27th May 2027: The Ireland Funds, the global philanthropic network, has awarded $1 million in grants to non-profit organisations across the island of Ireland through its Heart of the Community Fund grant round, helping strengthen communities and create greater opportunities.
$550,000 was awarded to 50 organisations in 21 counties, supporting education initiatives that expand access to learning for people of all ages and innovative approaches to addressing pressing social challenges. Grants of $50,000 were also awarded to 10 organisations focused on building stronger, more resilient communities. The funding has been made possible through the generosity of donors to The Ireland Funds America, the largest of the global chapters of The Ireland Funds, demonstrating the power of collective philanthropy to drive meaningful change across communities throughout Ireland.
Caitriona Fottrell, President & CEO of The Ireland Funds, said: “Across Ireland, organisations are responding to local challenges with ambition, creativity and deep community knowledge, and this funding helps give them the resources to go further. From expanding access to education to supporting innovative ideas, these grants are helping drive meaningful progress. None of this happens without the generosity of our donors who continue to support real impact across the island.”
Ray Burke, CEO of Active Connections, said: “The Ireland Funds has been a vital catalyst for Active Connections, transforming lives through adventure. By generously supporting both our frontline delivery and capacity-building initiatives, they have strengthened our foundations. This crucial investment has empowered us to scale our solutions sustainably, expanding our impactful programmes to reach and support more communities.”
For more information about The Ireland Funds and the Heart of the Community Fund, click here.
The Organisations Supported Through the Heart of the Community Fund 2026:
Education & Innovation Round
- 174 Trust (Antrim)
- WOMEN’STEC (Antrim)
- Holy Trinity Youth Centre (Antrim)
- Citywise Education (Dublin)
- Narrative 4 Ireland (Limerick)
- Washington Ireland Programme (WIP) (Antrim)
- Active Connections CLG (Cork) • Teen-Turn (Wicklow)
- The Dillon Quirke Foundation (Tipperary)
- PeacePlayers International – Northern Ireland (Antrim)
- Spraoi agus Spórt Family Centre Ltd (Donegal)
- Shuttle Knit CLG (Wicklow)
- Sailing Into Wellness (Cork)
- Speedpak Group (Dublin)
- ShoutOut (Dublin)
- TASC – Think-tank for Action on Social Change (Dublin)
- National Adult Literacy Agency (Dublin)
- My Canine Companion (Cork)
- Irish Dogs for the Disabled (Cork)
- Nasc, the Refugee and Migrant Rights Centre (Cork)
- Liquid Therapy (Donegal)
- Roscommon Women’s Network (Roscommon)
- Fighting Words Belfast (Antrim) • Meath Women’s Refuge & Support Services (Meath)
- Community Law & Mediation (Dublin)
- A Lust for Life (Dublin)
- CyberSafeIreland (Dublin)
- Holywell Trust (Derry)
- Hope 4 Life NI (Antrim)
- Young Farmers’ Clubs of Ulster (Antrim)
- The Crann Centre (Cork)
- Street Feast CLG t/a Neighbourhood Network (Wicklow)
- Third Age Foundation CLG (Meath)
- The B!G Idea House CLG (Carlow)
- An Mheitheal Rothar (Galway)
- Sligo Leitrim Home Youth Liaison Service CLG (Sligo)
- See My Skills (Cork) • Kinaffe National School (Mayo)
- SistersIN (Down) • St. Josephs National School (Cavan)
- Steph’s A.R.K (Act Of Random Kindness) (Kildare)
- Community Roots (Dublin)
- Bluestack Special Needs Foundation CLG (Donegal)
- Ballyfin National School (Laois)
- Community Connect Supports CLG (Dublin)
- Ballyfinane National School (Kerry)
- Jesters All Ability Organisation CLG (Cork)
- Aspire NI (Armagh)
- Athlone Community Radio (Westmeath)
- Community Relations in Schools (CRIS) Antrim)
- Lyric Theatre (Antrim) • Integrated Education Fund (Antrim)
- Politics in Action (Antrim)
- National College of Ireland, Early Learning Initiative (Dublin)
- Belvedere Youth Club (Dublin)
- Learning Hub Limerick (Limerick)
- Children’s Grief Centre (Limerick)
- Midland Science (Offaly)
- GIY (Waterford)
