personal Computers have been installed on behalf of 40 local

community groups

l Training and computer upgrades have been provided to a

further 12 organisations

l The Centre in Ennsikillen is being built at a cost of

around £800,000

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One of Fermanagh Trust’s greatestresources is the extensive andcollective knowledge that it candrawn on of the county’s communityactivities. This knowledge hasenabled the Trust to bringorganisations from different culturalbackgrounds together. Brokeringlocalised deals has made a majorcontribution to community relationsin the county, and has enabledcommunity groups - many singleidentity – to create new alliances,work together towards commongoals, share resources and jointly bidfor funding by demonstratingpartnership and reconciliation.

The support of the Trust in localcommunities has often been acatalyst for growth. A number ofprojects have resulted in majorcommunity development in aparticular geographic area, leading to a plethora of local social,community, and sometimeseconomic and environmentalactivity.

The community mentoringprogramme matches communityand voluntary groups withindividuals from the public, privateand voluntary sectors. Mentors bringwith them a range of relevant skills

growingcommunities

that they can share with thecommunity group, and providesupport in a way that funding alonecannot do. They can buildconfidence, inspire and enthuse,generate commitment, shareexpertise, encourage measured risk-taking and build capacity.

Reducing isolation in rural communities

Until 2001, the remote border villageof Magheraveely was without anycommunity facilities. The FermanaghTrust supported the purchase of aportacabin for community use.

This provided a meeting place,brought people together and hasreduced isolation, particularlyamongst the elderly. The SunshineClub, an organisation supporting thevillage’s older residents, now has athriving programme of activities.Magheraveely CommunityAssociation is networking with otherisolated communities, has developedrural transport links and taken part inan online project.

Providing the spark for new activities

Churchill Community DevelopmentAssociation was formed in 1999, andbegan the task of undertakingcommunity development activities inan area where little had happened.Working with a mentor, the groupobtained funding, put together anannual plan and kick started atransformation in community activityin the area. From small beginnings,the Association created a snowballeffect of momentum and now has athriving network of social anddevelopment groups for youngpeople and women, as well aswalking, local history, agricultural,tourism and heritage activities.

A catalyst for change in urban estates

Drumgallon, a group of housingestates on the outskirts ofEnniskillen, has undergone atransformation. It was plagued byanti-social behaviour and had areputation as being one of the worstareas in the county to live. In 1998, aTrust mentor began working withDrumgallon’s CommunityAssociation to try to find ways oftackling the problems. A youthproject was developed, and was sosuccessful that a range of otheractivities followed. There is now a

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waiting list for housing, a well-attended youth club, supportservices for elderly residents and aflourishing art group.

Supporting local innovation

Tamlaght Women’s Institute built anew centre for the village and itscommunity in 2000. This was aground-breaking project, as itbecame the only WI resource centrein Northern Ireland outside ofBelfast. As well as providing a basefor the local WI, the resource centreprovides an extensive programme ofadult education classes for womenfrom across the county. The centrealso hosts small conferences. TheTrust provided a mentor to workwith the WI on the technical aspectsof the building project. Morerecently, the Trust has supported thedevelopment of a social economycatering project at the centre.

A springboard for communities

Ardess Development Association andArdess Historical Society werebrought together by the FermanaghTrust. Supported by a small grant,the groups together renovated theFamine Graveyard at Ardess in 1998,in a practical project whichgenuinely united the wholecommunity. This acted as aspringboard for furtherdevelopments. A range ofenvironmental improvements weremade several years later, and 2003the Association began to work with aTrust mentor on the Kiltierney DeerPark project. This year, renovationwill begin on the West Walls of thisunique archaeological site, andpublic access has been secured forthe future. The Trust has alsosupported a Mother and Toddlergroup in Ardess.

FERMANAGH TRUST’S SOCIAL ENTERPRISE

l Over 60 community organisations in Fermanagh have

received support through the Trust’s mentoring programme

l More than 30 local people from the private, public and

voluntary sectors have acted as Community mentors

l Montoring activities have included fundraising, technical

advice, setting up management procedures and systems, IT

support and providing encouragement and generating

enthusiasm

l Over 2,000 mentoring hours have been provided to

community organisations by the Fermanagh Trust - the

equivalent of a full-time employee for more than a year

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13

14

Barrow Cadbury Trust

In 1995, after a decade of funding communityorganisations in Fermanagh, the Barrow Cadbury Trustdecided that it was time to establish a localindependent organisation that could offer grant aid.After considerable research, Barrow Cadbury appointedfour local trustees, all with an in-depth knowledge ofand passion for the county. There was also a deliberatelychosen mix of gender and community background.

