The RISE Community Fund has awarded a cash grant to Scoil Naomh Bríd in Muff, County Donegal, as part of its national programme to provide financial support to schools across Ireland throughout 2026.

Supporting technology investments that enhance digital learning and maximise the benefits of high-speed broadband connectivity, the RISE Community Fund is backed by National Broadband Ireland and partners involved in the delivery of the Government’s National Broadband Plan, including KPMG, DreamDev Technologies, TLI Group, Entegro, Obelisk and Circet.

Scoil Naomh Bríd is a co-educational Catholic primary school that has been at the heart of the Muff community for more than 50 years. Educating approximately 200 pupils from Muff and the surrounding rural and cross-border areas, the school places a strong emphasis on inclusion and the holistic development of its pupils. Its approach supports children’s physical, intellectual, emotional, social and spiritual development, alongside a wide range of extracurricular activities.

The RISE grant will support the school in purchasing additional Chromebooks and a transport trolley for the devices, helping pupils and teachers make greater use of technology across the curriculum.

Gary Foster, Principal at Scoil Naomh Bríd, commented: “We are delighted to receive this RISE Community Fund grant, which will make a real difference to our pupils at Scoil Naomh Bríd. As a growing rural school, access to technology is increasingly important in supporting teaching and learning, and the funding will help us towards purchasing additional Chromebooks and a transport trolley for the devices.

“Our approach is very much child-centred, with a strong focus on inclusion, wellbeing and respecting the individual needs of every pupil. This support from the RISE Community Fund will help us continue to provide our pupils with the resources and opportunities they need to learn, develop and thrive.”

The grant was presented at the school by Tom O’Neill and Shelly O’Neill, members of the Board of the RISE Community Fund. The visit had particular significance for the O’Neill family, whose connections to County Donegal span generations. Tom is the son of former Speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives, Tip O’Neill, whose maternal grandparents hailed from Buncrana and Clonmany. Tom has continued his family’s close relationship with the county through his longstanding involvement with the Tip O’Neill Irish Diaspora Awards.

Commenting on the grant, Tom and Shelly O’Neill, Board Members of the RISE Community Fund, said: “It is particularly special for us to be here in Donegal to support Scoil Naomh Bríd. Our family’s connection with this county goes back generations, and Donegal has always held a very important place in our hearts.

“What makes RISE so powerful is its focus on giving communities practical support that can make an immediate difference. David McCourt founded RISE with a vision of ensuring that the benefits of better connectivity reach right into rural communities, and schools are central to that. We are delighted that this grant will help Scoil Naomh Bríd invest in more technology for its pupils and give young people here in Muff even more opportunities to learn and develop.”

Established by David McCourt, the RISE Community Fund has awarded over 200 cash grants nationwide to rural schools, community groups, farms, small businesses and social enterprises seeking to use technology to scale the positive impact of their work.

David McCourt, Chairman of National Broadband Ireland and founder of the RISE Community Fund, added: “RISE is about making sure that communities have the tools to turn connectivity into opportunity. Schools such as Scoil Naomh Bríd are preparing the next generation for an increasingly digital world, and we’re delighted to support Gary and his team as they invest in technology that will directly benefit their pupils.”

Through its 2026 national schools programme, RISE aims to ensure that children in rural Ireland can fully benefit from digital connectivity and develop the skills needed to thrive in a modern, technology-driven world.

National Broadband Ireland is encouraging all Donegal residents to visit nbi.ie and check their Eircode to see if they are ready to connect and to find out more about placing an order.

Further information about the RISE Community Fund is available at riseglobalfoundation.com.