Amazon has announced the first-ever recipients of the Amazon South West Cork Community Fund, with grants of up to €10,000 per project going to 22 community groups, schools, and organisations across the region.
The funded projects span Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths (STEM) education, sustainability, health and wellbeing, and community development in towns and villages across the region including Union Hall, Rosscarbery, Lisavaird, Glandore, Leap, and Rathbarry.
The fund was established to help local communities in South West Cork launch ideas and programmes that make a positive impact in the local area, and is part of Amazon’s commitment to creating lasting impact in communities where it has a presence. In November 2025, AWS announced Fastnet, a new state-of-the-art transatlantic subsea fibre optic cable system connecting Maryland in the U.S. with County Cork in Ireland.
“At Amazon, we believe being a good neighbour starts with listening. When we opened applications for the first time, the response from communities across South West Cork was remarkable. The calibre and volume of proposals made clear that this is a region full of ideas and ambition. Behind every one of these projects is a group of people who saw something their community needed and decided to take action. We're proud to support them, and this is just the beginning,” said Joanne Reynolds, Community Engagement Manager at Amazon in Ireland.
Commenting on the local impact of the funding, Councillor Deirdre Kelly, Skibbereen West Cork LEA said: “The range and quality of projects funded through Amazon's South West Cork Community Fund is truly impressive. With 22 projects receiving support - from biodiversity and environmental initiatives to youth development, community safety, and the arts - it's clear that there is no shortage of passion and dedication in our communities. This funding will have a tangible impact on people of all ages across the region, and I'm proud to see South West Cork's community groups recognised and supported in this way."
The funded projects reflect the breadth of community life in South West Cork. Here are some of the organisations receiving support:
Little Haven Playschool
In Union Hall, the Parents Committee at Little Haven Playschool has received funding to replace worn play equipment and transform the outdoor yard into a safe, inclusive, and nature-rich play space that models sustainability and celebrates South West Cork's maritime heritage. The project, Play, Grow, Belong, will breathe new life into an outdoor space at the heart of the Playschool.
"For over two decades, our outdoor area has been an important space for children in the Playschool. Over time, parts of the area have become worn and are now in need of renewal. Our goal is to create a safe, inclusive and nature-focused play space that supports children's development while reflecting sustainability and the character of the West Cork community. We are very excited about this project," said the Parents Committee at Little Haven Playschool in Union Hall.
Myross Rowing Club
Myross Rowing Club has received funding to restore a unique 40-foot timber racing boat from the 1960s, bringing a piece of local maritime heritage back to life and back onto the water.
The boat will undergo a full refurbishment to return it to competition-ready condition, with the club aiming to race it at the All-Ireland Coastal Rowing Championships taking place in Bantry, County Cork this August.
Beyond the restoration, the club hopes the project will spark a new wave of interest in coastal rowing, aiming to increase female youth participation by 25% while passing traditional boat building and maintenance skills on to the next generation.
Martin Deasy, Safety Officer at Myross Rowing Club said: “This boat dates back to the 1960s and helped put Union Hall on the map in terms of coastal rowing. It would mean a lot to protect this piece of history and culture of our club. We are endeavouring to preserve its heritage and craftsmanship. Our club views this vessel as a vital cultural landmark. Securing this grant is the essential step required to honour our predecessors by transforming this historic boat into a functional flagship for community development.”
Rosscarbery Ladies Football Club
Rosscarbery Ladies Football Club will use the funding to grow its Mothers & Others programme - an inclusive series of weekly training sessions and blitz games, led by a new coach with over 15 years' coaching experience, to build fitness, friendship and confidence for women over 25. In its first season, the programme brought together 40 women, and this project aims to reach even more who may feel isolated or unsure about getting involved in sport.
Project organisers at Rosscarbery Ladies Football Club said: “In a rural community, it can be difficult for women to find time and space for themselves, especially in a way that feels welcoming and non-judgemental. This group offers more than just football - it provides a supportive outlet for improving physical health, boosting mental wellbeing, and building real social connections. For many members, it has become an important part of their weekly routine and a positive space to recharge.”
Warren Beach Surf Lifesaving Group
Warren Beach Surf Lifesaving Group has received funding to expand its lifesaving education and water safety programme, opening it up to more participants across the local community.
New surf lifesaving boards and skis will allow the group to train more people at once, running weekly courses for everyone from children as young as seven through to adults in their 40s and beyond. The programme will also create valuable pathways into the National Lifeguard Programme and Irish Surf Lifesaving squads for those who want to take their skills further.
Mike White, Deck Manager at Warren Beach said: “The impact this initiative will have on our club will be tremendous, enabling us to purchase additional lifesaving equipment which, in turn, will allow us to train and support more children and young people in the sport. This investment will strengthen our capacity to promote water safety, encourage active participation, and continue building a strong community spirit through Surf Lifesaving.”
Rathbarry National School
Rathbarry National School has received funding to upgrade and resurface its existing astro-turf facility, creating a safer, year-round outdoor space for its 35 pupils, 12 preschool children, as well as the wider community.
The current surface suffers from water pooling in wet weather, meaning children regularly miss out on outdoor play and physical activity. The upgrade will re-level the ground, install drainage, and add safety edging, with the school expecting to reduce weather-related disruption by at least 75%. Once complete, the space will support physical activity, outdoor learning, and wellbeing for the school and community all year round.
Catherine Foley, Principal, Rathbarry National School said: “As a small rural two-classroom teacher primary school with 35 pupils and no indoor sports hall, the outdoor area plays a vital role in daily school life, supporting physical education, recreational breaks, and outdoor learning opportunities. The funding provided through the Amazon South West Cork Community Fund represents a significant step towards delivering this important improvement for our entire school community over the coming years.”
Amazon in the community
At Amazon, we believe in building stronger communities by supporting meaningful, long-term initiatives that create opportunities and drive positive change. Whether leveraging technology to address critical global challenges, providing resources to underserved communities, or empowering future builders through education, our goal is to make a lasting impact in the places we call home.
The Amazon South West Cork Community Fund is managed and administered by ChangeX, a non-profit organisation headquartered in Dublin, whose community engagement platform is designed to get funding and resources directly into the hands of local groups so they can lead projects in their own communities.
Pictured above: (L-R) Joanne Reynolds, Community Engagement Manager at Amazon in Ireland, Councillor Daniel Sexton and Councillor Deirdre Kelly at the launch of the Amazon South West Cork Community Fund in 2026.
