FUNDING FOR LANGUAGE & CULTURAL GROUPS

The call was made by Ulster Community Investment Trust (UCIT), a registered charity which is Northern Ireland’s leading independent provider of loans to the Community, Voluntary and Social Enterprise (CVSE) sector. 

In recent years there has been strong growth in the numbers of language and cultural groups operating in Northern Ireland, but the level of funding available from Government has come under increasing pressure. 

Among those to have benefited from UCIT funding is Belfast-based An Droichead which supports the Irish-speaking community through education and employment services, as well as child day care, youth services, scholarships and volunteering opportunities.  The group received a loan of £50K to help refurbish childcare facilities and develop its business plan.

Pól Deeds, CEO of An Droichead, said:

“In 2013 An Droichead created a social enterprise day care that employs 25 people directly.   The loan from UCIT helped us consolidate this expanding service, maintaining high standards whilst also driving revenues.

“The loan has also enabled us to update our plans for a social economy and cultural village on the Ormeau Road.”

Phelim Sharvin, Associate Director, UCIT added:

“Northern Ireland’s growing social economy comes in many different guises, including language and cultural organisations which create jobs, support tourism and, like An Droichead, provide vital community services.

“Traditionally, language groups have relied upon voluntary and grant support.  In today’s financial climate, however, more and more groups are turning towards social finance to support their work.

“UCIT provides a range of loans and professional financial advice to help groups determine the best way to fund their services.”

UCIT has supported 400 organisations with loan commitments totalling over £80 million since 2001. All of UCIT’s profits are retained and recycled for the benefit of its clients.

Other language and cultural groups which have received funding from UCIT include Coiste Ghaeloideachais Chromghlinne to help support a new school facility and family centre in Crumlin and An Gaelaras to help develop the landmark Cultúrlann Uí Chanáin centre in Derry.