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Minister Zappone today announced grants to youth organisations under the Youth Climate Justice Fund. In total, Minister Zappone is making grants of almost €465,000 to 23 different youth organisations after accepting the recommendations of a specially convened Selection Committee that carefully considered all applications to the Fund.

The Youth Climate Justice Fund supports youth-led action and innovation at community, regional and national level. A total of 14 applications were received, including three ‘consortium’ applications, representing 23 different youth organisations.

This is the inaugural year of the fund which will close with an Outcomes Conference organised by the Department of Children and Youth Affairs. This conference will be led by the young people involved in the activities supported by this fund and will inform the future development of the fund.

Minister Zappone commended the quality of the applications that were submitted, which is particularly notable given the Covid-19 restrictions that were in place during the application window. She also noted how the activities included in the applications take account of the likely restrictions that will continue to be in place in the second half of the year - reflecting yet again the youth sector’s ability to quickly adapt to recent challenges in order to best serve the children and young people that they work with.
Minister Zappone added:

I am delighted to be able to approve funding for a wide ranging suite of innovative and dynamic youth-led projects that support and promote Climate Justice. I never fail to be impressed by the passion and commitment of young people on this issue, and the commitment of those who work with them. It will be exciting to hear about the outcomes of these activities at the Outcomes Conference when young people get together to share their learning.