Four charitable organisations in Northern Ireland offering essential support for children, the homeless, and those with drug and mental health issues, are each to benefit from grant of more than £20,000 from global philanthropic network The Ireland Funds.
Grants in excess of £400,000 will be distributed between 20 organisations across the island of Ireland to address urgent needs in the community. The four from the north are:
- Home-Start North Down, supporting families with children facing challenges such as ill-health, domestic violence, substance misuse or disability.
- Kinship Care Northern Ireland, providing advocacy, support, and practical assistance to carers of young children.
- MACS Supporting Children & Young People, providing a range of supports for young people experiencing homelessness, mental health issues, or marginalisation.
- 174 Trust, Belfast-based cross community charity, providing vital services to families and individuals experiencing social, economic and educational disadvantage.
The grants are strategically allocated as a quick response at a time of year when the challenges faced by those experiencing hardship are amplified.
Caitriona Fottrell, president and chief executive of The Ireland Funds said: “This grant round reflects our commitment to helping those facing extraordinary challenges.
“Through philanthropy, we bridge resource gaps, partnering with exceptional organisations to address critical needs of people living in difficult situations. We are deeply appreciative of our donors whose generosity makes this response possible.”
The benefitting organisations span a range of services, including homelessness and family supports, education, youth outreach, mental health care, and food provision.
The demands on their services are highest at this time of year, and each grant will help them provide timely support to meet children’s immediate needs, while also nurturing long-term well-being.
Kate Martin, chief executive of MACS Supporting Children & Young People, said: “This Heart of the Community Fund grant from The Ireland Funds will greatly impact our work, allowing us to provide crisis support for young people in need. It will fund essential items like food, utilities, and baby supplies, making a big difference for families, such as one particular young parent who will now be able to access necessities such as cot, nappies, and formula.
“The grant will also help with rent deposits, preventing youth homelessness, and provide emergency accommodation for those in crisis, and support us in our mission to end youth homelessness.”
The Ireland Funds (www.irelandfunds.org) was established in 1976 to promote and support peace, culture, education and community development throughout the island of Ireland, and Irish-related causes around the world.
