PayPal launched its annual Financial Inclusion Charity Grant Programme last week, with a total prize fund of €13,500. The fund will be awarded to three Irish charities as part of PayPal’s commitment to help people and businesses that struggle to access secure and affordable financial services. The successful charity applicants will be awarded bursaries valued at €8,000, €4,000 and €1,500 respectively. 
 
PayPal’s initiative seeks to break down financial barriers for individuals and businesses. The funds aim to assist people with poor credit histories or fine motor skill challenges, as well as start-ups and small businesses that struggle to secure affordable financial services.
 
Applications are now open to registered Irish charities, and must be received by 13th October. Previous beneficiaries of PayPal’s Financial Inclusion Charity Grant Programme include Junior Achievement Ireland and Young Social Innovators. Junior Achievement Ireland encourages young people to remain in education, while helping them to develop the skills they need to succeed in a rapidly changing world. Young Social Innovators, meanwhile, encourages young people to use their creativity to tackle social issues and equip themselves with the tools required for modern life.

PayPal’s Vice President of Merchant Operations in Europe, Middle East and Africa, Maeve Dorman says, "Poor access to basic financial services is still a significant issue in Ireland, which we’re determined to tackle. By supporting local charities across the country, we hope to have a positive impact on the lives of people who feel excluded from traditional financial services. PayPal harnesses technology to enable people to move and manage money in fast, more secure and more affordable ways."

Source: www.businessworld.ie