The International Fund for Ireland Community Leadership Programme, delivered by NICVA, has been extended for another year.  There is less than two weeks left to apply.  The Programme offers free leadership training and a bursary of £2,500 / €2,750 for your community group.

Dr Adrian Johnston, Chairman, International Fund for Ireland said:

“We are delighted to be able to announce the extension of the Community Leadership Programme. Over the past three years the programme has gone from strength to strength, with individuals and groups participating in action learning sessions, round table workshops, Institute of Leadership and Management accreditation and, for some, participation in the University of Ulster Certificate in Management Practice. This is a fantastic opportunity for groups to develop and grow, and now in its final year, we would encourage them to apply”.

Una McKernan from NICVA commented:

“To date, over 97 organisations and about 475 individuals have gone through the Programme, and are already showing lots of evidence of improved leadership skills, which can only benefit how their organisations are run and the local communities they operate in.”

She continued:

“We are delighted that IFI have extended this Programme for a fourth year. NICVA is now recruiting for groups to participate in CLP which continues to offer exciting and innovative training and learning opportunities which aim to strengthen the leadership capacity of community groups.”

Who’s it for?

• Groups based in Northern Ireland and the six southern Border counties - Sligo, Louth, Leitrim, Monaghan, Cavan and Donegal.
• Grass roots community groups that work with the whole community (not single issue groups).
• Community groups that are willing to show leadership in their community and are committed to local regeneration and development
• Group leadership ie Board/committee members

What does your group get?

• Eight action learning sessions with a dedicated facilitator for your group.
• Support with your governance through the governance health check, bespoke training and an action plan. Some groups can also have their governing documents reviewed or drafted.
• Ongoing support and advice from NICVA, including a year’s free membership.
• One year free subscription to Grant Tracker/Funding Point, online funding databases.
• Networking at three roundtable workshops with others from the CLP.
• Accreditation for five participants from your group in the Institute of Leadership and Management Award in leadership level 3.
• Bursaries for up to two people from the group for the Certificate in Management Practice from University of Ulster.
• Maximum bursary of £2,500 / €2,750 for an action-learning project.

Further information and expression of interest forms are available from www.communityleadershipprogramme.org or by calling Sandra Bailie on 028 9087 7777 or from ROI +44 (0) 28 9087 7777. Groups interested in the 2012/2013 programme should complete an expression of interest form by 31 August 2012 and return to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or CLP Coordinator, NICVA, 61 Duncairn Gardens, Belfast, BT15 2GB.