Investment is inadequate, unemployment is high, and economic opportunity only a dream.
These harsh conditions are self perpetuating and lead to distrust, inequity, and anger. The resulting unrest discourages investment and the cycle begins again. Economic assistance at the community level has been identified as the most effective means to break the cycle. Job growth has been the chief determinant of civic stability. The Fund seeks to reach these objectives by supporting and promoting social reconciliation through economic development in Ireland and Northern Ireland, with priority given to new investments that create jobs and reconstruct disadvantaged areas.