The Irish Youth Foundation (UK) was established in 1989 and is the only national charity in the UK specifically aimed at helping disadvantaged young Irish people and their families. It supports a wide range of projects, including help for homeless; employment and training schemes; women and children escaping violence; young offenders; Irish Travellers; mental health; drug and alcohol rehabilitation; cross-community initiatives as well as social and cultural activities encouraging young people’s awareness of their Irish heritage. 

Since 1989 the IYF has awarded over £5 million to improve the lives of young Irish people. In 2018 nearly £200,000 was awarded to 38 projects run by welfare and community groups in Britain and Northern Ireland. In 2005 the Irish Youth Foundation incorporated The Lawlor Foundation and has continued its work towards the advancement of education in Northern Ireland through a programme of grants supporting disadvantaged pupils from all community backgrounds. During the academic year 2018/19, 11 schools and colleges have been awarded grants to be used to help disadvantaged pupils and school projects at the Principal’s discretion, and 8 individual students are receiving bursaries.