Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade Simon Harris TD, together with Minister of State for International Development and Diaspora Neale Richmond TD, have announced over €4.6 million in grants to support Irish diaspora organisations in the US and Canada. The funding, part of the US Emigrant Support Programme, will benefit 145 Irish organisations across the US with over €4 million, while nearly €480,000 has been allocated to 41 Canadian organisations. These grants aim to deliver essential services to vulnerable emigrants and support projects that preserve Irish heritage, strengthening connections with new generations of Irish and Irish-Americans.
Speaking at an Irish community event in New York, the Tánaiste emphasized that the funding reaffirms the Government’s commitment to vibrant and sustainable Irish communities overseas. The grants also mark the inclusion of first-time applicants from states such as Louisiana, Delaware, Baltimore, and Nevada, reflecting the expansion of Ireland’s diplomatic network in the US as part of the Global Ireland strategy.
Minister Richmond highlighted the role of Irish diaspora business networks in supporting trade and investment priorities. He underlined the Government’s commitment to leveraging the knowledge and connections of the diaspora to foster closer economic ties and strengthen Ireland’s strategic business relationships abroad.
Ahead of his visit to Toronto, Minister Richmond welcomed the continued support for Canadian diaspora organisations. He noted that the funding will assist communities across Canada—from Newfoundland to Vancouver—by providing services for seniors and new arrivals and supporting cultural, sporting, and business initiatives. The grants are intended to enhance political, trade, and people-to-people connections, reflecting the deep historical and cultural ties between Ireland and Canada.
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