A Northern Ireland woman whose philanthropy helps improve young people’s employability has been honoured at a national awards ceremony.
Angila Chada was recognised at the prestigious Beacon Awards for Philanthropy alongside JK Rowling, Sir Ronald Cohen at a recent ceremony in London.
She was among 31 others named as Beacon Fellows for 2013, an honour which ranks them amongst the most prestigious philanthropists in the UK and was recognised following a nomination from the Community Foundation for Northern Ireland, an organisation dedicated to fostering, promoting and developing philanthropy here.
Angila, executive director of Springboard Opportunities Ltd, set up the Raj Darshna Fund, which is named in honour of her parents, in 2012.
She was keen to illustrate that philanthropy isn’t exclusive to high net worth Individuals by setting up the Community Foundation’s first ever gradual growth endowment fund in January 2012 which, in time, will support projects for young people and the elderly
She said: “My parents gave me a fantastic upbringing and that’s why I named my new fund in honour of them – they gave me an amazing start in life. I’d like to help others have a similar experience and I feel this is a great way to leave a positive legacy – it’s also amazing that my parents are still around to share in my experiences.”
Both Angila and one of the other award winners from Northern Ireland, Michael McKibben, hold funds within the Community Foundation and share a common passion to see a stronger culture of philanthropy in Northern Ireland
Michael has been involved with the Community Foundation since 2011, through the work of the McKibbin Family Fund which gives out yearly grants to help children and young people living with physical disabilities, learning disabilities or who are affected by illness.
Helen McKeever, Fund Development Manager at the Community Foundation for Northern Ireland said: “Angila and Michael are proof that philanthropy is not solely the preserve of the super wealthy. Everyone, even those on modest earnings, can embark on a philanthropic journey and it is our aim to provide support and a range of options for those with a desire to give back to their local community.”