In an unprecedented move, Barrow Cadbury gave£500,000 as an endowment for Fermanagh, to beadministrated by the newly appointed Trustees. Theyalso gave £50,000 per year for 5 years in grant aid, inorder to give the endowment time to grow. This was allgiven with ‘no strings attached’ and created the firstcounty-wide community foundation in Ireland, eitherNorth or South.

a community legacy

Greg Turley Bursary Awards

The death of local teacher, sports coach and communityleader Greg Turley in 1999 created a deep sense of lossamongst many in Fermanagh’s community, to whomhe’d been inspirational. The Greg Turley Bursary Awardswere created as a result of donations from individualsand organisations throughout the county and beyond.The awards scheme supports young people by offeringfinancial assistance, and focuses on areas that Greg waspassionate about - sport, music, drama and communityservice. To date eleven young people have receivedawards. The Fermanagh Trust is responsible foroverseeing the bursary scheme.

Fisher Foundation

The Fisher Foundation was established by FisherEngineering as a permanent memorial to the lives ofBertie, Mark and Emma Fisher who were killed in an airaccident in 2001. The Foundation commemorates thelives of Bertie and Mark through their interest in rallying,and Emma’s through her commitment to Christian workoversees. The Foundation provides financial assistancefor improving safety standards at rally events, and toyoung rally drivers to develop safe driving skills. It alsosupports local individuals to undertake voluntary workoversees through The Leprosy Mission, Trócaire and theChurch Missionary Society Ireland. The Fermanagh Trustadministrates the Foundation on behalf of FisherEngineering.

Joan Trimble Awards

The Joan Trimble Awards were created to celebrate thelife of the late Fermanagh-born pianist and composer.Although she spent much of her life in London, Joanregularly visited Enniskillen and was the Chairman of the

15

family company, William Trimble Ltd, until her death in2000, aged 85. She performed and composedthroughout her life, and a CD of some of her best-known compositions was launched in 1999. The awardsscheme reflects Joan’s deep sense of commitment to thecounty and her love of the arts, by supporting youthand school based arts projects in Fermanagh. The Trustis responsible for overseeing the awards scheme.

FERMANAGH TRUST’S NAMED FUNDS

l The first Greg Turley Bursary was amde in 2002 and since then

nearly £9,000 has been given by the fund to support young

people in Fermanagh

l Since being established in 2002, the Fisher Foundation has

awarded over £90,000 in grant aid towards rally safety and

people undertaking voluntary service overseas

l Over £4,500 has been given since 2002 towards the support

of the arts for children and young people in Fermanagh

through the Joan Trimble Awards

Killesher and Cleenish Community Care Association

Killesher and Cleenish Community Care Association(KCCCA) was formed in 1989. It was established to bringtogether the two parishes and the two main communitytraditions, to work together for the benefit of the area.Since its inception, KCCCA has made a significantcontribution towards life in the south west of the countyby making donations to local health care andcommunity needs, providing a range of educationclasses, courses and information, and by working as apressure group to raise issues of interest on behalf ofthe people in the area. The Association’s mostambitious project was to send a local man with cerebral palsy to Hungary for 6 weeks of conductiveeducation therapy. The trip played a major role intransforming his life.

In 2004, the Fermanagh Trust challenged KCCCA toestablish a fund to support the people and communitiesin the parishes of Killesher and Cleenish for decades tocome. This involves KCCCA raising £15,000 over a 3 yearperiod, which would then be matched by the Trust,creating an initial fund of £30,000. This community fundwill be grown to ensure lasting benefit. This excitingcollaboration, which establishes a long-term fund for acommunity group, is the first of its type in Ireland, eitherNorth or South.

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Conflict in Northern Ireland has inevitably shapedcommunity development in Fermanagh. The ‘Troubles’increased polarisation between communities, andcreated divisions and tensions. Road closures in borderareas had a profound effect on the local economy andincreased feelings of isolation for many ruralcommunities.

