Breaking barriers to employment and education in Ireland for marginalised groups.

Funded in partnership with the State Street Foundation and the Department of Rural and Community Development through the Dormant Accounts Fund, the Breaking Barriers Fund is a three-year fund combines private philanthropy with public support to drive systemic inclusion. This €1.37 million investment supports people from marginalised communities into sustainable employment, work placements, education, or internships, while also tackling discrimination, prejudice and inequality

Awarded projects span from barista training for migrants and inclusive catering social enterprises, to structured school-to-work supports for young migrants and a Traveller-focused employment programme. All five organisations are working to bridge long-standing gaps in opportunity by directly addressing the structural inequalities in Ireland’s labour market and education system. 

The fund focuses on projects which rise to the challenges captured in the following themes:

1. Addressing discrimination and inequality related to employment regarding race, ethnicity, and nationality.

2. Increasing participation and access of minority and disadvantaged groups in the labour market; facilitate better access to higher education, further education, and apprenticeships for those who face barriers.

3. Eliminate barriers to employment, work placements, and educational opportunities for people/groups who face these barriers.

4. Supporting the career development and skills growth of employees/future employees who are under-represented at senior levels.

5. Systems change approach-empowerment of marginalised communities to empower leaders from marginalised and disadvantaged communities to self-advocate and champion their cause to access to decent work or education.