Celebrating 100 Years of Global Community Impact

The International Federation of Settlements and Neighbourhood Centres (IFS) is turning 100 this year—a century of building connections, strengthening communities, and sparking change on a global scale. This milestone isn’t just about looking back—it’s about rallying together to shape the future. And we need your support to ensure the next 100 years are even more impactful.

Here’s how you can be part of this momentous celebration and contribute to the thriving network that is IFS.

Why the 100th Anniversary Matters

Over the past century, IFS has been a bedrock for creating positive change within local neighbourhoods and connecting communities across borders. From leading advocacy efforts at the United Nations to supporting regional networks in Africa, Asia, Europe, and beyond, the IFS network has grown stronger, bolder, and more united.

The 100th anniversary is much more than a milestone—it’s an opportunity to build on this legacy. By coming together, we can strengthen the ties that connect us, ensuring that under-resourced communities are included and heard.

Your involvement makes this possible.

Three Ways You Can Support

We’re asking for your help in three simple but powerful ways to shape this celebration and the ongoing impact of IFS.

1. Become a Member or Renew Your Membership

Stay connected and strengthen the IFS community by becoming an individual member or renewing your membership. This commitment fuels the network and helps ensure our work continues for generations to come.

➡️ Join or renew today

2. Help Grow the Network

Introduce IFS to others who share our vision for thriving neighbourhoods and stronger communities. Whether it’s practitioners, academics, funders, or mentees—your connections can make a world of difference. A simple email introduction to our team at info@ifsnetwork.org is all it takes.

3. Support the Conference Scholarship Fund

This November, we’ll gather in England to reflect on 100 years of achievements and set the stage for the future. Not everyone in our global community has the resources to attend, but together, we can change that.

Your donation—whether $100, $500, or $1,000—goes directly to our Scholarship Fund, helping members from under-resourced communities participate in this crucial event.

➡️ Donate by August 15, 2025, via the IFS donation page or direct transfer (mark it as “conference donation”).

Every contribution creates a more inclusive and dynamic global conversation.

 About the 100th Anniversary Convention

The Locality–IFS Convention 2025 is where it all comes together. Held in London (9–11 November) and Liverpool (11–13 November), this event will celebrate our shared achievements and focus on what lies ahead.

· London will host pre-convention meetings, local visits, and seminars, providing space for strategic discussions.

· Liverpool will be the centre for the main convention, featuring keynote speeches, interactive workshops, dynamic panel discussions, and networking opportunities.

This landmark gathering is your chance to exchange ideas, share best practices, and collaborate on initiatives with experts and peers from around the globe.

For more details   click here to  Read  more   IFS100 and Locality Convention ‘25

 

What Your Support Achieves

By joining us in this celebration, you’re not just supporting a single event—you’re helping to build a brighter future. Here’s what your contributions are making possible:

· A thriving network at 100 years strong, with vibrant leadership and global impact.

· Regional growth, with established groups like EFS in Europe/Mediterranean and active networks in Africa, Asia, and North America.

· Global advocacy, as IFS leads efforts on UN committees addressing Aging, Women, and Human Rights.

· A bold new vision for the future, guided by our Strategic Plan to deepen connections, tackle challenges, and empower neighbourhoods worldwide.

 

Join Us in Building the Future

The 100th anniversary of IFS is a celebration of what we’ve accomplished together—and a call to action for what’s next. Your membership, your connections, and your generosity make all the difference.

Be part of this milestone. Join, donate, and help us bring people together, create solutions, and transform lives.

➡️ Join Now

➡️ Donate to the Scholarship Fund

Together, we can build a stronger, more connected global community—for the next 100 years and beyond.

Happy Anniversary, IFS!