Heart of the
Community Fund
Investing in the organisations that strengthen communities and create lasting impact across the island of Ireland.
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Heart of the Community Fund is our flagship grants programme that provides funding to organisations helping communities thrive.
It supports local non-profit and community organisations that are often the first to respond to the needs of their communities. From education and youth services to mental health, arts, and support for older people, it provides flexible funding that helps trusted organisations sustain vital services, adapt to emerging challenges, and reach more people where support is needed most.
Applications to Heart of the Community Fund are currently closed.
Heart of the Community Fund grants are making a difference by:
- Combatting loneliness and social isolation
- Providing educational supports and mentoring
- Delivering community-based health and wellbeing programmes
- Creating inclusive opportunities for people with disabilities
- Supporting families facing hardship
- Preserving culture, heritage, and community identity
- Building stronger and more connected communities
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Impact Stories
COPE Galway
COPE Galway provides essential services combatting homelessness, domestic abuse, and isolation.
Early Learning Initiative
Through the National College of Ireland’s Early Learning Initiative (ELI), young children facing learning gaps get a stronger start in life.
The Playhouse Derry
One of Ireland’s leading community arts centers brings inspiring arts, education, and peace-building programs to a broad audience.
Third Age
Creating connection, inclusion and opportunity for older people across Ireland.
Active Connections
Active Connections helps young people with additional needs build confidence, resilience and emotional wellbeing through outdoor adventure and therapeutic programs.
Integrated Education
Establishing positive interactions among young people from diverse backgrounds in Northern Ireland prepares them for life in a shared society.
Learning Hub Limerick
Support for practical educational solutions is broadening the horizons of thousands of young people in Limerick.
Holy Trinity Youth Centre
Holy Trinity Youth Centre provides the only full-time, voluntary youth service in West Belfast’s Turf Lodge community.
Midlands Science
Midlands Science is dedicated to increasing participation in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) across the Midlands of Ireland.
174 Trust
Founded in 1983 to promote peace and justice, 174 Trust is contributing to the cultural, social, political, and economic rebirth of North Belfast.
Mike Moriarty
Chairperson, The Playhouse Derry Board of Directors
“Sincere thanks to The Ireland Funds Heart of the Community Fund and its generous donors for their invaluable support. The positive impact on participants, their families and our wider community has been remarkable. Your investment has helped create opportunities, inspire ambition and ensure that every young person has the chance to realise their potential through the arts.”
Chris Bailie
Director, Belfast Community Training Northern Ireland
“We cannot thank The Ireland Funds enough for its continued support. They truly understand the need and the challenges that we face. Every aspect of the support from the grant application onwards is straightforward and effective. They make us and our work feel valued.”
Caitriona Fottrell
President and CEO, The Ireland Funds
“The Heart of the Community Fund reflects our commitment to being both responsive and strategic in how we support communities. Our aim is to provide flexible funding where it is needed most. This positive impact is only possible thanks to the continued generosity of our donors.”
Tony O’Reilly
Co-Founder, The Ireland Funds
“From Belfast to Bantry Bay, I have seen the miracles wrought by people of great heart who are fighting unemployment, homelessness, bigotry, despair and neglect. Now, when there is a renewed desire for peace and reconciliation in Ireland, The Ireland Funds has a historic role to play.”
Daisyhouse Housing Association
“The thing I love about The Ireland Funds is that they understand the nuances of organizations. They trust organizations.”
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