Meta invite community groups to apply for funding
Meta has today launched the fifth annual Community Action Grants programme in Meath, where its Clonee Data Centre is located, to support local projects.
Meta is inviting applications for funding for projects by eligible, not for profit organisations that benefit the Meath community by putting the power of technology to use for community benefit, connecting people online or off and improving local science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) education.
The Data Centre Community Action Grants programme is implemented in every community in which Meta has an operating data centre. Since the launch of the Community Action Grants in 2019 in County Meath, Meta has invested over €685,000 in the community and its residents through the funding of 57 community projects.
Cllr. Nick Killian, Cathaoirleach of Meath, commented: “Meta has contributed greatly to the prosperity of the Meath community since the launch of the Community Action Grants in 2019. Now in its 5th year, it’s been wonderful to witness the ambitious projects and worthwhile initiatives that have brought connectivity, inclusivity, and innovation to our community. I would encourage local organisations throughout Meath that have eligible projects to consider applying for this year's Meta Community Action Grants. We are proud to have Meta in Meath, and I look forward to seeing the range of successful projects and great work funded from the 2023 grant cycle.”
The application link and programme terms can be found at datacenters.fb.com/grants and on the Clonee Data Centre Facebook Page at facebook.com/CloneeDataCenter. Applications will close on October Oct 21st at 11:59pm.
Earlier this year, 14 outstanding community organisations and schools in Meath benefited from the Meta Community Action Grants programme, receiving funding to support their work. Grantees include Coole National School, supplying devices to students to support STEM education; Down Syndrome Ireland Louth Meath, piloting a Smart and Assistive Technology Training programme and providing devices, for teens with down syndrome in Meath; Irish Wheelchair Association, providing technology and programmes for developing skills, creativity and collaboration; and Scoil Uí Ghramhnaigh, capturing stories of community, folklore and culture of the past and present in Rath Chairn.
Commenting on the Community Action Grants program, Aoife Flynn, Head of Community Development EMEA & APAC at Meta said; “At Meta, we’re committed to supporting the long-term development and prosperity of our local communities. Since breaking ground on our data centre in Clonee in 2016, we’ve developed strong partnerships with the local Meath community and take great pride in supporting crucial community projects that have benefitted young people, schools and marginalised communities. We look forward to seeing the ambitious and deserving projects that apply for the Data Centre Community Action Grants 2023.”
Earlier this year, Meta announced an additional €250,000 in grants to support digital skills across communities in Meath. The funding was aimed at enhancing digital skills programmes across education, training, and not for profit organisations in Meath, with a particular focus on diversity, equality, and inclusion, to support migrant communities, students, families and older people.
Since 2016, Meta has invested in County Meath and its residents through a number of initiatives such as the Community Action Grants, support of the Meath Library service, Solstice Arts Centre, Kells Resource Centre and other community resources.