Fermanagh people, like others throughout NorthernIreland, have suffered as a result of the conflict. TheRemembrance Day bomb in Enniskillen in 1987 deeplyaffected the local community, and thrust the countyonto the international stage and into the mediaspotlight.

Community development has been viewed differentlyby Fermanagh’s two main traditions. The 1998 ‘The Wayit Is!’ report (into community development andcommunity relations in the county), found thatcommunity activity is stronger in ‘Catholic’ areas than in‘Protestant’ areas, and this is reflected in the differenceof ethos between the two communities.

Cross-community and cross-border developmentactivities are playing a major role in building trustbetween communities. Partnership working betweencommunity groups and encouraging wider participationis at the cornerstone of Fermanagh Trust’s work.

peace-buildingand citizenship

Addressing difficult community issues

The Enniskillen Cultural Expression in Public SpacesWorking Group was formed to address the issue of flagsand emblems within some of Enniskillen’s housingestates. Supported and facilitated by the FermanaghTrust, the Working Group brought together residentsfrom Coleshill, Cornagrade and Kilmacormick, localpoliticians, and representatives from a range of publicbodies, statutory agencies, churches and localbusinesses. The group engaged in considerable dialogueand consultation with the local community. The resultwas a seminal report published in 2004, which attemptsto understand the local context of flags and emblems,along with recommendations to move towards aposition of positive cultural expression for the residentsof Enniskillen.

“The work of the

Fermanagh Trust,

in often difficult circumstances,

continues to have the support

of communities and individuals

from all backgrounds”

(Sam Foster, Ulster Unionist Party)

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Bringing communities together

The Letterbreen and Mullaghdun Partnership (LAMP)was formed to bring together four differentorganisations from the area, in a bid to develop positivecommunity relations and achieve common goals. The Methodist Church, Church of Ireland, LetterbreenDevelopment Association and Mullaghdun CommunityAssociation formed a partnership under the guidance ofa Trust mentor. LAMP began by holding a communityfestival in 2003. The success of this has led to a widerange of activities throughout the area includinganother festival, children’s parties and cross-communitycarol services at Christmas.

Raising the profile of women

County-wide organisation Women in Agriculture haverun two major programmes supporting farm womenand their families. ‘Branching Out’ and ‘Rooting forBusiness’ have both been funded through EU Peace andReconciliation programmes. Projects have includedintergenerational themes to build an understandingabout rural and agricultural issues, a rural leadershipprogramme, country market and farm businessinitiatives, personal development and healthprogrammes. The Fermanagh Trust has supportedWomen in Agriculture through both its mentoringscheme and financial support.

Creating opportunities to sharecelebrations

Enniskillen hosted a unique St Patrick’s Day Parade in2004. For the first time ever, bands from the Protestantcommunity participated in the parade. The FermanaghTrust played a major role in helping the bands toovercome difficulties associated with the parade. Manyof the bands had previously taken part in St Patrick’sDay parades south of the border, but had neverperformed in their own county. The result wasFermanagh’s first cross-community St Patrick’s Dayparade, a major step forward in further strengtheningcommunity relations in the county between the twomain traditions.

“Through their

independent grant aid,

community mentoring,

networking activities and

innovative research,

Fermanagh Trust has helped

peace-building and the

essential work of

community relationships and

recognition of difference”

(Gerry McHugh, Sinn Féin)

FERMANAGH TRUST’S RESEARCH

Since 1998, the Trust has undertaken

3 major research projects:

l ‘The Way It Is!’ - in collaboration with the Fermanagh

Partnership - this was a comprehensive review of community

development and community relations in Fermanagh.

l ‘Flags and Emblems” - a study into symbols, flags and

emblems in a group of housing estates in Enniskillen.

l Pre-School Education - a detailed study of the county’s

cross-community playgoup provision.

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Local Knowledge

An in-depth knowledge of Fermanagh and itscommunities has allowed the Trust to remain close tograss roots organisations and projects. It has enabled itto build trust, encourage collaboration, build economiesof scale and critical mass and become a ‘resident expert’on local community and social issues.

Credibility

Having credibility with all its stakeholders, from donorsand the Fermanagh public to local politicians, frommajor funders to community leaders, has enabled theTrust to gain commitment for its activities from all sidesof the community. The Trust ensured from the outsetthat all aspects of its work were even-handed, and itstrack record has demonstrated an inclusive approach. A clear and coherent strategy has supported thedevelopment of its work.

