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Philanthropic Bodies

Local Development Companies (LDCs) collaborate with a diverse range of philanthropic organisations to pilot innovative programmes, support inclusion, and respond flexibly to emerging local needs. These partnerships enable LDCs to go beyond core statutory-funded programmes and address community priorities in creative and impactful ways.

Through funding, shared values, and trust-based relationships, philanthropic bodies have supported our work in areas such as education, financial literacy, youth leadership, community integration, and health and wellbeing.

Education

Philanthropic partnerships with LDCs expand education, skills, and financial literacy opportunities for disadvantaged communities.

Philanthropic support has allowed LDCs to expand access to education and lifelong learning:

  • ESB Energy for Generations Fund
    – Supports ParentChild+ early learning programmes and an Education Bursary Scheme that helps adults access community education and training.
  • JP Morgan Chase Foundation
    – Funded Money Made Sense, a programme focused on building financial capability and confidence among low-income households.
  • LinkedIn
    – Partnered with LDCs to host Enterprise Events supporting employability, digital skills, and professional networking.

Health Equality & Wellbeing

LDCs advance health and wellbeing locally through inclusive sport initiatives and community facility development.

Sport and wellness are vital for community inclusion and mental health:

  • Athletics Ireland
    – Delivered Assistant Coach Training for participants on our WorkAbility programme, promoting inclusive sport participation.
  • Kerry Group
    – Provided capital funding for the refurbishment of a new community office and training facility, increasing access to local services.

Social Inclusion

Working with equality partners, LDCs deliver integration projects fostering inclusion, leadership, and community cohesion.

Working alongside partners committed to equality and inclusion, LDCs are creating more welcoming communities:

  • Islamic Relief
    – Collaborated on Ramadan food parcel distribution and co-hosted an Eid Fair in partnership with the Malaysian Embassy.
  • St Stephen’s Green Trust
    – Provided funding to support New Communities Integration through leadership development, peer support, and advocacy training.
  • Community Foundation Ireland
    – Supported the Challenger Programme (targeting educational disadvantage) and Facilitated Dialogue projects designed to build community cohesion and understanding.
  • Bons Secours Health System
    – Contributed to initiatives in migrant integration and addiction rehabilitation

Community Development

With philanthropic support, LDCs nurture young leaders, building confidence, teamwork, and civic participation.

LDCs are nurturing future community leaders with philanthropic help:

  • Irish Youth Foundation / Coca-Cola Thank You Fund
    – Supported the Young Community Leaders programme, developing confidence, teamwork, and civic awareness in young people.