Three projects that promote environmental awareness, community inclusion and employment in Cork, have been awarded €200,000 as part of the Sustainable Cork Fund
The fund was created in partnership with Cork Chamber of Commerce and the Department of Rural and Community Development.
The Sustainable Cork Fund recipients include Nasc’s 'Gateway to Inclusion' project, which provides supports for female migrants and refugees to pursue education and employment opportunities.
It also includes NCE Outreach, which offers further education, training and employment for people engaged in post-addiction treatment programmes and probation services.
Finally, the fund will support Refill.ie which will provide innovative initiatives to help eradicate single use plastic water bottles in Cork City and County.
The not-for-profit organisations were among 66 who applied for the Sustainable Cork Fund, which was created to commemorate Cork Chamber of Commerce’s 200-year anniversary.
Want to find out more about the #SustainableCork Fund? Check out this short video which explains the partnership between Rethink Ireland, @CorkChamber, @DeptRCD and what the Fund is all about… pic.twitter.com/KZIKAeyJOS
— Rethink Ireland (@Rethink_Ireland) October 27, 2020
Commitment to sustainability
Following an extensive fundraising campaign, philanthropic donations from Cork Chamber and its members were matched by the Department of Rural and Community Development via the Dormant Accounts Fund
This brought the combined figure to €200,000, creating the year-long Sustainable Cork Fund.
Commenting on today’s announcement, Heather Humphreys, Minister for Rural and Community Development said:
“I would like to extend my congratulations to the three awardees of the Sustainable Cork Fund.
"It is so important that we celebrate those organisations and projects that share our commitment to sustainability through environmental, social and economic resilience.
"The outstanding projects showcase the ways that communities are making a difference. This funding, as well as other supports, will assist them even further with their sustainability plans.”
Meanwhile, Caroline O’Driscoll, board director at Rethink Ireland, added:
“We are delighted to announce our three awardees, all of whom exemplify how you can meaningfully shape a more inclusive future."
She said it has never been more important for us to think and act sustainably and inclusively, while adding "Nasc, Refill.ie and NCE Outreach are making great strides in this area."
"This much-deserved recognition will allow them to continue their innovative work, building to a better future," she said.