Risk-taking

The Barrow Cadbury Trust placed great responsibility onthe shoulders of Trust by establishing an endowment insuch a geographically small and rural area. This considered risk-taking has remained within thespirit of the Fermanagh Trust through a determinationto succeed. The Trust has supported, facilitated andbeen involved with a number of projects which haveinvolved conflict, controversy or tackled difficult issues.

fermanagh:a model?

Independence

The Fermanagh Trust is completely independent ofgovernment, local authorities, funders and statutorybodies. As a small and impartial organisation, the Trustcan be flexible and responsive to change. It can manageand adapt to change more effectively by ensuring thatthe needs of Fermanagh’s communities are paramount.If needs be, it can assist with crisis management, makinggrant-aid or short-term loans available quickly. The Trusthas a physical presence in the county and so is veryaccessible to local people.

Local Priorities

The ‘no strings attached’ endowment from BarrowCadbury allowed the Fermanagh Trust to ensure that itsets its own priorities based on best meeting localneeds. The Trust has prioritised seedling funding, that isvery small amounts of grant aid that make a significantdifference to the project supported, and funding toorganisation’s who would otherwise struggle to obtainfunds from elsewhere.

People

People are at the heart of the Trust’s work. Communityleaders, grassroots activists, Trust mentors, staff and

This review identified 10 factors believed to haveplayed a major role in the success of the FermanaghTrust. These success factors are interrelated andinterdependent.

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Trustees share a commitment to the social developmentof the county. Projects supported by the Trust havedrawn on local expertise and enthusiasm to engagewith those who want to bring about positive change intheir own communities. Above all, these people arepassionate about Fermanagh and its people.

Integrated Approach

The Fermanagh Trust’s approach brings togetherfunding, mentoring, advocacy, endowment growth,social enterprise, leadership and a collective voice forthe community and voluntary sectors. By integratingthese aspects of development, the work of the Trust hasenabled the building of skills, knowledge andconfidence with local communities, to develop intandem with increased community resources. Fundingalone would not have delivered the same outcome.

Multiplier Effect

The Trust’s policy of providing seedling funding tocreate small beginnings has had a powerful effect in thecounty, by setting off a chain of development signalledthrough financial support and encouragement of a localcommunity. In addition, funding has frequently beenused to leverage major awards from regional, national orEuropean funders. The multiplier effect can also be seenthrough people as projects have inspired others and

created a network of community activists throughoutCounty Fermanagh.

Periferal Location

The remoteness of Fermanagh from major urban areashas created a sense of independence, resourcefulness,determination and ‘can do’ spirit amongst its people.The coinciding of county boundary and local authorityarea has also added to the strong sense of place andcommunity identity, within a geographic area. This hasenabled the Trust to develop a county-wide strategythat would be extremely difficult in a larger and lessdistinct area.

Leadership

From its creation, the Fermanagh Trust was tasked withdemonstrating leadership for local community andvoluntary organisations. It is almost unique in managinga large endowment fund in a small geographic area -most community foundations in the UK have apopulation base of no less than 500,000. The Trust has had to create meaningful relationships withpotential donors in order to encourage philanthropy(community giving), but also maintain its grassrootscredibility. This has been a fine balancing act, and onewhich has involved huge commitment from both staffand Trustees.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

Barrow Cadbury Trust for all their support.

Report written by Bryony Flanagan of Green Hat (bryony@greenhat.org.uk)

Photographed and Designed by Michael Brown of the

Community Media Workshop, Enniskillen (c.m.workshop@btinternet.com).

PHOTOGRAPHS

Page 3

Aughakillymaude Mummers

Page 5

Lough Erne Cot Group

Page 7

Little Treasures Community Playgroup, Kinawley

Page 11

Project St Patrick (Photograph by Pat Lunny)

Aughakillymaude Mummers

Kilmacormick II Community Playgroup

Page 12

Tamlaght Women’s Institute

Page 13

Belcoo Historical Society

Page 15

The Leprosy Mission NI/Nepal

Greg Turley Bursary Awards

The Fermanagh Trust

t 028 66 320210f 028 66 320230e info@fermanaghtrust.orgw www.fermanaghtrust.org

COMMUNITY MEDIA WORKSHOP