Tánaiste Coveney & Minister Cannon announce over €10 million in grants to NGOs

The Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade, Simon Coveney, T.D., and Minister of State for the Diaspora and International Development, Ciarán Cannon, T.D., today announced over €10 million to 24 Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs) to carry out development projects overseas.  This includes over €8 million in grants to Irish NGOs.

Announcing the funding, the Tánaiste said:

“Irish NGOs are keeping alive our proud tradition of support for those most in need, helping vulnerable people, often in challenging circumstances.  This funding, which represents an increase in Government support to Irish development NGOs, will help achieve tangible results for those furthest behind and assist the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals.”

Minister of State Cannon added:

“In recognition of their unique ability to reach those most in need, the funding announced today represents a reaffirmation of our support to Irish NGOs in implementing projects which address the root causes of poverty, build resilience and help prevent future crises.”

The work of the NGOs which receive Civil Society Fund grants complements the work of the Government’s aid programme, Irish Aid, in delivering essential services such as health and education and improving human rights and governance.

ENDS

Press Office

06 June 2018

Notes to the Editor:

• Irish Aid is the Government’s overseas assistance programme. It is managed by the Development Cooperation Division of the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade. For further information see www.irishaid.ie
• Amongst OECD Development Assistance Committee (DAC) members, Ireland has the highest proportion of bilateral Overseas Development Assistance channelled through and to Civil Society Organisations. 
• The Civil Society Fund (CSF) primarily supports Irish NGOS to carry out development projects overseas of between one and three years duration.  A small number of foreign NGOs are also invited to apply.  The maximum available grant is €400,000 per annum.
• The organisations which have been approved for funding under the 2018 CSF Round are: A Partnership with Africa, Aidlink, Brighter Communities Worldwide, Camara, Childfund Ireland, Christian Blind Mission Ireland, Fields of Life, Friends in Ireland, International Federation for Human Rights (FIDH), Irish League of Credit Unions Foundation, Meningitis Research Foundation, Minority Rights Group International, Nepal Leprosy Trust Ireland, Nurture Africa, Orbis Ireland, Proudly Made in Africa, Saferworld, Serve, Suas, Tearfund Ireland, SHEP (The Social and Health Education Project), The Carter Centre, University College Cork and War on Want Northern Ireland.