Community Activities
James Brown & Sons Funeral Directors has announced the launch of a new £10,000 Community Impact Grant, as part of its ongoing James Brown & Sons Community Fund, expanding support for charities and community organisations across Belfast and the surrounding areas.
The Community Fund will distribute £20,000 in total this year, building on a strong track record that has seen £80,000 awarded to grass roots organisations over the past four years.
The announcement was made at a civic reception held at Parliament Buildings, Stormont. It brought together nearly 100 representatives from local businesses, community groups and churches to reflect on the achievements of the James Brown & Sons Community Fund and to look ahead to its next phase.
The new grant will support one community project each year that demonstrates clear local need, strong local involvement and the ability to deliver meaningful, lasting benefit.
Speaking at the event, Communities Minister Gordon Lyons, said: “I am proud to support our voluntary and community sector and the vital role it plays in strengthening the fabric of our communities. It is encouraging to see local businesses like James Brown & Sons contributing to this work and demonstrating a genuine commitment to the people they serve. The ongoing impact of the James Brown & Sons Community Fund is commendable, and its support is helping organisations deliver meaningful impact. I applaud the fund’s ongoing dedication to our communities, and I look forward to seeing its positive influence continue to grow.”
Established in 2022, the Community Fund was created to provide practical support to grassroots charities and not-for-profit organisations working within local neighbourhoods. Since its launch, funding has supported initiatives focused on wellbeing, social connection, education, poverty relief and community development.
Speaking at the launch event, Beverley Brown, of James Brown & Sons, said: “Through the Community Fund, we have had the privilege of working alongside organisations making a real difference every day, often quietly and with limited resources. The Community Impact Grant allows us to support a project over a longer period, giving organisations the stability and time needed to create lasting change.”
Alongside the new flagship award, smaller grants remain available, ensuring local groups, pilot ideas and emerging projects can continue to access support. This approach reflects a commitment to working in partnership with communities, supporting both established initiatives and smaller organisations at earlier stages of development.
James Brown & Sons has served families in greater Belfast since 1904. The Community Fund builds on that heritage, recognising the important role local organisations play in supporting individuals and strengthening communities.
James Brown MBE, whose grandfather founded James Brown & Sons, and Funeral Partners CEO Sam Kershaw also attended the event which reflected on the achievements of the Community Fund.
James said: “James Brown & Sons’ Community Fund celebration in Parliament Buildings was a truly
memorable occasion. I was really encouraged by the number who attended, particularly from organisations who have received funding during the last four years, which is testimonial to the value of the fund.”
Guests heard from organisations supported through the fund, including Men’s Minds Matter NI, Walkway Community Centre and Knockbreda Community & Wildlife Garden, each highlighting how community-led initiatives can improve wellbeing, reduce isolation and create opportunities for connection.
A key feature of the new Community Impact Grant will be opportunities for James Brown & Sons colleagues to become involved through volunteering and skills-sharing, strengthening relationships between the business and local organisations.
Applications for both funding are open, with local organisations encouraged to apply or begin conversations about future projects.
For further information, visit our community fund page here.