St. Patrick’s Day might be over, but you can continue to honor your Irish heritage by supporting The Ireland Funds, “the global Irish making a difference together.” In addition to eleven other worldwide Ireland Fund organizations, the largest is right here in the United States, with twelve chapters across the country.
For 35 years, the American Ireland Fund has been helping people in need by supporting worthy projects in both Ireland and the U.S. All of The Ireland Funds currently concentrate on seven priority areas: providing access to education, supporting a shared future for Northern Ireland, investing in Ireland’s communities, promoting Irish culture and heritage, assisting the elderly “Forgotten Irish,” assisting disadvantaged youth and promoting philanthropy.
The specific initiatives supported by The American Ireland Fund include:
Providing improved school facilities and classroom equipment totalling over $1 million to the Integrated Education movement. Still, 94% of all children in Northern Ireland attend segregated schools (Catholic/Protestant). Much work remains and The American Ireland Fund is committed to create a shared society through integrated education.
Thanks to lead funding from The American Ireland Fund, Sesame Workshop initially created 26 episodes of Sesame Tree for Northern Ireland’s children. Early follow-up studies by Queen’s University, Belfast show that after watching Sesame Tree, children are more willing to be inclusive of those from other backgrounds.
The American Ireland Fund has announced a partnership with the Irish Government in funding a toll-free helpline that is collaboration between all three Irish centers. Modeled on a successful initiative in Ireland, the U.S. Senior Connect Helpline is available for seniors who are isolated, lonely or in need of services.
If you would like to support these good works in Ireland, click HERE to donate now. For a more social experience, you can join various organizations and societies promoting Irish cultural exploration and celebration by following this link.
You can also make a special St. Patrick’s Day gift to the Promising Ireland campaign, a special effort of The American Ireland Fund to raise $100 million by the end of 2013. Need for services in Ireland is up and resources are down; this campaign will help needed services continue on the island.
As always, you should research any organization you are considering making a donation to. Click HERE for Charity Navigator’s rating of The American Ireland Fund.
