Citywise Education is among the 116 projects to receive support from Bank of Ireland’s Begin Together Fund. The financial support will help local community groups and non-profit organisations continue to serve their communities through the COVID-19 pandemic. Jobstown-based Citywise works with young people aged between 8-21 and aims to raise their personal and educational aspirations and support them to achieve their goals.
Citywise will receive up to €5,000 for supporting financial wellbeing through its ‘Citywise Means Business’ initiative which will provide support to over 120 young people. Supports will include interactive games and workshops on topics including budgeting and personal finances. The participants will be involved in the design and organisation of the programme.
Bank of Ireland is working with The Community Foundation for Ireland, which is administering the Begin Together Fund, and a number of expert partners – the Society of St Vincent de Paul, Sport Ireland, Action Mental Health and Sport NI – who assisted in developing the fund’s focus and social impact objectives.
Commenting on the announcement, Laura Henry, Head of Bank of Ireland for Dublin South, said:
“The aim of the Begin Together Fund, launched back in February which seems a lifetime ago now, is to support charities and community organisations that are making a real difference to the financial, physical and mental wellbeing of their communities. As society begins to open up again it’s important to remember that charities and community groups have seen their income severely impacted by COVID-19 but the work they do is more important than ever. For that reason I’m delighted that the Begin Together Fund is providing this timely support for the Citywise Education project.”
Denise Charlton, Chief Executive of the Community Foundation for Ireland, said:
“The COVID-19 Pandemic, its economic impact and recovery is causing great uncertainty for people, families and communities across the country. Bank of Ireland’s Begin Together Fund, administered by The Community Foundation for Ireland, is a perfect example of partnership which can deliver real supports for people who have seen their home and work lives severely impacted by COVID-19. While this is a period of huge challenge, The Community Foundation for Ireland remains absolutely committed to working with its partners for a fair, caring and vibrant Ireland with thriving communities.”
A full list of 2020 grantees is available here: https://personalbanking.bankofireland.com/begin-together-fund/
