Big-hearted fund donates €40k to six Cork groups

Global philanthropic network The Ireland Funds has awarded €40,000 to six non-profit organisations in Cork.

The Cork recipients of this year’s ‘Heart of the Community Fund’ include Irish Dogs for the Disabled and the Crann Centre.

CEO and founder of Dogs for the Disabled, Jennifer Dowler, described the funding as “transformative”.

“The Heart of the Community Fund grant provided by our dear friends at The Ireland Funds is transformative in so many ways, but most importantly because they look deep into our work to see our beating heart,” she said.

Thrilled

Meanwhile, Padraig Mallon, CEO of the Crann Centre — which provides support for children, adults and families living with neuro-physical disabilities — said the centre is “thrilled to be awarded a Heart of the Community Fund grant from The Ireland Funds for 2024”.

“The Ireland Funds has demonstrated fantastic support for the work Crann does through its 2Gen Model of Care and this grant will help to directly fund our expert services team as they develop and provide vital, tailored supports and prove outcomes for our growing community of clients and families served each day,” he added.

The Heart of the Community Fund this year is awarding €930,000 to 93 community and voluntary organisations across the island of Ireland to support their vital local activity.

“It is our aim that the Heart of the Community Fund fuels organisations to continue their essential work within communities,” president and CEO of The Ireland Funds, Caitriona Fottrell, said.

“We are deeply grateful for the steadfast generosity of our donors, which continues to bolster crucial initiatives across the island of Ireland.”

The other Cork organisations to receive funding are Nasc — the refugee and migrant rights centre, St Brendan’s The Glen Senior Citizens, Dance Cork Firkin Crane, and Cork Church (Feed Cork).