Emigrant Support Programme

Our Emigrant Support Programme (ESP) supports Irish communities overseas by funding non-profit organisations and projects. This allows us to develop more strategic links with the global Irish and to support frontline welfare services that help the most vulnerable members of our overseas communities.

Overview
Am I eligible?
How to apply
Reporting
Previous funding

Overview

The Irish Government Emigrant Support Programme is focused on supporting cultural, community and heritage projects that foster a vibrant sense of Irish community and identity.

In particular the programme supports organisations that deliver frontline advisory services and community care to Irish emigrants, particularly to the more vulnerable and marginalised members of our community abroad.

In recent years the programme has also funded capital projects that ensure the long-term future of Irish communities.

Full details on the objectives, criteria and reporting requirements associated with the programme are available at the following Overview of the Emigrant Support Programme.

Applicants are also encouraged to consult our Frequently Asked Questions.

Am I eligible?

We are interested in funding projects which seek to fulfil one or more of the following objectives:

Celebrate, maintain and strengthen the links between Ireland and the Global Irish;
Address the diverse and evolving needs of Irish emigrants, especially the elderly, disadvantaged and vulnerable;
Facilitate access to statutory and voluntary services in their country of residence for Irish emigrants;
Foster a more vibrant sense of community and of Irish identity;
Further the outcomes of the Global Irish Economic Forum;
Support business networks to connect Irish people to each other at home and abroad;
Research and define the emerging needs of Irish communities abroad;
Support development of new ways to communicate and connect with the increasingly diverse global Irish, including non-traditional diasporas;
Improve awareness and understanding of the emigrant and diaspora experience.

How to apply

Apply Online

You should apply to the Emigrant Support Programme using the online application form only. We do not accept any hard copy applications.

Useful documents

These documents will help you in the application process:

Reporting

Organisations receiving grants under the Emigrants Support Programme (ESP) are required to submit, for each project a

Narrative Progress Report, and
Financial Report

And either (i) or (ii)

(i) Where the ESP grant is less than €100,000, a copy of the organisation's accounts accompanied by an independent (practising) accountant's statement.

(ii) Where the ESP grant exceeds €100,000, a copy of the organisation's most recent audited financial statements