Justin O'Brien Bursary - Community Foundation Ireland

Justin O’Brien Bursary

Community Foundation Ireland is delighted to join CRAVA (Children’s Residential and Aftercare Voluntary Association) and Don Bosco Care, to announce the launch of the Justin O’Brien Bursary – a new annual award established to support care-experienced young people in accessing and succeeding in third-level education in Ireland.

The bursary is named in honour of Justin O’Brien, a tireless advocate for vulnerable young people and a driving force in Irish social care reform. His work with organisations such as Focus Ireland, Circle Voluntary Housing Association, and CRAVA left a lasting legacy in the sector. This bursary celebrates that legacy and builds on his unwavering belief in education as a path to empowerment.

Community Foundation Ireland building a legacy of care.
Pictured at launch of Justin O’Brien Bursary in memory of a leading advocate for marginalised children are Rachel Collier (wife of late Justin O’Brien).

Addressing a Gap in Educational Equality

Young people with care experience continue to face disproportionate challenges in education. Research shows that only 12% of these young people progress to higher education in Ireland, compared to 48% of their peers. While recent policy, including the National Access Plan for Equity of Access to Higher Education (2022–2028), now formally recognises this cohort, targeted support remains limited.

The Justin O’Brien Bursary seeks to directly address these inequalities by offering financial support and public recognition to care-experienced students. Open to nominations from participating higher education institutions, the bursary is intended to support students across a wide range of disciplines, not just social care. This broader scope reflects the diverse aspirations of care-experienced young people and Justin’s commitment to inclusive opportunity.

About Justin O’Brien

Justin O’Brien was a lifelong campaigner for social justice, known for his deep compassion, vision, and leadership. A UCD graduate, Justin began his career in residential childcare and homelessness services, holding senior roles at Focus Ireland and founding the Circle Voluntary Housing Association. In retirement, he completed a Master’s in Public History at Trinity College Dublin, focusing on Ireland’s institutional childcare past.

Justin was instrumental in founding CRAVA, uniting nonprofit residential care providers in advocacy and collaboration. His legacy continues to inspire those working to ensure no young person is left behind.

Acknowledgements

CRAVA wish to thank Community Foundation Ireland, whose generous support made this bursary possible. We also extend our gratitude to Minister James Lawless TD for supporting this vital initiative.