Lifeline services receive vital Ireland for Ukraine' Support | 7 million raised through Ireland for Ukraine and The Community Foundation of Ireland

Today 19/10/2022, the Ireland for Ukraine Fund is announcing details of 5.2 Million in grants with money raised being used to help meet the needs of those seeking safety in Ireland as well as men, women and children living on the ground in Ukraine in the shadow of the war.

Local communities rallying together to welcome people fleeing from Ukraine, specialised trauma services, care for children torn apart from their parents as well as general wellbeing and access to work services are receiving support from the Ireland for Ukraine' Fund.

Started by Irish media organisations in response to the humanitarian crisis the fund has rallied support from local clubs, schools and communities, along with significant support from Government. The awareness generated by the campaign has provided a total of 7 Million in support both in direct donations and from donors to The Community Foundation for Ireland. The Fund is supported by a 5 million donation from Government provided through the Department of Rural and Community Development.

The Community Foundation for Ireland, which is managing the fund on behalf of the media partners and Government, is announcing the support which is being split between the need for a humanitarian response here at home as well as international agencies UNICEF, The Irish Red Cross, Concern and Trocaire.

Across Ireland 117 projects are receiving grants with a focus on those requiring specialised supports such as trauma care as well as day to day services. Self-advocacy and story-telling projects will give Ukrainians in Ireland a voice to keep the focus on the families which are at the very centre of the crisis.

The grants awarded here at home range from 5,000 to local groups set up to welcome people fleeing for their lives into Irish communities through to 100,000 to networks of charities and organisations who are uniting to deliver a more effective response.

Minister of State at the Department of Rural and Community Development, Joe O'Brien TD said: We have seen the outpouring of support in communities across the country, assisted by the vital roles played by community and voluntary organisations. 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 supports to our communities to welcome and help the people coming from Ukraine.

The grants provided to the 117 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 .

Announcing the funding Denise Charlton, Chief Executive 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.

List of Grants

Grant Application Name County Project Description Amount Awarded

Irish Red Cross International Emergency Response Activities in Ukraine 672,786.00

UNICEF International Emergency Response Activities in Ukraine 672,786.00

Tr caire International Emergency Response Activities in Ukraine 672,786.00

Concern International Emergency Response Activities in Ukraine 672,786.00

Access I.T. CLG Co Waterford Training refugees (Ukrainians) to become I.T. instructors 15,000

ACET Ireland Dublin 1 To support the Ukrainian refugees resident in Dublin's North East Inner City by connecting and equipping the many local faith communities and faith-based agencies who have volunteer, space, resource and expertise capacity. 5,000

Ait Na nDaoine Teoranta Co Louth Supporting Ukrainian refugees' wellbeing and integration at community level. 10,000

ARD Family Resource Centre Co Galway Building on high levels of resilience through one-to-one work to support Refugees integration into society whilst also protecting and improving workers levels of self-care and effective work practices. 15,000

Association of Ukrainians in Republic of Ireland Co Dublin Natural facilitation and integration of temporarily displaced Ukrainians into multicultural Irish society as productive economically valuable members of society. 25,000

Athlone Family Resource Centre (AFRC) Co Westmeath Supporting the Ukraine refugee communities to run safe spaces for restorative group activities, to help displaced children and adults regain their resilience and rediscover feelings of joy and belonging. 30,000

Athy Community Family Resource Centre Co Kildare To continue to support families and individuals that have recently come to Ireland fleeing war in Ukraine, by providing essential supports and a safe space to gather, and feel part of the community. 10,000

Aware Dublin 4 Our Ukraine Support Services aim to offer an opportunity to Ukrainians who have arrived in Ireland to connect with fellow citizens, navigate living in Ireland and get support

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