The Fisher Foundation is now inviting applications from individuals across Fermanagh who plan to undertake voluntary work overseas, ahead of its annual closing date of 28th February. Last year, the Foundation awarded £15,000 in grants to support a wide range of humanitarian and development projects around the world, continuing its long-standing commitment to enabling local people to make a global impact.
Since its establishment in 2003, the Fisher Foundation has supported more than 500 people from Fermanagh to volunteer overseas. These grants have made a lasting contribution to both the communities supported and the volunteers themselves, helping to foster a strong local culture of giving, service and global engagement.
Among last year’s recipients was Olivia Maguire, who volunteered with African Impact on The Girl Impact Project. During her placement, Olivia supported schools across several local communities and took part in a tree-planting initiative, helping to plant 100 trees and contributing significantly to African Impact’s wider environmental goals.
One of last year’s Fisher Foundation recipients Olivia Maguire, who volunteered with African Impact on The Girl Impact Project.
Other individual grant recipients included Charlotte Wysner, who travelled to Cambodia to take part in humanitarian projects and Ruth McKane, whose award supported her voluntary work in Gambia. Barny O’Loughlin, Adrian McGovern and Ann McCann worked with Mellon Educate in South Africa, with their grants supporting travel and living costs.
A number of organisations were also supported. Church Mission Society Ireland received funding to deploy four youth teams to Sudan, Burundi, Rwanda, Uganda and Nepal, as well as to provide leadership training. The Leprosy Mission NI used its award to support vital healthcare and community outreach work in rural Nepal.
Pat Maguire, Jessica Maguire and Shane Maguire participated in African Impact’s Teaching & Community Support Project in Zanzibar, while Katie Thompson travelled to Malawi through the NI Scout Network Team, supported by a Fisher Foundation grant. Trócaire also received funding to support humanitarian efforts in Somalia, including nutritional relief and the construction of a kitchen facility to help safeguard children’s health and education.
The Fisher Foundation was established in memory of Bertie, Mark and Emma Fisher and supports two key areas: motorsport safety initiatives and local people volunteering overseas. The Foundation reflects Bertie and Mark’s passion for rallying and motorsport safety, alongside Emma’s strong commitment to international voluntary work. To date, well over £500,000 has been distributed in support of these aims, administered by the Fermanagh Trust.
Ernie Fisher, Chairman of the Fisher Foundation, said, “The work carried out by last year’s grant recipients was truly inspiring and demonstrates the positive impact Fermanagh volunteers continue to have across the world. We are extremely proud of what was achieved and look forward to supporting even more volunteers and organisations in the year ahead.”
Applications to the Fisher Foundation are now open, with a closing date of 28th February. For more information and application details, CLICK HERE