A campaign to raise up to €20 million in donations was today launched by a charitable organisation.
Ireland Funds has supported more than 1,200 non-profit groups north and south of the border, benefiting a range of arts, community, education and peace programmes.
The organisation's annual board meeting in Dublin was told current donations include a €10 million grant from the Irish Government and €2 million gift from the Worldwide Chairman of the Ireland Funds, Sir Anthony O'Reilly.
Kingsley Aikins, CEO of the Worldwide Ireland Funds, said: "The Government's generosity is a terrific recognition of the €275 million the Funds have raised in 11 countries over the last 30 years for hundreds of projects throughout the island of Ireland."
