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The fund, which is in its seventh year, attracted over 250 entries from across both Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland.

The award, which began in 2002 recognises the contribution of Sir George Quigley during his thirteen years as Chairman of Ulster Bank and is open to organisations in the community and voluntary sector working in Northern Ireland, the Republic of Ireland or on a cross border basis.

This year’s winner SEEDS were established in 2004 to promote racial, ethical and cultural diversity in the North West.

They will be using the award fund to develop “Caf Del Mondo” - a multi-cultural centre which will provide a range of services and activities to promote integration and meet some of the needs of the migrant population in the North West region.

Director of SEEDS, Eddie Kerr said: “We were absolutely delighted when we discovered we had won this Award. This will help us develop Cafe Del Mondo and create a welcoming social space for multi-cultural events for years to come.”

Presenting the award, Ulster Bank Group Chairman, Sean Dorgan said: “SEEDS are very deserving winners of this prestigious award. Investing in our communities has always been important to Ulster Bank and I never fail to be impressed by the dedication and enthusiasm of those who enter. These funds will help SEEDS to make a real difference for those that need their support in the North West.”

Previous winners include Youth Work Ireland, a cross border partnership which upskilled its members to enable them to take responsibility for the direction and future of their organisation and PIPS, a project from North Belfast which delivers training to support and prevent suicide and self harm.