Breaking Barriers: Active Connections Awarded €80,000 Bank of Ireland Community Fund Grant

Raymond Burke
3 days ago
2 min read

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At Active Connections, we believe that the great outdoors belongs to everyone. We believe that physical, neurological, or cultural needs should never be a barrier to the life-changing benefits of adventure.

We are thrilled to share a massive milestone in making that vision a reality.

Active Connections CLG has been named a recipient of the Bank of Ireland Community Fund, receiving a generous €80,000 grant delivered in partnership with Community Foundation Ireland.

This isn’t just a donation; it is a transformative investment in the future of inclusive recreation in Ireland.

Why This Matters

For too long, a "one size fits all" approach to outdoor activities has left many people on the sidelines. Whether it’s children in care, individuals with disabilities, or marginalised communities, the therapeutic and social benefits of nature have often been out of reach.

As our CEO, Ray Burke, puts it:

“This award validates the urgent need for what we are building — a genuinely inclusive outdoors culture in Ireland. This funding will help us change the landscape of outdoor adventure, not just in Waterford, but nationally.”

Where the Investment is Going

This €80,000 grant will be funneled directly into two of our most vital pillars:

1. Our Inclusive Outdoor Centre in Waterford

Having recently completed construction, we are now turning this site into a National Centre of Excellence. Located in the heart of Waterford with incredible access to water-based activities, this hub is being designed to ensure that "adventure" is accessible to everyone, regardless of ability.

2. The Expansion of "Connect Groups"

We know that sometimes the biggest barrier is simply getting to us. Our Connect Groups outreach programme brings our inclusive programming directly into communities across Ireland, meeting people where they are and reducing the hurdles to accessing nature.

Scaling Our Impact

In 2025 alone, we supported over 800 individuals. We’ve seen firsthand how nature connection improves confidence, boosts physical health, and creates social bonds. But we aren’t stopping there.

With this new funding, we are:

Increasing Capacity: Aiming for a 10–17% growth in the number of people we serve annually.
Training the Future: Our Waterford centre will serve as a ‘train-the-trainer’ hub, teaching outdoor educators across the country how to lead inclusive sessions, filling a vital gap in Ireland’s adventure tourism sector.
Supporting National Goals: Our work directly aligns with Sport Ireland’s Outdoor Recreation Strategy and the Healthy Ireland Strategic Action Plan.

A Word of Thanks

This journey is a collaborative one. We are incredibly grateful to the Bank of Ireland Community Fund and Community Foundation Ireland for their belief in our mission.

Denise Charlton, CEO of Community Foundation Ireland, shared our excitement:

“As a philanthropic hub with an Equality mission, we welcome the critical gap Active Connections is addressing by ensuring that people with disabilities and additional needs can fully access the social, physical and wellbeing benefits of outdoor experiences.”

Join Us on the Journey

We are building a future where the outdoors is a level playing field. Whether you are a participant, a parent, a donor, or an educator, we invite you to be part of this "transformative moment."

Keep an eye on our social media for updates as we begin rolling out these expanded services!