The American Ireland Fund - Boston : News

Each year, The American Ireland Fund supports hundreds of projects North and South, with grants ranging from a few hundred dollars to over a million.

Click the photo to send as an eCard to a friend

Over $10 million were awarded in grants to over 400 projects in 2004.

The American Ireland Fund assists groups whose initiatives serve the people of the island directly. The organization is non-political and non-sectarian.

Highlights 2004

HOPE & HISTORY CAMPAIGN

The Worldwide Hope and History Campaign formally ended in June 2004, having reached a total of $111 million through the generosity of 8,856 donors

CONTRIBUTIONS

Over 3000 donors worldwide contributed to The Ireland Funds in 2004, including over 800 first time donors
The Funds' Endowment now stands at $7.8 million made up of 56 Donor Advised Funds
Membership in the Heritage Society grew as supporters remembered The Funds in their estate planning

GRANTS

Over $10 million were awarded in grants to more than 400 projects throughout Ireland

SPONSORSHIP

The Ireland Funds' Dublin office secures a further three year commitment from companies which will contribute to cover costs until 2007

EVENTS

70 events were held in 39 cities in 10 countries attended by 40,000 supporters
The Ireland Fund of France Wild Geese award was presented to Pat Cox, MEP, former president of the European Parliament
In Monaco, the inaugural Princess Grace Humanitarian Award was presented to Bill Cullen, Chairman, Irish Youth Foundation

CONFERENCE

The June Conference in Dublin attracted 280 delegates from 30 cities around the world
The AWB Vincent 33rd AIF Literary Award was presented to poet Paul Muldoon
The delegates spent a day visiting projects that received Ireland Funds' grants and also mapped out the future for The Funds in the post-Campaign period
Jack and Jackie McDonnell of Washington DC made a $1 million gift to Integrated Education in Northern Ireland

ODDS AND ENDS

AIF Board Directors launched the Annual Fund which raised over $400,000 in the first year
Circulation of The Ireland Funds' magazine Connect increased to over 45,000 worldwide
Each time one of the 2,500 AIF Affinity MBNA card members used their card, The Funds receive a contribution from MBNA
The Ireland Funds' website receives over 30,000 visits a month
The AIF welcomed 6 new Board Members in 2004
eNews was launched enabling over 4000 supporters to receive periodic updates on our work via e-mail
A Fly-In Program was launched to encourage donors and supporters to see first-hand our work throughout Ireland

THE AMERICAN IRELAND FUND SUPPORTS PROJECTS IN THE FOLLOWING FOUR AREAS:

Peace and Reconciliation

The American Ireland Fund seeks to support communities in Northern Ireland working together and towards a shared future. We have prioritized programs supporting those affected by the Troubles, promoting social inclusion, citizenship, and participation, and encouraging a greater understanding of cultural identity within and between communities.

Community Development

Ireland is undergoing tremendous economic, social, and cultural changes. The American Ireland Fund wishes to promote an inclusive and integrated society and to ensure the regeneration of marginalized urban and rural communities.

Education

Investment in education is investment in Ireland's future. The American Ireland Fund focuses on programs supporting access and progression from second level to third level, lifelong learning, and programs promoting tolerance through education, such as Integrated Schools in Northern Ireland.

Arts and Culture

The American Ireland Fund supports excellence and innovation in arts activities. Programs applied in areas of socio-economic, educational, and health disadvantage, and programs promoting tolerance and reconciliation have been prioritized for assistance.

< news & events