Empowering the next generation: Applications for the Coca-Cola Thank You Fund are now open!

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Imagine a world where every young person in Ireland can reach their full potential. This vision is becoming a reality with the help of the Coca-Cola Thank You Fund.

The 2024 Coca-Cola Thank You Fund, in partnership with Coca-Cola HBC Ireland and Northern Ireland, just had its big launch for this year and is calling on youth groups and organisations that are focussed on enhancing young lives through learning and sustainable development to apply for funding.

This year, the fund teamed up with the popular Irish podcast ‘Talking Bollox’ for a live event, highlighting the importance of non-profit organisations for young people.

Now in its 14th year, the programme has been providing essential funding, bringing new opportunities to communities and helping to create a brighter, more sustainable future for young people. To date, it has granted over €1.5 million to 164 non-profit organisations across Ireland.

Empowering young people

The Thank You Fund has been a powerhouse of support, helping initiatives aimed at education, employability, and environmental leadership for people aged 16-25.

From sports to care projects to youth clubs and creative arts, the fund has supported so many different groups and organisations and last year, recognising the number of youth organisations in need, the fund was doubled to €200,000 to help even more young people.

Lucy Masterson, Chief Executive of the Irish Youth Foundation, highlights the fund’s crucial role in empowering young people, “It’s never been more important to empower our young people with the skills and confidence they need to take a more active role in communities across the island of Ireland.”

This year’s theme, ‘Empowering Young People Through Learning and Sustainable Development’, is focused on funding programmes which support young people in creative and inclusive activities that incorporate education or sustainable practices into their everyday lives.”

Lucy adds, “We would encourage community leaders to apply.”

A launch with local voices

Sparking some lively conversations, this year’s launch of the 2024 Coca-Cola Thank You Fund was hosted by dynamic duo Terence Power and Calvin O’Brien of ‘Talking Bollox’ at Bradóg Youth Service in Dublin.

The pair turned the spotlight on the pressing issues facing today’s youth, with previous Thank You Fund recipients attending this special live event as audience guests.

Featuring the insights of youth advocates, Darren Kenny, Director of Just A.S.K, and Hilary Copeland, Director of Fighting Words Northern Ireland, the event delved into the challenges and triumphs of young people in Ireland and Northern Ireland.

Speaking about their own experiences growing up in the north inner city of Dublin, as well as the role of the Coca-Cola Thank You Fund Talking Bollox hosts Terence Power and Calvin O’Brien said, “The Coca-Cola Thank You Fund is giving local groups in communities the ability to help vulnerable young people build positive relationships,” the hosts announced, “as well as develop skills that will have a lasting impact on their future and their communities, but also on our environment, and that’s very important to us.

“We stand as proud examples of the impact that local projects can have on young people. We want to encourage as many groups as possible from all across the island of Ireland to apply for funding.”

A future of possibilities

The significant support of the fund has strengthened community initiatives and improved the lives of many young people throughout Ireland.

Reflecting on the success of the initiative, Agnese Filippi, Coca-Cola Ireland Country Manager, talks about the dual foundations of this year’s fund: learning and sustainability.

“Through the pillars of learning and sustainability, we want to continue to empower young people to be the change that will make a difference both in their communities and critically, for their own future,” says Agnese.

The Coca-Cola Thank You Fund is calling on charities, community groups, and non-profits across Ireland to submit proposals for projects that need financial support under the themes for this year:

• Empowering Learning – projects should help young people who are at risk of dropping out of school or achieving low educational results, offer skills training, or help with personal development and resilience.
• Empowering Sustainable Development – projects should help young people tackle sustainability issues, like climate action, circular economy, and food insecurity, through education, action, and awareness efforts, promoting inclusive communities.

The application period is open until 6pm, May 24th. The Coca-Cola Thank You Fund is encouraging community leaders and young adults involved in youth projects to apply.

The Coca-Cola Thank You Fund has become a source of hope and positive change throughout its 14 years, supporting youth empowerment through education and sustainable development. As the fund begins another year of important work, it welcomes applications from eligible community groups to help shape a better, more sustainable future for the next generation.

Applications for this year’s Coca-Cola Thank You Fund can be submitted via the Coca Cola Thank You Fund website until 6pm on Friday, 24th May. Check the website for full terms and conditions.

The deadline is fast approaching, and the opportunity to make a significant impact in the lives of young people is not to be missed!

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