IrelandFundsAmerica

Last year, our generous donors enabled us to support the vital work of over 330 nonprofit organizations with over 1,250 grants awarded—totaling more than $28 million. This marked one of the most significant years of grantmaking in our nearly 50-year history. Most importantly, the figures represent thousands of lives improved. From increasing the number of scholarships for our No Mind Left Behind program to providing essential services for children experiencing poverty and marginalization, our donors made it possible for The Ireland Funds to assist and support. We invite you to explore our newly-released Delivering for Ireland in 2024 Report and learn about the many lives transformed by this incredible generosity. Read the report and see the impact: irelandfunds.org/flipbooks/d…

The Ireland Funds is Delivering Essential Services for Children Across Ireland Our Heart of the Community Fund responds to the urgent needs of communities by partnering with exceptional organisations that provide vital services and bridge resource gaps. The latest round of funding reflects our commitment—and that of our generous donors—to recognizing the challenges faced by so many and making a meaningful impact where it's needed most. Together, we are creating positive change and improving lives.

The Ireland Funds is Inspiring Children to Discover the Transformative Power of Music Irish Chamber Orchestra (@ICOrchestra) is empowering over 450 children and young people from underserved communities in Limerick through its free early intervention programs. These initiatives offer weekly music lessons that foster life skills, self-confidence, and a strong sense of belonging, while addressing challenges such as poverty, homelessness, and family instability. Our recent Heart of the Community Fund grant will help ICO continue providing these life-changing music education opportunities, creating a nurturing environment where children can unlock their full potential.

The Ireland Funds is Strengthening Communities Through Education Early Learning Initiative (@ELI_Docklands) is a lifeline for vulnerable children and families, providing education and support programs to over 14,000 participants each year. Expanding beyond its Dublin Docklands origins, ELI now impacts communities across Ireland. With our recent Heart of the Community Fund grant, The Ireland Funds proudly supports ELI’s Family Support Home Visitors, helping 30 families facing challenges, including homelessness, addiction, mental health issues, children with additional needs, and the recent migrants to Ireland. Together, we are breaking barriers to education and creating brighter futures for communities.

The Ireland Funds is Empowering Young People to Realize Their Potential Through our Heart of the Community Fund, we are proud to support Citywise Education as they expand their incredible work to close gaps in educational attainment. Many students face barriers to progressing to third-level education, but Citywise is proving what’s possible. This grant will enable them to provide even more young people with the tools they need - academic classes, mentorship, and a supportive environment that inspires them to raise their gaze. We are inspired by their commitment and proud to partner with them to open new doors of opportunity for young people. Together, we’re empowering students to realize and achieve their full educational potential.

As we close out the year, The Ireland Funds is proud to announce a round of grants totalling €500,000, awarded to twenty organizations across the island of Ireland providing essential services for children facing poverty, marginalization, and challenging circumstances. We want to thank our donors for helping us support their vital work in areas such as homelessness and family supports, education, youth outreach, mental health care, and food provision. We know that at this time of year, the demands on these services are extremely high. These grants, part of our Heart of the Community Fund, are helping to create communities where every child has the opportunity to thrive. Read more at: irelandfunds.org/news/the-ir…

Every day, The Ireland Funds cares for communities in need. The hundreds of grants we make each year fuel critical work across the island of Ireland.  On this #GivingTuesday, and on behalf of the thousands of people who are impacted by the generosity of our donors, we thank you for your support. secure.irelandfunds.org/page…..

On December 17, celebrate the holiday season with the Boston Young Leaders. Join us for an evening of live music at The Bostonia Public House. All are welcome. Bring a friend and learn about the positive impact that The Ireland Funds is making in communities both in Boston and across the island of Ireland. Tickets and more information at: irelandfunds.org/event/young…

One more thank you to all our friends who attended The Ireland Funds 40th Annual Chicago Dinner on November 6. Terry Brady, Chair of The Ireland Funds Chicago Regional Advisory Committee, presented Steve Cahillane, Chairman, President and CEO of Kellanova with The Ireland Funds Distinguished Leadership Award. Mr Cahillane spoke of his pride of his Irish ancestry and how that ancestry shaped him and his career. ‘’I am deeply honored to accept this Ireland Funds award. As a proud New Yorker, naturalized Chicagoan, and a son of Irish heritage, this moment is truly humbling. I accept, not only on my own behalf, but on behalf of my parents and the countless generations who laid the foundation for all of us here tonight.’’ John Gibbons, committee member of The Ireland Funds Chicago Regional Advisory Committee presented Fr. Tom Hurley, VP of Advancement and Ministry at Marist High School Chicago, with The Ireland Funds Humanitarian Award. Fr. Tom spoke about his journey and his family. “How grateful I am to be Irish-American. I am even more proud and excited to be affiliated with The Ireland Funds, a great organization transforming lives in Ireland and around the globe.” Dan Quirke, founder of the Dillon Quirke Foundation in Ireland spoke about the mission of his organization to provide free cardiac screening for athletes playing sports in Ireland. Dan’s son Dillon, passed away from Sudden Adult Death Syndrome in 2022 while playing hurling for his local club at the age of 24. The Foundation aims to screen 10,000 young people a year. Special performance for the evening was provided by viral YouTube sensations, The Gardiner Brothers. The US born brothers. Special thanks to Kerry and Chicago Cut Steakhouse for their very generous support of the auction at the dinner. Enjoy more photos at irelandfunds.org/event/chica…

The Ireland Funds welcomed over 650 of New England’s top corporate leaders, philanthropists and friends of Ireland as they gathered at The Westin Copley Place to celebrate The Ireland Funds 43rd Boston Gala. The evening was a gathering in support of charitable, cultural and educational causes across both the island of Ireland and locally in Massachusetts. Ronald P. O'Hanley, Chairman and CEO of @StateStreet was honored with The Ireland Funds Distinguished Leadership Award. Notable guests in attendance included business, civic and philanthropic leaders such as Robert Kraft (Chairman & CEO, The New England Patriots), Dr. Albert Bourla (Chairman & CEO, Pfizer), Edmund F. Murphy III (President & CEO, Empower), Lee Pelton (President & CEO, The Boston Foundation), Anne Finucane (Former Vice Chair, BofA and Chair, BofA Europe and Senior Advisor, TPG Rise Climate) and Jean Hynes (CEO, Wellington Management). Dignitaries in attendance included Governor of Massachusetts Maura Healey, Sighle FitzGerald, Consul General of Ireland to New England, and David Clay MBE, British Consul General to New England. It was a wonderful night of great camaraderie, a strong sense of connection to Ireland, stirring entertainment, and an opportunity to give back to great causes – all hallmarks of the event and of The Ireland Funds. Read More: irelandfunds.org/event/bosto…

Just a few more hours until The Ireland Funds celebrates its 40th Chicago Dinner. This evening will feature the presentation of The Ireland Funds Distinguished Leadership Award to Steve Cahillane, Chairman, President & CEO of Kellanova. Thanks to the generosity of our donors in Chicago and beyond, The Ireland Funds continues to champion education, community development, arts and culture, and the promotion of peace and reconciliation across the island of Ireland. Learn more: irelandfunds.org/event/chica…

Tonight, on the 40th anniversary of The Ireland Funds Chicago Dinner, we are looking forward to gathering with friends at the Four Seasons Hotel in support of The Ireland Funds' mission. We're delighted to be honoring Fr. Tom Hurley, VP of Advancement and Ministry at Marist High School, and Pastor Emeritus at Old Patrick’s Church with The Ireland Funds Humanitarian Award at this milestone event. irelandfunds.org/event/chica…