About Us

The Mary Ann McCracken Foundation was set up by Belfast Charitable Society (BCS) to celebrate Mary Ann’s life and to build on her legacy today. As a Belfast-born social reformer and activist, Mary Ann McCracken made a huge contribution to life in Belfast, and beyond, including the Poor House, today known as Clifton House.

Mary Ann McCracken Foundation’s:

Vision – The Foundation is a living embodiment of Mary Ann in the 21st century.

Mission – To raise awareness of the life and works of Mary Ann McCracken and to develop meaningful legacy projects that address our present-day issues of inequality.

Values – The values of the Foundation reflect those by which Mary Ann lived:

• Independence – she was not constrained by others and challenged the norm if necessary.
• Creativity and resourcefulness – she took practical and, where necessary, proactive approaches to her work on social reform.
• Integrity – she had an inherent sense of fair play.
• Resilience – she continued to champion the cause of the disadvantaged throughout her long life.
• Equality – she was a true democrat; anti-patriarchal and a feminist who advocated for the equal rights of women throughout her life.
• Collaboration – she understood the value of working with others to achieve success.
• Service – she found joy in helping others.