New Peace III grants programme opens

A grants programme in Northern Ireland worth €50 million is now open for applications. Priority 1 of Theme 1 of the Peace III will focus on reconciling communities in Northern Ireland and the border counties.

This call for applications is for regional projects and will support work in the period 2007-2013. The call will be open on a rolling basis initially with no closing date.

The theme of Building Positive Relations is concerned with challenging attitudes to racism and sectarianism and in supporting conflict resolution and mediation. This theme aims to support the implementation of strategic models of collaboration between the public, private and community sectors that focus on reconciliation, cultural diversity and equality. It further aims to establish meaningful cross-community and cross-border initiatives that will improve trust and tolerance.

Applications are sought which will promote activities on a regional level and / or cross-border basis where some dimensions of building positive relationships may be best addressed. This could include, for example, actions to ensure the active involvement of women, youth or other identified groups in strategic actions that contribute to Programme objectives.

Proposals must be strategic in focus and implemented on a regional basis across the whole eligible region of Northern Ireland and the six border counties. Proposals should focus on areas and groups that have been affected by the conflict.

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