The Heart of the Community Fund provides an opportunity for non-profit organizations across the island of Ireland delivering vital services and supports to apply for much-needed funding through an open grant round.
In June 2024
WE DELIVERED CORE COSTS TO KEY SERVICES
Grants totaling €1,000,000 were awarded to 93 organizations across 29 counties on the island of Ireland enabling them to deliver vital services and supports to their communities. Thanks to you, we helped organizations working in education, community development, peace & reconciliation, and arts & culture.
In December 2024
WE DELIVERED ESSENTIAL SERVICES FOR CHILDREN
Grants totaling €500,000 were awarded to 20 organizations that provide essential services to children experiencing poverty, marginalization, and their difficult circumstances. Each organization received
€25,000 to support their work. They spanned range of services, including homelessness and family
supports, education, youth outreach, mental health care, and food provision.
Organizations Supported in 2024 Include:
Barnardos
Barnardos works directly with children and their families who come from disadvantaged communities that are struggling with issues such as inter-generational poverty, low educational attainment, unemployment, domestic violence and abuse, parental addiction, mental health issues, violence, and crime. Operating through 54 centers nationwide, Barnardos employs a trauma-informed, evidence-based model to address the needs of the most vulnerable. Support from The Ireland Funds provided essential services like healthcare and speech therapy and helped vulnerable children under five to build self- esteem, meet developmental milestones, and become school-ready through educational programs.
Belvedere Youth Club
Belvedere Youth Club is Ireland’s oldest youth club. From their custom-built premises in Dublin, they offer a range of services to young people aged between 7-24. With the support of The Ireland Funds, BYC helps to build young people’s self-confidence, become more resourceful, and find their voice.
“BYC is indebted to the support it receives from The Ireland Funds and truly values the relationship we have built through the years. The generosity of your donors is not only a gift to those most vulnerable, but a powerful reminder of the good that compassion and kindness can bring into the world. I certainly thank The Ireland Funds for believing in BYC to deliver on its mission and supporting us to impact and affect change in a community that has been underinvested in for generations by the state.” – Jenny Courtney, CEO, Belvedere Youth Club
Cuimhneamh an Chláir
Cuimhneamh an Chláir is an independent, voluntary charity which digitally records, archives and shares the oral history and heritage of Co. Clare. Funding from The Ireland Funds meant Cuimhneamh an Chláir was able to create a shareable digital archive of County Clare’s oral heritage, preserving the collective wisdom of older generations for the generations to come.
Dogs for the Disabled
Dogs for the Disabled is a pioneering charity established in 2007. They train specially bred dogs to assist disabled children and adults achieve greater independence. Support from The Ireland Funds has helped with the training and placement of these assistance dogs to transform the lives of those with physical disabilities.
“Seeing the bond between Martin and his assistance dog Pepsi, reminds us why we do this work. Pepsi hasn’t just helped Martin gain independence; she’s opened up his world to new possibilities and situations. Their partnership is a powerful example of how our assistance dogs can change lives and inspire whole communities. It’s partnerships like these that reaffirm the importance and impact of our mission every day.” – Dogs for the Disabled
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Early Learning Initiative
ELI is a research-based intervention service for thousands of children aged 4-7, aimed at enhancing parental confidence and competence in supporting their child’s development. It provides tailored support to families through home visits, check-in calls, and family educational events, including a summer program to prevent learning loss. Operating in Dublin’s Inner City, one of the most disadvantaged areas in Ireland, the program supports families affected by poverty, homelessness, addiction, and social isolation, helping them overcome barriers to education and well-being. Support from The Ireland Funds has provided weekly/bi-weekly home visits to high-need families and has helped expand the program across the country.
FoodCloud
FoodCloud is a Dublin-based non-profit social enterprise tackling food waste and food poverty by connecting businesses with surplus food to charities in need. Using technology and a food banking model, FoodCloud has supported more than 700 charities in Ireland, including those focused on vulnerable children, families, and communities facing homelessness or poverty. Support from The Ireland Funds has enabled the distribution of over 10 million meals.
