The Ireland Funds Heart of the Community Fund awards €10,000 to two non-profit organisations in Kerry
The Ireland Funds, the global philanthropic network, has awarded €10,000 to two organisations in Kerry. This support, through the Heart of the Community Fund grant round, will assist a diverse group of initiatives that provide critical services and strengthen communities.
The Kerry recipients of this year’s Heart of the Community Fund are the Killarney Cardiac Response Unit and Active Disability Ireland, in Tralee.
The Heart of the Community Fund this year is awarding €930,000 ($1,000,000) to 93 community and voluntary organisations across the island of Ireland to support their vital local activity. Made possible by generous philanthropic gifts and fundraising events of The Ireland Funds America, the largest chapter of The Ireland Funds, these grants exemplify the power of collective giving.
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.”
Bridget Delaney, Killarney Cardiac Response Unit, said; “This Heart of the Community Fund grant will enable us to improve out-of-hospital cardiac arrest survival rates across our diverse community. With this funding we can upgrade equipment, ensuring our Community First Responders (CFRs) are properly equipped with life-saving AEDs, thus boosting our operational capacity. As one of Ireland’s largest CFR schemes, providing 24/7 coverage to urban and rural areas, this grant allows us to increase volunteer numbers and equip them for incidents such as heart attacks, strokes, cardiac arrests, choking, and trauma. Continuous development and support of our volunteers, who are essential to the chain of survival, is crucial as they respond to hundreds of incidents annually.”
The Heart of the Community Fund strategically supports non-profits under The Ireland Funds’ four funding pillars: Arts and Culture, Community Development, Education, and Peace and Reconciliation. Emphasising community integration and inclusion, this fund prioritised projects that centred around belonging and organisations addressing youth and family support needs.
This year’s Heart of the Community Fund is a testament to the enduring commitment of The Ireland Funds and its supporters. By providing timely funding, these grants will enable non-profits to address pressing community needs and create a lasting impact on the lives of many.
For more information about The Ireland Funds and the Heart of the Community Fund, visit The Ireland Funds website.
