Medtronic, the global leader in medical technology, today launched the application process for the Medtronic Healthy Communities Fund. Applications are open from now until 15th September 2015.
Last month Medtronic announced that the company would be making a €1 million commitment over three years to health charity funding in Irish communities, in partnership with local funding partners, The Community Foundation for Ireland and The Ireland Funds.
The Medtronic Healthy Communities Fund will seek to work with national charities or not-for-profit organisations with innovative proposals that address one of three core objectives; better access to health care; health promotion and assuring health equality in communities around Ireland.
A key focus for year one is to support projects with a national reach that have the potential to be replicated in communities across the country.
Alma Curran, Philanthropy Lead, Medtronic said: “Today’s launch of the call for proposals is the first phase of the programme that will be managed over three years. We’re really excited to learn more about the ideas that Irish organisations have to develop partnerships and programmes that have the potential to grow and make a long-lasting impact in local communities over time, even beyond the timing of the grant.”
She continued: “The purpose of establishing this programme is to promote health at the community level, especially for those who have been traditionally at risk for chronic diseases or are challenged in accessing existing healthcare services. Consistent with Medtronic’s global vision of building healthy communities by expanding access to healthcare for the underserved worldwide, these partnerships with Irish organisations will enable Medtronic to contribute to reducing health inequalities in line with the Government’s ‘Healthy Ireland’ framework.”
Welcoming the availability of the funding Kate O’Flaherty, Director of Health & Wellbeing Programme at the Department of Health, said: “This is an exciting initiative by Medtronic and supports the objectives of Healthy Ireland. In our work we meet organisations every day who are passionate about health and wellbeing and committed to making sure every community is part of a Healthy Ireland, so I am sure that excellent applications will be submitted.”
Tina Roche, CEO of The Community Foundation for Ireland, stated: “We are delighted to partner with Medtronic on this strategic three year fund. The Medtronic Healthy Communities Fund will provide much needed support to non-profit organisations working in the health sector. It is a fantastic initiative and I would encourage charities to apply.”
The first phase of funding is now open with €180,000 available to charities or not-for-profit organisations based in Ireland. Organisations can apply for a minimum grant of €20,000 and a maximum grant of €50,000.
The judges will look for organisations to demonstrate how their idea can be replicated by others in communities across the country in Years 2 and 3 of the programme. The application process will be coordinated by the Community Foundation for Ireland.
Applications for funding will be accepted online up until the 15th of September 2015 through the Community Foundation for Ireland. Details on the Fund are available at www.foundation.ie and queries can be directed by email via Medtronic@foundation.ie.
Once applications have been received a judging panel will come together to review the applications and assess them based on the criteria and objectives identified by Medtronic. Funding will be announced in November.