About the Irish Youth Foundation
The Irish Youth Foundation is a registered charity and grant making foundation in the Republic of Ireland dedicated solely to meeting the needs of children and young people from disadvantaged backgrounds.
We do this by supporting a wide range of outstanding projects and organisations across the country and by working closely with Ireland’s dedicated youth workers and project leaders to help give Ireland’s underrepresented young people the tools needed to reach their full potential in life.
All our funds are raised through donations from people like you. Philanthropic individuals and companies who want to reverse the social and personal damage caused by poverty, educational disadvantage, homelessness and social exclusion, and are committed to working towards a fairer, more inclusive Ireland.
Our growing impact
Our aim each year is to create a better future for as many children and young people as possible by choosing to support charities, projects and programmes that can make the greatest impact in the communities they work in. We support children and young people through their key transitions in life which is why we focus on projects that enhance mental wellbeing, support education and build skills and employability.
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Over the last 4 years
projects supported
young people impacted
As a teenager with goals and ambitions it was amazing to have an adult believe in you and give you backing. When it came time for me to do the Leaving Cert, Declan had a room made up for me with a table and chair to do study. Just having this private space to study was a goldmine as there was no way I could study in the flats. I graduated from UCD with first class honours and won thesis of the Year.
I can honestly say that my career and life today would not be possible if it were not for the work that Declan and his team do.
Head Physiotherapist,
Scoliosis Unit at Temple Street Children’s Hospital
Chief Executive
As CEO of the Irish Youth foundation, Sarah is committed to advancing the organisations initiatives that foster inclusion and personal growth, ensuring we are levelling the playing field for all young people in Ireland. Before taking on the role as CEO, Sarah had been with the Irish Youth Foundation for seven years, during which time she led the organisations fundraising activities and most recently led the design and delivery of the Irish Youth Foundations grants and programmes.
Sarah brings a wealth of experience in non-profit management, community engagement, and strategic fundraising. She is passionate about creating pathways for young people to succeed, particularly those facing economic, social, or personal challenges. With a deep commitment to supporting children and young people experiencing poverty and disadvantage, Sarah plays a pivotal role in helping the Irish Youth Foundation deliver its mission across Ireland.
Prior to the Irish Youth Foundation, Sarah worked in private practice as a psychotherapist as well as in hospitality sales and events, in both The Shelbourne and The Merrion Hotel. Sarah holds a Bachelor of Arts Degree from UCC and an MA in Psychotherapy from DBS.
Grants and Partnerships Executive
As Grants and Partnerships Executive, Aoibheann works with youth organisations to ensure their grant process runs smoothly, from queries before applications, right up until their final grant payment. As well this, Aoibheann works with our corporate and philanthropic partners, building strong relationships and support for IYF.
Aoibheann brings an on the ground understanding of working with vulnerable communities, and a deep curiosity about how best to address issues at a systemic level. She is passionate about equity, compassion and evidence-based policy making.
Before joining the Irish Youth Foundation, Aoibheann has worked across the non-profit sector, most recently in Donore Community Drug and Alcohol Team and UN-IOM. She has a BA in International Development and Sociology and a Master’s in Public Policy.
Development Manager
As Development Manager of the Irish Youth Foundation, Matthew is focused on driving sustainable growth and deepening IYF’s impact on the lives of vulnerable children and young people across Ireland. With a strong focus on forging new corporate partnerships and cultivating philanthropic donor relationships, Matthew plays a central role in expanding the Foundation’s community of supporters and donors.
Before working with the Irish Youth Foundation Matthew worked in commercial business development, in both strategic and enterprise markets. Prior to his professional experience, Matthew studied Sociology and Social Policy in Trinity College Dublin where he developed his interested in social change and humanitarian work.
Matthew brings a unique mix of commercial expertise combined with an academic understanding of the challenges that are facing the young people of Ireland. He is passionate about growing IYF’s impact to ensure we are levelling the playing field for Ireland’s most at risk children and young people.
Email: matthew@iyf.ie
