Belong To, Ireland’s national organisation supporting LGBTQ+ young people, has been nominated for a major PTSB Community funding award, placing it among a small group of charities recognised for their positive impact on local communities.
The nomination forms part of the PTSB Community Fund, a nationwide initiative that backs charities delivering meaningful change across Ireland. The final decision now rests with the public, whose votes will determine which organisations receive vital funding in the year ahead.
Belong To has been shortlisted as one of five charities in the Dublin region. The two organisations with the highest number of public votes in each of PTSB’s three regions, Dublin and surrounding counties, North & West, and South & East, will become official PTSB Community partners.
Successful charities will benefit from a full year of fundraising by PTSB staff, with all funds raised matched by the bank, potentially generating more than €30,000 per organisation.
Since its launch, the PTSB Community Fund has contributed over €2.5 million to charities nationwide, supporting initiatives that strengthen communities and improve lives. Each year, PTSB colleagues nominate causes they believe make a real difference, with a public vote deciding the final partners.
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If selected, the funding would significantly enhance Belong To’s capacity to respond to growing demand for its services. The organisation provides life-saving support for LGBTQ+ young people, including crisis counselling, mental health services, youth groups, school-based programmes and advocacy work that promotes safe, inclusive environments.
Carmel Walsh, Director of Youth Services at Belong To, welcomed the nomination for the award and highlighted its potential impact. She said the recognition from PTSB staff reflected the value of the organisation’s work and the difference it makes to young people across Ireland.
“This kind of funding would be transformational for the young people we support every day,” she said. “From crisis counselling and drugs and alcohol services to our work in schools, it would help us meet rising demand and reach even more LGBTQ+ young people who need support.”
She also encouraged the public and allies to vote, noting that every vote brings Belong To closer to expanding its vital services. Voting is now open, and members of the public can cast their vote for the community funding award online at www.ptsb.ie/Community/.
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