Drinks giant Coca-Cola said it will support 28 non-profit organisations aimed at young people across the island of Ireland with €200,000 in grants paid out through its Thank You Fund.
The funding will support up to 3,500 young people through the grants given to community groups and projects that engaged young people in models of innovative and inclusive practices. Ten of the organisations will get a grant of up €10,000, while 18 will receive at least €5,000. The initiative is operated in partnership with the Irish Youth Foundation and YouthAction Northern Ireland.
This year’s fund was doubled as the Coca-Cola Company and partner Coca-Cola HBC Ireland and Northern Ireland combined their efforts.
Among the projects receiving funding are Depaul in Dublin, Fighting Words NI in Antrim and Outcomers in Louth. The Cork Migrant Centre, Wexford Arts Centre, Pocket Forests and the Crisis Café also received grants.
“It has been truly remarkable to witness the evolution of the Coca-Cola Thank You Fund, an initiative that is firmly focused on having a meaningful impact on the future of young people in our local communities,” said said Agnese Filippi, country manager for Coca-Cola Ireland.
“Our goal through this year’s increased Fund is to have a longer-term impact on the lives of young people, our communities, and our planet, empowering positive change that will help build a brighter future for all. I’d like to recognise the efforts of the Irish Youth Foundation and YouthAction Northern Ireland in helping us to achieve this goal.”
