The Ireland Funds awards $250,000 to 11 organisations

The Ireland Funds has announced $250,000 in grants to support 11 organisations across the island of Ireland during the winter months. The funding, generated through philanthropic gifts and fundraising events led by The Ireland Funds America, will enable frontline programmes to respond to urgent seasonal needs while strengthening long-term impact.

This grant round prioritises immediate assistance for older people, efforts to prevent and address homelessness, and practical supports for families. It also includes strategic funding to help organisations build sustainability and deliver measurable outcomes. The Ireland Funds’ work continues to be guided by its four pillars: arts and culture; community development; education; and peace and reconciliation.

“We are proud to support organisations on the front line of care during the winter months. These grants will help address urgent needs and ensure that organisations can continue their vital work, bringing strength and stability to their communities,” said Caitriona Fottrell, president and CEO of The Ireland Funds. “We are deeply grateful to our donors whose generosity makes this possible and whose commitment inspires a brighter future across the island of Ireland.”

This round follows two earlier grant cycles in 2025 that together awarded $1.25 million to organisations in both Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland.

Recipients of the latest grants

The following organisations are among the beneficiaries of this funding round, receiving support to deliver critical services this winter:

• Barnardos (Amount awarded: €20,000)
  A leading children’s charity providing practical services, advocacy, and early intervention to support vulnerable children and families.
• COPE Galway (Amount awarded: €20,000)
  Supports people in Galway facing homelessness, women and children experiencing domestic abuse, and older people seeking to live healthy, independent lives in their communities.
• Focus Ireland (Amount awarded: €20,000)
  Works to prevent and reduce homelessness for children, families, and young people through tenancy and accommodation supports, education, and advice.
• Making Connections (Amount awarded: €20,000)
  Tackles loneliness and isolation by offering befriending and wellbeing supports that help older people stay healthy, active, and socially connected.
• ALONE (Amount awarded: €20,000)
  A national organisation enabling older people to age at home through coordinated support, practical assistance, befriending, phone services, social prescribing, housing with support, and assistive technology.
• MACS NI (Amount awarded: £15,000)
  Supports young people aged 16–25 facing challenges including homelessness, mental health issues, and limited family support, helping them build stability and independence.
• The Welcome Organisation (Homeless Belfast) (Amount awarded: £15,000)
  Provides a range of homelessness services including a Support Hub, Street Outreach, Crisis Accommodation for Women, Floating Support, Catherine House supported accommodation for women, and a Mobile Health Unit.
• St. Francis Hospice (Amount awarded: €25,000)
  Delivers specialist palliative care in North Dublin and surrounding counties with holistic, person-centred support for patients, their families, and healthcare professionals.
• Together Academy (Amount awarded: €10,000)
  A training and employment initiative for young adults with Down syndrome, offering certified and vocational training, practical work experience, employment opportunities, and a strong social network.
• Bounce Back Recycling (Amount awarded: €25,000)
  A Traveller-led social enterprise of the Galway Traveller Movement that repurposes old mattresses, creating training and employment while advancing Ireland’s circular economy goals.

By investing in direct services and organisational resilience, The Ireland Funds aims to help communities navigate the pressures of winter while building capacity for the year ahead. This latest allocation underscores a continued commitment to organisations delivering life-changing support across Ireland and Northern Ireland.