Belfast Charity Makes History as Northern Ireland’s First Living Wage Funder
Belfast Charitable Society has made history by becoming Northern Ireland’s first accredited Real Living Wage Funder—a bold move that strengthens its long-standing mission to tackle poverty and low pay across the community and voluntary sector.
The Society, which recently became a Real Living Wage Employer, now goes a step further: ensuring the grants it provides enable recipient organisations to pay their staff a wage that reflects the true cost of living.
Paula Reynolds, CEO of Belfast Charitable Society, said:
“We’re proud to lead the way as Northern Ireland’s first Real Living Wage Funder. With over 270 years of history, we’ve always championed fair pay—from well-paid apprenticeships in our archives to today’s commitment to addressing low wages in the sector. This step ensures our funding directly helps those hit hardest by the cost-of-living crisis.”
This landmark accreditation, supported by Advice NI’s Living Wage NI project, aligns Belfast Charitable Society with other respected UK-based funders like the Joseph Rowntree Foundation and Esmée Fairbairn Foundation, who already require the Real Living Wage for funded roles.
Mary McManus, Regional Manager of Living Wage NI, said:
“This is a game-changer for Northern Ireland’s third sector. Low pay continues to be a major challenge, and Belfast Charitable Society’s leadership sets a powerful example for other funders to follow.”
Want to join the movement?
Find out how to become a Real Living Wage Employer at www.adviceni.net and submit an Expression of Interest form today.
Paula Reynolds, CEO of Belfast Charitable Society, expressed pride in this achievement:
“We are delighted to be the first Northern Ireland-based funder to be accredited with Real Living Wage Funder status. With over 270 years of history, Belfast Charitable Society has always been innovative in tackling poverty and disadvantage. Our archival records contain hundreds of examples of well-paid apprenticeship schemes, demonstrating our long-standing commitment to breaking the cycle of poverty.
“Today, we continue this tradition by guaranteeing that our funding supports fair wages for employees within the organisations we fund. This will have a direct impact on individuals struggling with the ongoing cost-of-living crisis and will contribute to addressing the broader issue of low pay within the sector.”
The society now joins other respected funders such as the Joseph Rowntree Foundation, Esmée Fairbairn Foundation, and the National Lottery Community Fund, all of which, despite not being based in Northern Ireland, have supported grant recipients in the region.
Mary McManus, Regional Manager of Living Wage NI, highlighted the significance of this development:
“We are thrilled that Belfast Charitable Society has not only accredited as a Living Wage Employer but has also taken the next step by becoming the first-ever accredited Living Wage Funder in Northern Ireland. This is a landmark moment for the Living Wage movement here. Low pay remains a critical issue within the Community and Voluntary sector, a sector that provides essential services to so many.”