The Irish American Partnership disbursed $600,000 in grants to educational initiatives and community programs across Ireland during its biennial leadership mission last week, bringing the charity’s year-to-date funding for Ireland to $2.5 million.

These awards were announced on October 2 at a reception celebrating the culmination of the three-day trip with the US Ambassador to Ireland Claire D. Cronin in attendance. 

"The Irish American Partnership is an organization that has become very near and dear to my heart since I became U.S. Ambassador to Ireland," Ambassador Cronin said.

"This organization's impact is felt in the places where it is needed."

She continued: "We are all connected, and through the relationships made by the Irish American Partnership good things are being done on the island of Ireland."

Beneficiary programs supported in this latest round of funding include access scholarships at Atlantic Technological University, the Activating Social Empathy initiative at the University of Galway, the Western Seaboard Science Project through Dublin City University, the FUEL Young Artist-In-Residence program at Druid Theater, the Mary Robinson Centre, as well as targeted grants to resource primary schools through the hallmark O’Neill Direct Grants to Schools program. Each of these programs and institutions were selected for their transformative impact on young people and communities.

ATU President Dr. Orla Lynn was also in attendance, commenting: “It was a privilege for us to have hosted your visit to the Atlantic Technological University Mayo campus in Castlebar.

"As a new and young university, it is part of our mission to enhance the quality of life for everybody in the region, and we thank you for your grant which will go towards scholarships that enhance accessibility."

Irish American Partnership President and CEO Mary Sugrue remarked: “The Board and supporters of the Irish American Partnership are committed to supporting young people on their educational journey, investing in Ireland’s future.

"We are here this evening to demonstrate our longstanding support of almost 40 years, and to connect this delegation to the grassroots efficacy of our work."

About the Irish American Partnership

Dedicated to connecting Irish America and friends of Ireland to their heritage through targeted giving, the Partnership invests in education, community development, and peace initiatives across the island of Ireland.

Since their inception in 1986, supporters have raised over $57 million for young people and communities, North and South, empowering and educating the next generation of global leaders.

The Partnership provides targeted grants to schools, provides university access scholarships, funds education centers for homeless youth, supports peace and reconciliation initiatives in Northern Ireland, and champions Gaelic games, Irish arts, culture, and more.

Learn more at IrishAP.org.