€40k awarded to six much-loved groups
By Alex Redmond
A global philanthropic network has awarded €40,000 to six non-profit organisations in Cork, as part of their Heart of the Community Fund.
The Ireland Funds have awarded the money to some of Cork’s most loved non-profits including Irish Dogs for the Disabled, The Crann Centre and Feed Cork.
The Heart of the Community Fund assist a diverse group of initiatives that provide critical services and strengthen communities, under the Ireland Funds’ four funding pillars: arts and culture, community development, education, and peace and reconciliation.
As a result of the generosity of philanthropists and the fundraising efforts of Ireland Funds America, the Heart of the Community fund is giving out €930,000 to 93 organisations across Ireland. The Cork based recipients of this year’s fund are: Irish Dogs for the Disabled; The Crann Centre, which supports people and families who live with neuro-physical disabilities; Nasc Refugee and migrant rights centre; St Brendan’s - The Glen Senior Citizens Day Centre; Firkin Crane, which provides holistic development for dancers with and without disabilities and Feed Cork - a volunteer led initiative to aid vulnerable people by alleviating food poverty.
Caitriona Fottrell, President & CEO of The Ireland Funds, said: “We recognise the significant challenges organisations face, especially in meeting core and operational costs. It is our aim that the Heart of the Community Fund fuels organisations to continue their essential work within communities. We are deeply grateful for the steadfast generosity of our donors, which continues to bolster crucial initiatives across the island of Ireland.”
Jennifer Dowler, CEO and Founder, Dogs for the Disabled, said: “The Heart of the Community Fund grant provided by our dear friends at The Ireland Funds is transformative in so many ways, but most importantly because they look deep into our work to see our beating heart. Through our aligning beliefs and values, we come together to create positive change in communities across Ireland, through our multi-talented assistance dogs, who make a better world for all.’’
Padraig Mallon, CEO, The Crann Centre, said; “Crann Centre is thrilled to be awarded a Heart of the Community Fund grant from The Ireland Funds again in 2024. The Ireland Funds has demonstrated fantastic support for the work Crann does through its 2Gen Model of Care and this grant will help to directly fund our expert services team as they develop and provide vital, tailored supports and prove outcomes for our growing community of clients and families served each day.”
For more information visit The Ireland Funds website.