Minister for Social Protection, Heather Humphreys TD, and Minister of State, Joe O’Brien TD, Wednesday 10th July, opened the grant application process for initiatives to promote awareness of the UN International Day for the Eradication of Poverty.
The UN International Day for the Eradication of Poverty is on 17th October and has had international focus since its formal UN adoption in 1992. In Ireland, the day is promoted by the 17 October Committee and All Together in Dignity (ATD) Ireland.
The Department of Social Protection is providing funding to support anti-poverty groups to organise local, regional or national activities to promote awareness of the UN International Day for the Eradication of Poverty.
Minister Heather Humphreys commented:
“I am pleased to launch the application process today for funding for events that mark the UN Day for the Eradication of Poverty. As Government, we are committed to reducing poverty and making Ireland more socially inclusive. The events funded to mark this day bring people together in communities and I would encourage groups with innovative ideas for events to apply by the closing date of 16th August.”
Minister Joe O’Brien added:
“This funding allows local community groups and projects to raise awareness of their work in tackling poverty and social exclusion in Ireland as part of the global issue on the UN Day for the Eradication of Poverty.”
The funding is open to anti-poverty organisations and groups working with people experiencing poverty at national or local level in the Republic of Ireland. Funding of up to €3,000 is available per project.
The Irish theme for the 2024 United Nations International Day for the Eradication of Poverty is: Breaking Barriers and Building Bridges: Together Towards Equality & Inclusion.
Minister Joe O’Brien T.D. continued:
“The UN International Day for the Eradication of Poverty is a day of solidarity, to bring together people from different backgrounds, with different experiences, in their shared commitment to end poverty. It is crucial we acknowledge that poverty is unacceptable and work together to reduce poverty and ensure nobody is left behind, which is the essence of this year’s theme.”
Activities which can be funded
Once-off initiatives with a national, regional or local focus that must aim to:
create public awareness of the UN International Day for the Eradication of Poverty;
create public awareness of poverty in Ireland;
involve people at risk of, or experiencing poverty; and
express solidarity with the fight to eradicate poverty globally.
A broad range of activities, or combination of activities, will be considered for funding.
The closing date for applications is 16th August 2024
Full details on the funding initiative and the application process are available on the Department’s website at gov.ie/social inclusion