Critical Kilkenny service to benefit from international funding

The Ireland Funds, the global philanthropic network, has awarded funding to the Amber Women’s Refuge in Kilkenny.

This support, through the Heart of the Community Fund grant round, will assist the organisation in providing emergency accommodation and support services to women and children in Kilkenny and Carlow who have suffered domestic violence or abuse.

The Amber Women's Refuge provides emergency refuge accommodation and support services to women and children in Kilkenny and Carlow, who are victims of domestic violence and abuse.

The fund is a global philanthropic network established in 1976 to promote and support peace, culture, education and community development throughout the island of Ireland, and Irish-related causes around the world. It has benefited the work of thousands of different organisations, with both financial and non-financial support. Today, The Ireland Funds is one of the largest independent grant makers for the non-profit sector in Ireland.

READ MORE: Alarming - 111% rise in women seeking support from Kilkenny refuge

The Heart of the Community Fund this year is awarding €930,000 to 93 community and voluntary organisations across the island of Ireland to support their vital local activity. Made possible by generous philanthropic gifts and fundraising events of 'The Ireland Funds America' the largest chapter of The Ireland Funds, these grants exemplify the power of collective giving.

Naoimh Murphy, Communication & Training Officer, Amber Women's Refuge, said, "This Heart of the Community Fund grant will support our One Million Stars project, enabling us to engage with more people on domestic abuse and gender-based violence. It will fund star weaving workshops in which we weave stars that symbolise light, hope, and solidarity. Thank you to The Ireland Funds for supporting Amber's One Million Stars project."

"It is our aim that the Heart of the Community Fund fuels organisations to continue their essential work within communities. We are deeply grateful for the steadfast generosity of our donors, which continues to bolster crucial initiatives across the island of Ireland," Caitriona Fottrell, President & CEO of The Ireland Funds, added.