Diageo Ireland, Guinness and the Guinness Storehouse have announced details of the inaugural Guinness Dublin 8 Community Fund, inviting local charities, non-profits and community groups in Dublin 8 to apply for funding for projects, with applications open from this month.
The new initiative will see €1 million invested in Dublin 8 over the next five years, with €500,000 available in its first year and €125,000 annually thereafter.
“As we mark 25 years of the Guinness Storehouse, we’re proud to support the Guinness Dublin 8 Community Fund, giving back to the vibrant area where the Guinness Storehouse has thrived since it opened back in 2000,” said Catherine Toolan, managing director.
“This fund is a way of giving back and supporting the people and organisations who make this neighbourhood so special.”
The Guinness Dublin 8 Community Fund was made possible through direct investment from Diageo Ireland, in partnership with Guinness and the Guinness Storehouse.
Proceeds from the three-day ‘Lovely Days Live at the Home of Guinness’ event this summer – which saw 7,000 guests enter the St James’s Gate site – have also gone directly towards the Guinness Dublin 8 Community Fund through event ticket sales and sales of exclusive Fontaines D.C. event merchandise.
Applications are open under three key pillars, reflecting some of the most important areas of focus within the local community, as identified by supporting partner Community Foundation Ireland.
These include:
- enhancement of adult educational opportunities and outcomes for the local communities of Dublin 8;
- fostering community development in Dublin 8; and
- addressing the themes of sustainability and climate in Dublin 8.
Developed by Diageo Ireland and Community Foundation Ireland, with input from Dublin 8 community organisations, the Guinness Dublin 8 Community Fund will distribute €500,0000 in grants to 20 local projects in its inaugural year.
Grants of €2,500, €20,000 and €75,000 will be awarded to initiatives delivering meaningful change at a grassroots level in Dublin 8.
Applications for the Guinness Dublin 8 Community Fund are now open until midnight on Monday 17 November.
‘Vibrant Energy’
“With the launch of the inaugural Guinness Dublin 8 Community Fund, our ambition is to continue standing alongside the local community as a committed partner,” said Shane Kelly, corporate relations director at Diageo Ireland.
“By making €500,000 available in the first year, we want to provide opportunities that build on the vibrant energy already thriving in Dublin 8.”
