The Minister for Foreign Affairs has announced the allocation of almost £1.4m in grants for 45 reconciliation groups.
In a statement, Mr Cowen said the work of Nationalist, Unionist and cross-community organisations often goes unreported and under-appreciated.
He said the Government, in the Belfast Agreement, had given a commitment to work in this area and hoped the grants would provide practical support to groups and individuals who are working to build a peaceful society based on principles of inclusivity and tolerance.
The Reconciliation Fund was established by the Department of Foreign Affairs in 1982.
Among those groups who received funds from the £1,372,625 announced today is Co-operation Ireland who get £325,000 and Cliftonville FC who will receive £30,000 towards its outreach programme.
Falls Community Council, which promotes the social, economic and cultural regeneration of West Belfast gets £110,000. And £160,000 has been allocated to the Federation of Irish Societies, which aims to improve the quality of life for all people of Irish descent in Britain.
