The Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs Micheál Martin today announced a list of organisations awarded funding from the Department of Foreign Affairs Shared Island Civic Society Fund.
Selected from across the civic society sector, north and south, 35 projects were granted funding. Each of these projects have a strong cross border dimension and will facilitate the development of new links and strengthen existing relationships on issues of common concern for civic society groups on both sides of the border.
Announcing the grants, the Tánaiste said:
“I am delighted to announce funding for 35 new projects, amounting to €1 million. These projects are in a broad range of sectors and themes, including in the areas of climate and the environment, community development, heritage, social enterprise, charitable and voluntary work, and sports.
“I established the Shared Island Initiative in 2020 with a positive vision for the future of our island – a vision of a more confident, inclusive, and prosperous island for everyone, North and South.
“The Shared Island Civic Society Fund promotes practical cooperation and interaction in civic society on this island. This latest round of grants will promote North South cooperation and enhance cross-border civic, economic, cultural, and community links across the island.”
The Tánaiste also spoke of the Department of Foreign Affairs’ plans for future funding calls under the Shared Island Civic Society Fund:
"There has been huge interest in the fund, following its launch last year, which clearly illustrates there is a real and growing appetite across the island for increased cross-border cooperation. People and communities are reaching out to each other, identifying areas of common interest, and agreeing ways to work together to address joint concerns.
"This is the essence of the Shared Island Initiative. Communities working together for the betterment of the island for everyone who calls this place home. And we can do more.
"I am pleased to confirm that we will be making increased levels of support available through the Shared Island Civic Society Fund in a further round that will open for applications in the coming months.”
Notes
The Shared Island Civic Society Fund is a €3 million initiative, which promotes practical North South cooperation and engagement, across a range of sectors and themes, consistent with the objectives and commitments of the Good Friday Agreement. The Shared Island Civic Society Fund is part of the government’s Shared Island initiative and supported through the Shared Island Fund.