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Kinship Care Northern Ireland
Kinship Care Northern Ireland supports children and young people raised by relatives or friends due to parental illness, addiction, or incapacity. It provides advocacy, emotional support, and practical assistance to carers, helping them navigate legal, financial, and social challenges. Support from The Ireland Funds provided nutritious breakfasts and supported children through a Homework Club with necessary materials. It also assisted 178 children with school-related expenses, such as uniforms and educational supplies.
LauraLynn
LauraLynn is Ireland’s only children’s hospice, providing hospice care for children with life limiting conditions and supporting their families. It offers palliative care, respite services, and emotional support for children up to 18 years old. LauraLynn also provides bereavement support and a range of services to help families manage the challenges of caring for a child with complex medical needs, both at their hospice and in the community. Support from The Ireland Funds has helped strengthen their mission to ensure that every child with a life-limiting condition can live a fulfilling life with dignity and comfort.
Making Connections
Making Connections alleviates loneliness and isolation by providing befriending and wellbeing supports that empower people to stay healthy and socially connected. The Ireland Fund’s support has meant that Making Connections were able to recruit more volunteers to provide social and practical supports that help older people age independently in their own homes.
“I was stuck inside after the fall. The support from Making Connections got me through that part of the recovery I feared most and encouraged me to get active. I’ve got my mobility and more importantly my confidence back: last week I went out alone as far as the shops for the first time this year.” – Eileen, Beneficiary 79yrs
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Rural Support
Rural Support provides a listening and signposting service for farmers and families across Northern Ireland through its free confidential support line. The Ireland Funds has helped to support the delivery of the Plough On project which tackles rural isolation and increases social opportunities for older men. The project is currently supporting over 375 men across 17 different locations.
“Plough On is such an important initiative to support our rural farming communities. We are very grateful to The Ireland Funds for supporting our vision and providing the funding which has made this project possible.” – Rural Support
Sanctuary Runners
Sanctuary Runners is a solidarity-through-sport initiative which uses running, jogging and walking to bring together asylum seekers, refugees, migrants and all Irish residents. Funding from The Ireland Funds helped create opportunities for refugees and asylum-seekers to meet their local neighbors in a safe, friendly, and fun environment. 2,000 people across 22 counties connected and strengthened their communities.
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PeacePlayers Northern Ireland
PeacePlayers Northern Ireland was established in 2002 to provide a rare opportunity for Catholic and Protestant youth to form friendships and advocate for reconciliation through a shared society. Every year, PeacePlayers helps 2,000 young people to challenge religious divisions, prejudice and sectarianism through sport. With support from The Ireland Funds PeacePlayers has continued to harness the power of sport for leadership development and peace building.
“With the generous support of The Ireland Funds, PeacePlayers continues to empower young people to become courageous leaders and changemakers in their communities. Together, we are building a future where respect, inclusion, and understanding triumph over division and hate. This vital support helps equip our youth with the confidence, tools, and networks to break down barriers and build lasting peace across Northern Ireland. Thank you to The Ireland Funds and its incredible donors for your unwavering commitment to our mission and for standing alongside us in the journey toward a more united and equitable society.” – PeacePlayers Northern Ireland
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Politics in Action
Politics in Action supports the civic animation of young people around issues that are important to them in cross-community groups, in schools and communities. The Ireland Funds helped Politics in Action deliver civic engagement programs to young people 15-18 to facilitate connections with key decision-makers across the island of Ireland.
“…Young people aren’t just the future – we are the present. We’re living in this society now. We’re working, learning, creating and leading in it. And as Northern Ireland continues its journey of peace and reconciliation, it’s vital that we’re not just included, but actively engaged. Politics affects every part of our lives – and it’s up to us to help shape it, together.” – Chloe Martin, 18 years old, from Donegal
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The Crann Centre
Crann Centre has been a game-changing resource for families caring for those with neuro-physical disabilities in Munster. Not only do they support physical wellbeing, but they also care for the entire family with their holistic approach. Support from The Ireland Funds helped Crann Centre grow from supporting 380 families in 2023 to 500+ families in 2024.
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WOMEN’STEC
WOMEN’STEC trains women and girls in construction and non-traditional trades. Support from The Ireland Funds helped 700+ women and girls from challenging backgrounds learn skills that enhance their life opportunities.
