TikTok has pledged €1m to help marginalised young people who want to upskill or enter employment.
The social media platform said it will spend €750,000 creating a new digital upskilling fund, which will back non-profit organisations that work to build digital and creative skills to support those aged 15-24.
The Digital Future Fund will be created in partnership with Rethink Ireland, a group that supports non-profit organisations.
A further €250,000 will be given to Rethink Ireland in TikTok advertising support.
"We are extremely proud that The Digital Future Fund will work to enhance the lives of young people in Ireland who are unemployed, underemployed, or wish to upskill," said Cormac Keenan, Head of Trust & Safety at TikTok.
"In an ever changing economic environment, equipping young people with digital skills of the future is critical to the prosperity of our society and economy," he added.
Applications for the Digital Future Fund are open until Friday 22 September at 1pm and can be submitted through Rethink Ireland's website.
Áine Kerr, Chair of Rethink Ireland said the fund focuses on closing the digital divide.
"Covid-19 amplified our country's existing digital divide, highlighting an urgent need for investment into education, which is critical to creating equal opportunities for young people in Ireland, regardless of their background," she said.
"Therefore, we are delighted to partner with TikTok to create a fund that focuses on closing that digital divide and preparing our young people for employment by empowering them with the skills they need to do so."
Minister for Social Protection, Rural and Community Development, Heather Humphreys welcomed the creation of this new fund.
"The Digital Future Fund will provide our young people with educational opportunities to develop the skills required in the ever changing digital world," Minister Humphreys said.
"Projects such as this will give our young people an opportunity to enhance their learning and development, self-expression, creativity and communication skills.
"I look forward to hearing about the outcome of this partnership and have no doubt it will provide participants with the necessary digital skills of the future," she said.
