Funding will help support students in Cork's disadvantaged areas

A total of €944,585 in funding has been announced for pilot place-based philanthropy projects by Jerry Buttimer, state minister with responsibility for community development and charities.

The pilot community projects will be supported by philanthropic donations of nearly €1m, resulting in a total investment of almost €1.9m.

The projects include JumpAGrade in Co Cork, which has been awarded €90,000 to establish an academic and guidance support system for senior cycle students in disadvantaged areas of Cork city and county.

Nine projects across the country will receive multi-annual funding from the Department of Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht.

Mr Buttimer said: “I am delighted to announce funding of almost €1m for nine successful projects under the call for pilot place-based philanthropy projects that I launched in May this year.

“This funding represents the Government’s commitment to the National Philanthropy Policy, which is aimed at growing philanthropy in Ireland and maximising its impact for the public good. Place-based giving is a major driver for philanthropists to give back to their local community.”

The projects address local needs and challenges through community involvement and collaboration between the Government and philanthropic partners.

The National Philanthropy Policy 2024-2028 promotes cross-sectoral partnership and unlocks the potential to address key social issues.

Mr Buttimer added: “Government and sectoral partnership is a key objective under the national philanthropy policy. Recognising that philanthropy has the potential to complement and add further value to government investments, I want to acknowledge and thank the philanthropic donors for their contributions and investment in our communities.”