Bank of Ireland donates £890,000 to cost of living crisis response

20 Jan 2023

• Funding will be used to provide support to 12 organisations across island of Ireland
• £450,000 being fast-tracked for vulnerable groups with immediate needs

Bank of Ireland is donating £890,000 to organisations supporting those most at risk from cost of living pressures. The donation will be targeted to a range of groups including children and families at risk, older persons, those with disabilities, lone parents, international protection applicants, and low-income families.

The Bank is making £445,000 available immediately with the remainder £445,000 to be allocated in March.  The first £445,000 is being fast-tracked to 12 organisations working with vulnerable groups across the island of Ireland with grants ranging from £22,000 to £89,000. It will support established, national organisations that are alleviating the cost of living crisis through the provision of a range of practical supports. The second allocation will be divided across approximately 50 smaller non-profit organisation, with average grants of up to £8,900 being distributed in March.

As with previous similar donations, the Bank is working with The Community Foundation of Ireland and the Community Foundation Northern Ireland who have advised the Bank on a wide range of social issues and organisations that require immediate financial support, and is managing the allocation of the funding on behalf of the Bank.

George Higginson, Director of Northern Ireland, Bank of Ireland UK, commented: “Many people are facing difficult choices as a result of the rising cost of living and we want to do what we can to help those most in need.

“As part of the community here in Northern Ireland we are making this donation to help some of the most vulnerable at this time.  We are working once again with our long-term partners at the Community Foundation for Northern Ireland to ensure the donation is distributed to those charities and organisations who can target the funds and make a real difference. We are grateful to them and the Community Foundation Northern Ireland for their dedication and help. ”

Róisín Wood, CEO, The Community Foundation Northern Ireland said: “The cost-of-living crisis is a major priority for our work here at the Community Foundation and we are delighted to be partnering with the Bank Of Ireland Cost of Living fund which will make a very real impact across the island of Ireland.

“The groups in Northern Ireland that have been funded to date will address a wide range of pressing issues, all of which have been exacerbated by this crisis. They will be working closely with, low-income families at risk, lone parents, people with disabilities, asylum seekers and refugees, vulnerable children and more.

“This fund will make a meaningful difference to people’s live as well as boosting the community and voluntary sector which provides critical supports throughout society, allowing this work to continue and grow.”

The beneficiary organisations identified by the Foundation who will receive funding from Bank of Ireland in NI are: Barnardo’s NI, Oasis Caring in Action Antrim, Belfast and Lisburn Women’s Aid.  In ROI, The Children’s Rights Alliance, Focus Ireland, Enable Ireland Disability Services, Age Action, One Family, Tribli CLG, Crosscare, Irish Refugee Council, Immigrant Council of Ireland and Children’s Rights Alliance will receive funding.