ARE YOU A VOLUNTARY GROUP WHICH PROVIDES SERVICES TO IRISH PEOPLE IN BRITAIN OR IS INVOLVED IN IRISH HERITAGE, WELFARE OR COMMUNITY ACTIVITIES WITH THE IRISH COMMUNITY?

If so, you may be eligible for funding assistance from the Irish Government towards your project.

Through the Emigrant Support Programme (ESP), the Irish Government have made a commitment to support the Irish Community overseas. The ESP provides funding to non-profit organisations and projects to support Irish communities overseas and to facilitate the development of more strategic links between Ireland and the global Irish.

It is the mission of the ESP to support and assist those voluntary groups which facilitate access to welfare and statutory services to members of the Irish community. Provision of services to older members of our community remains a particular priority for the ESP. We may also fund Irish community projects in the heritage domain and projects that support the outcomes of the Global Irish Economic Forum in October 2011 (www.globalirishforum.ie). Limited funding may also be available for projects of a capital nature.

Applications are particularly welcome from organisations who have not applied before and/or new projects in geographic areas not previously assisted. We would also welcome applications for projects which focus on support for new emigrants.

Click here: www.irishabroadgrants.ie to access the online application form and supporting documents. Interested applicants are recommended to consult these documents before completing the on-line application form. Hard Copy applications will not be accepted.

Applications for the 2013 Emigrant Support Program will be accepted between 16^th January and 20^th February 2013.

Further information is available from:

Irish Community Unit, Embassy of Ireland, 17 Grosvenor Place, London SW1X 7HR

Tel: 020 7235 2171 ext. 644 or 624 or Fax: 020 7201 1136

Press Release - Funding for Irish Organisations in Britain

Remarks by the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade, Mr Eamon Gilmore, T.D., at a Reception for Recipients of Emigrant Support Programme funding - Embassy of Ireland, London, 6 September 2012