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Bolster Community, a charity and social enterprise based in Newry, is among several community projects across Northern Ireland that will receive funding from Bank of Ireland’s Begin Together Community Fund in 2025.
The bank has allocated over £8,500 to Bolster’s ‘Living Well & Thriving’ programme, which supports older people through essential services such as the Clover Club, Chatty Café sessions, and Discover & Connect community events linking seniors with local services.
Gail Goldie, Chief Executive Officer, Bank of Ireland, said: "For six years, our Community Fund has partnered with Community Foundation Ireland to provide funding to those most in need in our society. I am proud of the support we provide to groups doing vital work on so many of society’s critical issues.
"This year, our focus has been on projects that promote greater inclusion, equipping people with essential skills and creating connections through education, enterprise, or employment.
"These grants will help organisations expand their work among their service users and also plan for future initiatives. I wish Bolster Community and all the community groups the best as they deliver the newly funded projects.”
Speaking about the funding, Bolster Community CEO Jacinta Linden said: “This support couldn’t come at a more critical time. Many of our older people are struggling with loneliness, the rising cost of living, and poor access to digital services. This funding will help us continue to provide a warm welcome, practical support, and meaningful connection for some of the most vulnerable in our community. Thank you, Bank of Ireland Community Fund, for your ongoing support.”
“Our seniors deserve to feel seen and supported,” adds Jacinta. “This funding allows us to keep building those all-important community connections that help seniors live well and thrive.”
Bank of Ireland’s flagship community investment initiative, the Community Fund, delivered in partnership with Community Foundation Ireland, has announced £435,500 of grants to community groups. Grants of between £4,300 and £68,000 will be distributed to 22 groups across Ireland.
Other projects awarded grants in Northern Ireland ranging from just over £8,000 to more than £68,000 are; Advice NI, to help those seeking asylum to help foster social inclusion, independence, and access to vital services; Young Enterprise NI to support young people with learning disabilities in Northern Ireland; and Fermanagh Rural Community Initiative to build digital skills and confidence within disadvantaged communities.
A full list of 2025 Community Fund grantees is available to view at: Begin Together Fund
