- €500,000 in funding for 116 projects and organisations across the island of Ireland
- Financial literacy, social inclusion, mental health, social isolation, disability, addiction services, and cancer support among the projects being supported by the Begin Together Fund
- Fund is part of wider €1 million Bank of Ireland support for local enterprise and community groups over second half of year
July 2020 – Suicide prevention, physical exercise for the elderly, and financial skills for young people are among 116 projects to receive support from Bank of Ireland’s Begin Together Fund. The financial support will help local community groups and non-profit organisations continue to serve their communities through the COVID-19 pandemic.
The grantees announced today come from all over the island of Ireland and will each receive up to €5,000 to support a range of projects and initiatives spanning financial wellbeing, mental health, disability, addiction, cancer support, social isolation, social inclusion, and sport.
Bank of Ireland is working with The Community Foundation for Ireland, which is administering the fund, and a number of expert partners – the Society of St Vincent de Paul, Sport Ireland, Action Mental Health and Sport NI – who assisted in developing the funds focus and social impact objectives.
Other projects receiving funding include a charity that provides professional attire and mentoring to help women secure employment, an initiative to help children aged 5-12 cope with cancer in their family, a wheelchair basketball club and a rehabilitation service for those addicted to drugs or alcohol.
Commenting on the announcement, Henry Drummer, Chief Marketing Officer, Bank of Ireland, said:
“The aim of the Begin Together Fund, launched back in February which seems a lifetime ago now, is to support charities and community organisations that are making a real difference to the financial, physical and mental wellbeing of their communities. As society begins to open up again it’s important to remember that charities and community groups have seen their income severely impacted by COVID-19 but the work they do is more important than ever. For that reason I’m delighted that the Begin Together Fund is providing this timely support to more than 100 projects right across the island of Ireland.”
Denise Charlton, Chief Executive of the Community Foundation for Ireland, said:
“The Covid-19 Pandemic, its economic impact and recovery is causing great uncertainty for people, families and communities across the country. Bank of Ireland’s Begin Together Fund, administer by The Community Foundation for Ireland, is a perfect example of partnership which can deliver real supports for people who have seen their home and work lives severely impacted by Covid-19. While this is a period of huge challenge, The Community Foundation for Ireland remains absolutely committed to working with its partners for a fair, caring and vibrant Ireland with thriving communities.”
A full list of 2020 grantees is available here: https://personalbanking.bankofireland.com/begin-together-fund/