PayPal invites Irish charities to apply for Financial Inclusion Grants

Today PayPal has launched a drive to encourage financial inclusion in Ireland with a prize fund of €13,500 established. Two charities will be awarded bursaries valued at €9,000 and €4,500, in order to help people and businesses that struggle to secure safe and affordable financial services.

People with poor credit histories or fine motor skill challenges are amongst those who typically feel excluded from, or have difficulty using financial services. Start-up and small businesses may also be disadvantaged by difficulties in raising finance, or making and receiving payments.

Applications are welcomed from registered Irish charities by 30th September. For further information and an application form contact giveireland@paypal.com.

Maeve Dorman, Head of Global Operations, Europe, Middle East and Africa said: “Too many people are unable to access basic financial services or can’t afford the costs of managing and moving their money. The business community can play a part in addressing this. At PayPal, we support financial inclusion around the world including initiatives that provide long-term financial coaching and free tax return assistance for people on low incomes.”

“In Ireland, lack of access to financial services is a growing problem for some parts of our community, and through collaborations like this with local charities, we can make a real difference to the lives of those individuals, families and small businesses.”

“We look forward to hearing some fantastic initiatives from charities that are committed to helping improve financial inclusion and those who are excluded from safe and affordable financial services.”