Two local projects are preparing to pitch for a grant share of this year’s €100,000 Coca-Cola Thank You Fund.
Stúidió Mór Limelight Creative Arts (Brothers of Charity Galway) and Venture Out are among 22 non-profit organisations shortlisted from across Ireland and will pitch to a panel of judges in the coming weeks.
Stúidió Mór Limelight Creative Arts is seeking funding to launch an inclusive art studio for young artists with higher needs.
The initiative aims to provide an accessible space for young people who have an interest in art and design to express themselves and receive professional support to excel their artistic ambitions and learn how to create art sustainably.
Venture Out is looking for funding for a week-long wilderness experience for young adults to develop practical social and emotional life skills.
Participants will hike and camp in a range of wild outdoor locations while engaging in an immersive, experiential and intensive personal development process.
The programme is designed to help young people identify their strengths and skills and develop their own personal action plan for the future.
Now in its twelfth year, over 200 charities, community groups and non-profit organisations across the island of Ireland submitted applications to this year’s Fund.
The projects were assessed under the categories of education and training, diversity and inclusion in young people and those focused on encouraging young people to care for the environment.
In addition, the shortlisted organisations could win the People’s Choice Award, where the public has their say and votes for their favourite local group.
The recipient of this accolade will be awarded an immediate grant of €5,000 to help deliver the proposed project within their local community.
Commenting on the announcement of this year’s shortlisted groups, Agnese Filippi, Country Manager, Coca-Cola Ireland, said they are thrilled to reveal the 22 shortlisted youth groups from across the island of Ireland.
“Established in 2011 to help local community groups support and develop the future of young people, this year’s Fund is designed to back leaders in local communities across the island of Ireland working to nurture a generation of change champions within a challenging economic and social environment.”
Details of the 22 shortlisted projects can be found at www.coca-cola.ie/thankyou with the voting lines for this year’s ‘People’s Choice Award,’ now open.
