The Fermanagh Trust: The Encirc Tackling Poverty Fund

Overview

Background 

Encirc, part of the Vidrala Group, operates in Derrylin and is a global leader in glass container manufacturing and bottling, employing nearly 2,000 people. Known for its market leadership and sustainability, Encirc’s operations are guided by six core values and a Social Impact Strategy focused on supporting local communities.

Encirc’s Social Impact Strategy outlines their commitment to strategically support the communities in which they live and work. Part of this strategy has been the formation of a Charity Committee in the Derrylin business. The Committee, made up from members of the Encirc staff team, will be working with the Fermanagh Trust on this fund.

The Fermanagh Trust is a county-wide community foundation and is deeply connected with the County and is an independent grant-making body. The Board of Trustees are all local people with experiences in community development, community relations, business, health and social care, cross-border and private/ public business sectors and local government.

Objectives

The objectives of the Fermanagh Trust are ‘to promote any charitable purpose, and to support initiatives which will lead to social and community development to improve conditions and life for people in the County of Fermanagh... .’ 

This fund is particularly focused on tackling poverty.

Eligibility

The Encirc Tackling Poverty Fund aims to support local not for profit organisations directly supporting people in poverty. Funding projects that support people to build autonomy, develop self-reliance and resilience.

Funding Level & Notes

• Grants of up to £3,000 maximum are made for successful applications.
• Grants can be sought for: project and revenue funding.
• Funding supports programmes or initiatives that will lead to behavioural changes and/or increase the skills and personal effectiveness of people living in poverty.
• Preference will be afforded to projects directed specifically at those experiencing poverty, rather than universal schemes.
• Potential additional professional support may be available to successful applicants.

Initiatives that may be supported include:

• Programmes to educate & upskill individuals and families impacted by food poverty
• Community led collective purchasing schemes
• Money management programmes
• Community led approaches to reduce, reuse and recycling initiatives in local areas
• Establishment of local support networks including energy efficiency projects