Irish Youth Foundation
Levelling the playing field for children and young people
The Irish Youth Foundation is Ireland's leading charity committed to levelling the playing field for children and young people, focusing on physical and mental wellbeing, skills and employment.
I’ve seen how hard it is for some vulnerable kids. They need support and activities in their life to give them belief and focus. They need facilities and stability and guidance. Then they can be the best they can be.
The Irish Youth Foundation funds amazing projects and programmes. And that’s why I’m urging you to put your money where your heart is.
Kellie Harrington
Two-time Olympic Gold Medallist
Why Us?
We speak up for young people, and back the people who back them.
The Irish Youth Foundation speaks up for young people and children from disadvantaged backgrounds and supports them through the key transitions of their lives. We champion the incredible work of the youth workers and project leaders that support our young people. They are the unsung heroes; they are part of the fabric in our local communities. Often, the youth worker is the only good adult in a young person’s life, their work is fundamental to the success of the projects across Ireland.
01
Knowledge
We have feet on the ground.
Working closely with everyone from grassroots organisations and after-school clubs to national charities, we understand what's needed and where — and fund innovative programmes that deliver real results.
02
Knowledge
We have over 38 years’ experience, have supported over 2,000 projects and awarded over €20,000,000 in grants to Irish youth services.
We rapidly respond to what’s needed and carry out the due diligence on all the projects we support.
03
Governance
The Irish Youth Foundation is a registered Irish charity (CHY5957), Registered Charity Number (RCN) 20009878. The Irish Youth Foundation is fully compliant with all relevant Irish charity governance, legislation and regulatory frameworks.
Find out more
38 years' experience
Over 2,000 projects supported
Over €20 million raised
Our Belief
Every child deserves a fair shot.
The Reality
For the one in five children living in poverty in Ireland, the barriers are high, and the odds of reaching full potential are low.
The Good News
You can help and create year-round impact. By donating to IYF, we can back more evidence-based, ground-breaking programmes dedicated to strengthening and changing the lives of young people all across Ireland.
It’s time for contemporary patriotism. I’ve no doubt we’ll save the country. But we also need to save the country’s young and vulnerable.
Bob Etchingham
CEO, Applegreen
It is so important and so right that we – Ireland – stand up and act for our young people, especially the most excluded.
Roddy Doyle
We're on a mission to level the playing field
This video was produced between the IYF and youth worker Thomas McCarthy and reflects just some of the unimaginably small obstacles that hold young people back.
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