Belfast Charitable Society
We are Belfast’s first charitable organisation and Ireland’s oldest extant charity.
The Society was founded in 1752 with an aim of building a Poor House and Infirmary for the most vulnerable citizens of Belfast. Today the Belfast Charitable Society, based at Clifton House – the former Poor House remains an important influence in Belfast and is proud of its ongoing philanthropic work.
Our Mission
Our Vision is to be the recognised leader in the provision of progressive, relevant and philanthropic charitable work in Belfast and the wider community.
Our Mission is to preserve, promote and utilise the philanthropic heritage of the Society to address disadvantage.
The need for our work today is just as great as it was over 270 years ago when the society was first established by an Act of Parliament of Ireland.
Latest News
The Mary Ann McCracken Foundation, supported by funding from Belfast Charitable Society, is committed to building inclusive, cohesive communities where difference is respected and everyone has the opportunity to belong.Recently the Foundation has funded the work of The Independent Commission...
The Mary Ann McCracken Foundation, supported by funding from Belfast Charitable Society, is committed to building inclusive, cohesive communities where difference is respected and everyone has the opportunity to belong.Recently...
On 19th May 1779, within Belfast’s Poor House, Belfast merchants Robert Joy and Thomas McCabe proposed teaching the children practical skills and trades in cotton manufacturing, enabling them to gain employment, achieve financial independence, and ultimately break the cycle of...
On 19th May 1779, within Belfast’s Poor House, Belfast merchants Robert Joy and Thomas McCabe proposed teaching the children practical skills and trades in cotton manufacturing, enabling them to gain...
Belfast Charitable Society hosts Bank of England Community Forum Governor of the Bank of England, Andrew Bailey, hosted a Community Forum for Belfast, in conjunction with Belfast Charitable Society, at Clifton House yesterday (19th February). Each year, the Bank of...
Belfast Charitable Society hosts Bank of England Community Forum Governor of the Bank of England, Andrew Bailey, hosted a Community Forum for Belfast, in conjunction with Belfast Charitable Society, at...
“Our education system is in crisis, and it is the most vulnerable and disadvantaged children in our society who will bear the brunt of funding cuts for schools, and an ongoing lack of investment within the sector generally.” So said...
“Our education system is in crisis, and it is the most vulnerable and disadvantaged children in our society who will bear the brunt of funding cuts for schools, and an...
A new research report has recently been launched, entitled Effective Leadership in Disadvantaged Communities. Carried out by the team at Stranmillis University College, which included Prof Noel Purdy, Dr Karen Orr, and Dr Glenda Walsh, the report was funded by...
A new research report has recently been launched, entitled Effective Leadership in Disadvantaged Communities. Carried out by the team at Stranmillis University College, which included Prof Noel Purdy, Dr Karen...
We’re Hiring Belfast Charitable Society is currently recruiting for two new positions. See below for details. HEAD OF PROGRAMMES – JOB DESCRIPTION – NEW POST Duration: Full time permanent position Hours: 36 hours per week Salary: £48,800 Based: Clifton House...
We’re Hiring Belfast Charitable Society is currently recruiting for two new positions. See below for details. HEAD OF PROGRAMMES – JOB DESCRIPTION – NEW POST Duration: Full time permanent position...
About Us
Find out more about Belfast Charitable Society, its history and the work that it does today.
Our Board & Team
Meet the people responsible for the governance, management and day-to-day work of the Society.
Membership
Find out about becoming a member of Belfast Charitable Society and supporting our charitable work.