NICVA, in conjunction with the International Fund for Ireland (IFI), has launched the second year of its £2.1 million Community Leadership Programme for Northern Ireland and the southern border counties.  The Programme is targeted at grassroots community groups working at a local level to develop their communities.  It is for groups working with the whole community not single issue groups.

This is a one year leadership journey for groups, and by participating a group and its committee will have the opportunity to: 

• build the management and leadership capacity within their organisations;
• participate in ten action learning sessions;
• benefit from a governance review, if one is required;
• receive ongoing support and advice from NICVA.
• network at three roundtable workshops with others from the Leadership Programme;
• achieve accreditation for individuals at Institute of Leadership and Management level 3;
• opportunity for up to two people to gain Certificate in Management Practice from University of Ulster free of charge; and
• receive a maximum bursary of £2,500 (€2,930) for an action learning project of the group's choice. 

Groups currently in receipt of IFI revenue funding are not eligible to apply for the programme.  Groups interested in the 2010-2011 programme should complete an expression of interest form by 8 October 2009.  Further information and forms are available on the Community Leadership Website at www.communityleadership.org or by calling Nuala Muldoon at NICVA on 9087 7777.

(24 August 2009)