Republic of Ireland
The Republic of Ireland is in a major economic recession and is unlikely to return to positive growth for several years. With a budget deficit in excess of €20 billion, the government has recently implemented drastic cutbacks that have seriously impacted poor people and the rights and equality infrastructure established to protect them.
Since the early 1990s, Atlantic, our grantees and partners have worked successfully to improve higher education, increase organisational and government support to protect human rights, and increase opportunities for all people to improve their lives.
The foundation’s current work is centred on improving services, security and opportunities for the oldest and youngest, as well as removing the institutional and legal barriers that perpetuate social inequity for persons in greatest need.
Atlantic and our grantees are working to help build a strong society in which citizens, particularly the most vulnerable, enjoy high-quality, universal services, especially in education and health. We are also encouraging the development of a strong culture of philanthropic giving and civic engagement.
Grantmaking in the Republic of Ireland
The Ageing Programme supports efforts to prevent or delay the onset of dementia and to promote mental health in disadvantaged older adults, and to strengthen the capacity of the age sector by building the evidence base for changes in policy and practice as well as encouraging collaboration among nonprofits and other partners.
The Children & Youth Programme promotes the value of prevention and early social investment in children’s lives, and seeks to advance children’s rights by supporting advocacy for the implementation of the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child.
The Reconciliation & Human Rights Programme focuses on improving access to justice and services for immigrants and people with disabilities, and working to secure an enduring capacity to protect rights more broadly.
Atlantic also seeks opportunities to make an impact in the Republic of Ireland beyond the specific programme areas, such as building nonprofit leadership and capacity, strengthening voice and participation in the political process, and promoting sustainability of issues important to Atlantic by nurturing philanthropy.
