In Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown, affluence and deprivation exist side by side. While many people enjoy opportunities to thrive, others face daily challenges that limit their potential. In disadvantaged neighbourhoods, young people achieve much lower levels of education than the county average. They often move into low-skilled, low-paid jobs that offer little opportunity to break the cycle of disadvantage.

At the other end of the age spectrum, DLR has a higher-than-average proportion of older residents. Many live active, independent lives, but others need support to age well in their communities.

Despite the efforts of some great projects and programmes in the area, gaps remain. That’s why a group of local people with deep knowledge of social exclusion came together to establish Changing Lives DLR — a Community Fund enabling those who live and work here to invest directly in the county’s betterment.

Our work is guided by an exceptional board with experience across community development, philanthropy and social impact. Their insight ensures funding decisions are informed, strategic and truly responsive to local needs.

Our approach is rooted in place-based philanthropy: communities themselves best understand their challenges and opportunities. By focusing resources locally, we ensure funding is flexible, targeted and impactful.

Together with our strategic and philanthropic partners, we are working to tackle disadvantage across DLR and make it the best place in Ireland to be born, grow up, and grow old.

We fund projects that add value, avoid duplication and can be replicated elsewhere in the county. Our priorities are supporting infants and their parents facing significant challenges, helping disadvantaged young people stay engaged in education, and enabling older adults to age well in place.

Changing Lives DLR is structured as a Donor Advised Fund at Community Foundation Ireland (CHY 13967). We are grateful to CFI for administering the Fund and overseeing governance.

Changing Lives DLR

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