Who is the beating heart of the community?

A global philanthropic network has opened applications for a fund which will offer $750,000 in grants to support non-profits delivering vital services.

The Ireland Fund’s Heart of the Community Fund 2025 recognises the challenges organisations face in securing support to build capacity or meet their core costs. The fund will prioritise organisations that engage young people and their families in underserved communities through skill-building, expanding employment opportunities, mental health supports, and arts and cultural programming.

Through the Heart of the Community Fund 2024, a grant was awarded to Crann Centre and Dogs for the Disabled, both based in Cork. Earlier this year, The Heart of the Community Fund 2025 provided grants to organisations in Northern Ireland. Now, The Heart of the Community Fund 2025 will continue to respond to the non-profit sector with support for organisations working in the Republic of Ireland. Grants between €5,000 to €25,000 will be awarded.

Siobhán Gallagher, Executive Director of The Ireland Funds, said: “The Heart of the Community Fund 2025 reflects our commitment to being both responsive and strategic in how we support communities across the island of Ireland. Our aim is to provide flexible funding where it is needed most, and to better understand the challenges communities face. This insight helps to shape future grant-making. This work and the impact it creates is only possible thanks to the continued generosity of our donors.”

Through the Heart of the Community Fund 2024, grants were awarded to 66 organisations in the Republic of Ireland under the four pillars of support for Arts & Culture, Community Development, Education and Peace & Reconciliation.

For more, visit irelandfunds.org/grants.