Funding helps groups make a big difference

Funding has been awarded to ten non-profit organisations in Cork which provide vital services to communities.

The funding was awarded by global philanthropic network The Ireland Funds under its Heart of the Community Fund initiative.

The Cork recipients for this year are: Active Connections CLG, Irish Dogs for the Disabled, The Crann Centre, The Down Syndrome Centre Cork, Sample-Studios, See My Skills, Iris House Cork Cancer Support, Huruma t/a Wellsprings, Autism Assistance Dogs Ireland, and Cork International Film Festival CLG.

In total, funding of $750,000 (€643,000) will be shared amongst 62 organisations in 15 counties across the Republic of Ireland and will be used to empower a wide array of programmes that provide vital services and strengthen communities. Grants will range from €5,000 to €25,000.

Caitriona Fottrell, President and CEO of The Ireland Funds, said: “These organisations represent the resilience, creativity, and commitment that strengthen communities across Ireland.

“Thanks to the generosity of our donors, we can provide meaningful support that addresses the priorities and pressures facing the sector.

“This funding will help ensure these vital initiatives continue to make a real difference.”

The Heart of the Community Fund strategically supports non-profits under The Ireland Funds four funding pillars: arts and culture, community development, education, and peace and reconciliation.

This most recent grant is focused on organisations engaging young people and their families in underserved communities, including through skill-building, employment supports, mental health services, and cultural programming.

Established in 1976, The Ireland Funds works to promote and support peace, culture, education, and community development throughout the island of Ireland, and Irish-related causes around the world. It has benefited the work of thousands of different organisations, with both financial and non-financial support. Today, The Ireland Funds is one of the largest independent grant makers for the non-profit sector in Ireland.

With chapters in 12 countries, The Ireland Funds has raised over $650 million for causes in Ireland and beyond, benefiting more than 3,200 different organisations.

The network has chapters in Australia, Canada, China, France, Germany, Great Britain, Ireland, Japan, Monaco, New Zealand, and Singapore.