ATU and Sunflower Charitable Foundation partnership to extend student supports

ATU has launched an extension of the Actions for Resilience, Inclusion and Student Engagement (ARISE) project, which is funded by the Sunflower Charitable Foundation. 

The initiative aims to strengthen student supports across ATU’s campuses, with a particular focus on those who commute long distances and often face unique barriers to full participation in university life.  

The ARISE Programme, made possible through the generous donation from the Sunflower Charitable Foundation, will support the continuation and expansion of the all-campus breakfast clubs, which in 2025 served over 13,500 breakfasts. These clubs ensure that every student has access to a nutritious start to their day, supporting their capacity to learn, engage and thrive. 

ARISE will also enable ATU to establish food pantries on the University’s three largest campuses. These will provide discreet, reliable, and stigma-free access to essential items for students who may be experiencing financial strain. 

In addition, the programme will allow ATU to recruit three Student Engagement Graduate Officers. Their work will be to promote student involvement across the university, with a particular focus on supporting our growing commuter student population, who often face unique challenges in accessing extracurricular and community-building opportunities.

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Finally, through a robust evaluation component, ARISE will enable ATU to measure the impact of these initiatives on students’ wellbeing, engagement and overall experience. This evidence will help us strengthen supports and ensure that the University continue to respond effectively to students’ needs. 

ATU President, Dr Orla Flynn, added: “This collaboration helps to ensure that every student, regardless of background or circumstance, has the opportunity to thrive at ATU. And while we welcome the recent publication of the Student Accommodation Strategy, so many of our students today are still commuting long distances to college. These services are therefore very important to help students through their studies. 

“The support from the Sunflower Charitable Foundation allows us to build a more inclusive, compassionate, and connected university community, and we are immensely grateful for this partnership.” 

Dr Michèle Glacken, Vice President Students, Teaching & Learning said: “I want to thank the Sunflower Charitable Foundation for its vision, generosity and steadfast commitment to supporting individuals and communities which has enabled the ARISE programme to become a reality. We are deeply grateful for their belief in the transformative power of education and for choosing to invest in the wellbeing and success of our students.” 

Samantha Briody (CEO) of the Sunflower Charitable Foundation said: “The foundation is delighted to provide further funding to expand the reach of projects in ATU. Having met students who spoke about their personal challenges and the impact of the breakfast clubs, it is clear that the collaboration between the Sunflower Charitable Foundation and ATU is making a difference.” 

Joseph Sweeney, ATU Donegal SU President, added: “On behalf of students, I want to say a big thank to the Sunflower Charitable Foundation and everyone involved for the breakfast clubs! Across the university they are making a huge contribution to supporting students. I look forward to collaborating with staff and students to deliver on the next phase of this project.”