Belfast Charitable Society

The Belfast Charitable Society is described as Belfast's first charitable organisation and Ireland’s oldest extant charity. It was founded by leading businessmen in 1752 to establish a Poor House and Infirmary for the city's most vulnerable citizens. Today, the society is based at Clifton House, the former Poor House, and continues to be an important influence through its ongoing philanthropic work. The organisation states that the need for its work is as great now as it was at its establishment over 270 years ago by an Act of Parliament of Ireland. Its vision is to be a recognised leader in providing progressive, relevant, and philanthropic charitable work. The society's mission is to preserve, promote, and utilise its philanthropic heritage to address disadvantage.