Kellie Harrington Teams-Up with Coca-Cola Thank You Fund

Two-time Olympic Champion, Kellie Harrington, has teamed up with Coca-Cola HBC Ireland and Northern Ireland and Coca-Cola Ireland to launch the 2025 Coca-Cola Thank You Fund. With a grant total of €200,000*, the Fund aims to support and empower youth interventions across the island of Ireland under the pillars of inclusion and inspiration, creating opportunities for education, employability, and leadership development among those aged 16-25

Now celebrating its 15^th year, the Coca-Cola Thank You Fund has awarded more than €1.7 million to 182 non-profit organisations, making a meaningful impact in communities across the island of Ireland. Operating in partnership with the Irish Youth Foundation (IYF), and supporting partners YouthAction Northern Ireland, the Fund is inviting non-profit community groups to apply for a grant share of between €10,000 / £8,500 and €25,000 / £21,000 for projects that equip vulnerable young people with the skills, support and confidence needed to navigate life’s challenges and unlock their full potential.

Kellie Harrington, an advocate for youth intervention and its transformative power, was joined by previous Fund recipients, Monkstown Boxing Club, to launch this year’s Thank You Fund. In 2024, Monkstown Boxing Club (NI) received funding to deliver The STRIVE project which aims to positively impact the mental and emotional wellbeing of its participants targeting a critical period for intervention.

Reflecting on her own journey, Kellie Harrington said: “Growing up, I saw how a lack of support can push young people in the wrong direction. Sport taught me discipline, confidence, and resilience—skills that changed my life. Programmes like the Coca-Cola Thank You Fund give young people the same chance to find their purpose and believe in themselves. It helps grassroots projects get off the ground, reach more young people, and provide opportunities they might never have had.

“Community is everything to me. It’s where I found my first supporters, my role models, and my sense of belonging. It’s the people who cheer you on when you win and lift you up when you fall. That kind of support shapes who you are. This isn't just about the funding; it's about what these local community projects unlock—hope, ambition, and a brighter future."

Simon Fitzpatrick, General Manager, Coca-Cola HBC Ireland and Northern Ireland, added: “We are thrilled to once again partner with Coca-Cola Ireland to make €200,000 in grants available through the Fund. Through our joint commitment, we are dedicated to supporting the advancement of local talent through investing in our local communities, which in turn aids the development of a stronger local economy.

“With Kellie Harrington as our ambassador, we’re reminded of the importance of fostering inclusion and providing access to interventions that enhance life skills, resilience, and employability—key building blocks for long-term success. By investing in local projects that promote inclusion and inspiration, we hope to inspire young people to embrace new opportunities and take meaningful steps toward a brighter future.”

Grace O’Neill, Fundraising & Development Manager, YouthAction Northern Ireland (YANI) concluded by saying: “We are proud to support the Coca-Cola Thank You Fund and the meaningful projects it champions across Ireland and Northern Ireland, nurturing skills, confidence, and leadership in the next generation.

“By working closely with youth leaders on the ground, we gained valuable insight into their real needs, which will help us identify and fund the projects which are committed to youth interventions. By highlighting programs that break down educational barriers, improve employability, and strengthen community connections, we aim to create inclusive, supportive environments that drive meaningful impact where it’s needed most.

Our collective aim with the Coca-Cola Thank You Fund is to empower young people to build brighter, more inclusive futures, and we encourage community leaders to apply.”

Commenting at the launch, Coca-Cola Ireland Country Manager, Agnese Filippi, said: “The Coca-Cola Thank You Fund is about more than just grants; it's about investing in young people and their potential. This year, we aim to inspire young people to believe in a brighter future and empower them with the tools and confidence to make it happen. By supporting local groups, we can help create meaningful change where it matters most.

“With €200,000 in grants available, we are excited to see innovative projects that give young people the skills and confidence they need for their future, and to drive positive social change and make a real difference in their communities. We're also honoured to have Kellie Harrington as our ambassador—her inspiring journey highlights the life-changing impact of local community support."

Applications for this year’s Coca-Cola Thank You Fund can be submitted via www.coca-cola.ie/thankyou until midnight on Wednesday 26^th March, with entries assessed under the categories of inclusion and inspiration. Applicants are encouraged to visit the website for further details and full terms and conditions.     

*£165,600 as per exchange rate at the time

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