Nine philanthropy projects are set to receive €944,585 in funding from the Department of Rural and Community Development, according to Minister Jerry Buttimer, in what is the latest collaboration between Government and its philanthropic partners.
Among the projects set to receive funding are schemes to boost sustainability, educational and legal access for “disadvantaged communities”, and community-building initiatives.
The funding aligns with aims and objectives set out in the Government’s National Philanthropy Policy 2024-2028, a “key action” of which is to promote “cross sectoral partnership and unlock philanthropic potential to address key social issues”.
The pilot projects will be supported by philanthropic donations of nearly €1 million, resulting in a total investment of almost €1.9 million in community led projects, according to the Department.
Announcing the funding allocation, Minister Buttimer said that it represents the Government’s commitment to the National Philanthropy Policy, which he said is “aimed at growing philanthropy in Ireland and maximising its impact for the public good”.
“Place-based giving is a major driver for philanthropists to give back to their local community,” the minister said, adding “I look forward to seeing the impact these projects will deliver for their communities”.
The call for projects requiring funding was launched in May this year, with the intention of backing projects meeting the following criteria:
“Address identified local needs or challenges – social, economic or environmental;
“Promote understanding and collaboration between philanthropy and government (both national and local government), and;
“Test innovative, co-funding approaches to addressing key social issues.”
A total of 33 applications were received, with nine successful projects receiving funding from the Dormant Accounts Fund.
An example of the projects receiving funding include the ‘Legal Change-Makers Programme’ (€53,584, to be matched to the same level by philanthropic partner, Community Foundation Ireland), a Limerick-based project which seeks to “empower disadvantaged communities in Limerick by providing free legal advice clinics”.
Another successful project is ‘The Common Knowledge Centre’ (€100,000, to be matched to the same level by philanthropic partner, Airtricity), a Clare-based initiative to deliver “a place-based programme focused on sustainability, community empowerment and environmental restoration”.
The full list of successful projects is available here.