The Ireland for Ukraine Fund has announced details of €5.2m in grants to help those seeking safety in Ireland and people living in Ukraine as the war rages on.
The Community Foundation for Ireland, which manages the fund on behalf of the media partners and government, said the support would be split between the need for a humanitarian response in Ireland and international agencies such as UNICEF, the Irish Red Cross, Concern and Trócaire.
More than 100 projects in Ireland, including those providing specialised supports such as trauma support, foster care, schools and access to work, day to day services, and self-advocacy and storytelling projects for Ukrainians, are receiving grants.
The grants awarded here at home range from €5,000 to local groups set up to welcome people fleeing Ukraine to €100,000 to networks of charities and organisations who are uniting to deliver a more effective response.
UNICEF, the Irish Red Cross, Concern and Trócaire will each receive €672,786.
In Association with
Announcing the funding Denise Charlton, CEO of The Community Foundation for Ireland, said: “Generosity, humanity and compassion are at the very centre of the response of the Irish people to this crisis. Ireland for Ukraine struck a chord which has seen donations from children selling cakes, bridge evenings, athletics clubs, swims, musical evenings and so much more.
"From harp-playing on Inish Oirr to an ‘Ireland for Ukraine Concert’ at the National Concert Hall, from local junior GAA matches to the All-Ireland Finals, from pocket money sent in the post to the support of Government – ‘Ireland for Ukraine’ has motivated and reflected an incredible national response.
"The awareness-raising through our media partners helped people see that the need is great not just on the ground but also much closer to home. This fund gives reassurance that every donation is being used to address both.”
The Ireland for Ukraine Fund, started by Irish media organisations in response to the humanitarian crisis and supported by local clubs, schools, and communities, has provided €7m in support in direct donations and from donors to The Community Foundation for Ireland.
It is also supported by a €5m donation from government provided through the Department of Rural and Community Development.
"We have seen the outpouring of support in communities across the country, assisted by the vital roles played by community and voluntary organisations," said Minister of State at the Department of Rural and Community Development Joe O'Brien.
"The contribution of €5m by government to this fund will enable those most in need to be assisted by the NGOs involved, and provide meaningful and essential support to our communities to welcome and help the people coming from Ukraine.
“The grants provided to the projects will support continued engagement with the Ukrainian community through a range of initiatives, supports and interventions including outreach and focusing on building the capacity of local community groups.
"These groups are meeting immediate humanitarian needs, providing transport, translation services, provision of English language supports and drop-in services – all vital elements of community integration."
Donations will be split equally between funding for charity partners of the Community Foundation for Ireland working on the ground in Ukraine, and grants for charities and community groups working to support refugees from this crisis in Ireland.
The media organisations behind the fund include DMG Media Ireland, RTÉ, Virgin Media Television, TG4, Sky Ireland, The Journal, The Currency, Radiocentre, IBI, Mediahuis, and a number of local and regional newspapers.
Photo: (l-r) Denise Charlton and Joe O'Brien (Pic: Naoise Culhane)
