Press release
Tánaiste Micheál Martin and Minister Seán Fleming announce funding of €16.49 million for civil society organisations
From Department of Foreign Affairs
Published on
Last updated on
From Department of Foreign Affairs
Published on
Last updated on
The Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs, Micheál Martin TD, and Minister of State for International Development and Diaspora, Seán Fleming TD, today announced funding of €16.49 million to fourteen civil society organisations for development projects aimed at improving the lives of poor and vulnerable communities overseas.
The grants provided under the Civil Society Fund will deliver a wide range of development and human rights-related projects worldwide. They will contribute to climate-smart agriculture among smallholder farmers; support the provision of quality education to under-served communities, with a particular focus on girls and children with disabilities; promote the rights, inclusion and participation of vulnerable groups, including people living with disabilities, older people, and minority and indigenous peoples; and, promote better access to safe economic opportunities.
Announcing the funding, the Tánaiste said:
“In a time where the world is faced with unprecedented challenges, the broader repercussions of which are most acutely felt by vulnerable communities, I am pleased to announce funding for these fourteen organisations who work in close partnership with local communities. Their projects will contribute to tackling poverty and inequality, work to mitigate the effects of climate change, and promote the protection of and respect for human rights.”
Minister Fleming said:
“Today’s funding announcement reflects the importance we attach to our partnership with civil society and I welcome the high quality of applications received. We know that vulnerable communities and minorities fare best when civil society thrives. I have seen at first hand the benefits brought to such communities through the work of our NGO partners. The funding announced today will continue our joint efforts to ensure that Ireland’s support reaches the furthest behind first.”
Ireland’s partnership with civil society recognises the importance of civil society organisations in delivering essential services and support to the most vulnerable, and in bringing about positive change.
The organisations which have been approved for funding under the 2024 CSF are: Aidlink, A Partnership with Africa, Brighter Communities Worldwide, Children in Crossfire, Christian Blind Mission Ireland, Help Age International, International Federation for Human Rights, Irish League of Credit Unions International Development Foundation, Minority Rights Group International, Nepal Leprosy Trust, Royal National Lifeboat Institution, Serve in Solidarity, University College Cork, and Vita.
Notes to the Editor:
• Irish Aid, the Government’s Development Cooperation Programme, is managed by the Development Cooperation and Africa Division of the Department of Foreign Affairs. For further information see irishaid.ie
• The Civil Society Fund (CSF) is the Department’s main HQ development project funding scheme. It primarily supports Irish NGOs to carry out development projects overseas of up to five years duration. A small number of international NGOs working on human rights are also invited to apply. The maximum available grant is €800,000 per annum.
ENDS
Press Office
25 March 2024