BT Ireland Expands Its Business Sales Division with New Appointments

New grant funding aimed at locally based projects for young people, older people and people with disabilities has been announced by The Community Foundation for Northern Ireland (CFNI) as it opens the Telecommunity Fund for a new round of applications.

The fund which was established in 1989 sees BT, the Communication Worker’s Union (CWU) and CFNI working together as a grant-making partnership which has distributed over £1 million to grassroots community organisations across Northern Ireland over the past 26 years.

Grants range from £500 to £1500, with priority given to groups dealing with additional disadvantage such as rural isolation, low income and reduced access to services. Types of projects which can be supported through the fund include; local initiatives to improve resources and community facilities, community education and training opportunities, arts and sports activities, out of school projects for young people and inclusion and involvement of disadvantaged communities.

Recent recipients of the grant include the Dungannon based Buddy Bear Trust for children with Cerebral Palsy and Aqua Psychotherapy in Belfast.

Speaking about the Telecommunity Fund, Andrew McCracken, Chief Executive of the Community Foundation said; “It is great to start the New Year by announcing the opening of the Telecommunity Fund for new grants. We are delighted to be entering our 27th year working with BT and the CWU to deliver vital funds to groups throughout Northern Ireland.

“The fact that this fund has been making an impact in communities here for almost three decades shows what can be achieved when a Community Foundation and a local company work together to ensure that charitable giving is directed where it is most needed using our in-depth knowledge, experience and expertise.”

Alex Crossan, managing director BT Networks, Northern Ireland said:

“Being a visible advocate and supporter of responsible business practice is important for BT and we are committed to making a difference to the communities in which we operate through our corporate responsibility programme.

“We have been involved with the Telecommunity Fund since its beginning and have seen the huge difference the fund has made to so many grassroots organisations right across Northern Ireland.”

David Kennedy, branch secretary, NI Telecoms branch, CWU said:

"The Northern Ireland branch of the CWU have been involved with the fund since its inception and we are committed to helping those less fortunate in our society. Our local community groups are dependent on funding through the CFNI and we are delighted to be able to support them”.