Funding Update

(updated May 2006)

As many of you know, TUH received its original core funding from the EU Peace II programme, which ended in August 2005. Since then, we have been operating through a grant from the Joseph Rowntree Charitable Trust, while awaiting news on our application for Peace II Extension funding. In December, we learned that our bid for the Extension funding was unsuccessful, resulting in a mild infection of bahumbugs.

Though this turn of events is disappointing, it is not surprising, given the current climate within the community and voluntary sector. As we move further away from the open violence of “The Troubles,” funds for such organizations are disappearing, resulting in the sad demise of many “small” projects, whose deep impact is often overlooked and undervalued.

Unfortunately, our most recent funding application to the EU Cross Border initiative was unsuccessful, and though we are currently exploring other funding opportunities, as of 1 June, our future is unknown. TUH has a great team of people who continue to advocate for storysharing, and are thinking creatively of ways to keep this work on-going. We are optimistic about the future of TUH, and we believe that the “magic” that is storytelling still has a part to play in creating something better for all of our futures. The Management Committee and staff remain committed to the mission of TUH, and are making every effort to ensure that this work continues.

As always, thank you for your continued support, participation, and dedication. We will continue to update this space as developments arise.