Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade of Ireland
Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade of Ireland
02/02/2023 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 02/02/2023 11:05
New Emigrant Support Small Grants Scheme launched by Minister Fleming
Press release
02 February 2023A new grant scheme to support Irish diaspora organisations was announced today by Minister for Diaspora, Seán Fleming TD.
The Emigrant Support Small Grants Scheme offers grants of €10,000 or less to organisations working with members of the Irish diaspora around the world. The new scheme is part of the Government's Emigrant Support Programme.
Encouraging first-time applicants to apply for funding for innovative projects and initiatives, Minister Fleming said;
"The Government's Emigrant Support Programme (ESP) has, since its establishment in 2004, assisted over 530 organisations in 37 countries with grants totalling over €220 million."
"Grants have ranged from small amounts for grassroots groups to major allocations awarded to voluntary and community organisations operating on a large scale."
"As the recently-appointed Minister for the Diaspora, I am looking forward to working with the many organisations that have benefited from the programme over the years. I am also very keen to see more first-time applications from smaller organisations."
"In the past, the application and reporting process may have seemed quite onerous for smaller organisations. To address this, I am pleased to announce that we are launching a Small Grants Scheme which will include more streamlined reporting requirements for organisations in receipt of grants of €10,000 or less. We are also looking at streamlining the application process in time for the 2024/25 round."
"So, if you are a smaller organisation, working with your local Irish diaspora community, and you have an idea for an initiative or an event, please click on dfa.ie and explore what our Emigrant Support Programme has to offer."
"I look forward to meeting representatives of many of these organisations, large or small, at the third Global Irish Civic Forum which will be held in Dublin Castle on April 20-21 next. We will be discussing there the positive impact of the Government's support for Irish emigrant communities and how we can enhance the programme in the years ahead."
The current round of the Emigrant Support Programme opened for applications on 18 January and will close on 15 February.