RISE Community Fund Awards Four Cash Grants in Louth

David McCourt, founder of RISE and Chairman of Granahan McCourt and NBI, commented: “When we launched the RISE Community Fund, we were looking for community groups, charities, small businesses and social enterprises in rural areas who were exploring how technology could scale the impact of their work. I’m delighted to say that since opening applications in County Louth, the response has been incredible and now we’re excited to be awarding grants to our four successful applicants. Each one of them is an inspiration, with many volunteering their time and committing a huge amount of energy and passion to bring pride of place to their local community.”

The RISE Community Fund supported by NBI and Granahan McCourt calls on small businesses, charities, community groups and social enterprises to use technology in creative and entrepreneurial ways to deliver maximum impact.

Shane Irwin from Mattock Rangers GAA Club commented: “Our community centre was fortunate to have recently been installed with high-speed broadband as part of NBI’s rollout of Broadband Connection Points across the country. As a centre, we’re committed to enhancing access to technology so that people in the local community can avail of the benefits. We’re delighted to have been awarded this grant from the RISE Community Fund which will significantly support this work.”

Peter Hendrick, CEO of NBI, added: “At NBI, we’re on a mission to connect over 1.1 million people in rural Ireland who don’t have access to high-speed broadband to a world-class, superfast network. Whilst connectivity is a vital utility and a critical first step, it alone can’t solve all of the challenges for businesses, community groups and social enterprises trying to expand the positive impact they’re able to have – both to the local community, and to the wider economy. That’s why we’re incredibly excited to engage local communities with the RISE Community Fund and celebrate innovative uses of technology in Louth.”