The Ray Murphy Memorial Bursary was launched on Thursday April 22 2010. Over 50 people drawn from the Civil Society, Government and Education sectors responded to Caitriona O'Dricoll's invitation to the launch which was held in the unique venue of the GPO, which has been generously provided by An Post. 
Speaking at the launch Caitriona said, “The Ray Murphy Memorial Bursary marks the commitment of my late husband Ray to ending social exclusion and disadvantage.
“Ray was convinced that both philanthropy and social finance could be effective vehicles in dealing with this fundamental issue for society. During his last few years, he developed plans to facilitate the academic study of these two areas at Third level.
“This Bursary will encourage post graduate research into philanthropy, social finance and related areas. It will, in part, help realise Ray’s dream.
“The generous support of The Atlantic Philanthropies has enabled Clann Credo - the Social Investment Fund and Philanthropy Ireland to promote the Bursary.”
Professor Tom Mitchell, former TCD Provost, Chairman of the Press Council of Ireland and Director of Atlantic Philanthropies formally launched the Bursary.
The Ray Murphy Memorial Bursary, which was established with initial support from The Atlantic Philanthropies, honours Ray Murphy's commitment to developing philanthropy, social finance and the wider non-profit sector in Ireland.
The Ray Murphy Memorial Bursary is to encourage postgraduate research into philanthropy, social finance and related areas.
Postgraduate students (part-time or full-time), intending to pursue either a taught or research postgraduate programme in a third-level institution on the island of Ireland, may apply.
Eligible areas of concentration include philanthropy, social finance, charities regulation, social enterprise/ entrepreneurship, not-for-profit management or other relevant topics, as approved by the Bursary Committee.
Successful applicants will receive
- The opportunity to pursue advanced study in the area of philanthropy and/or social finance and to advance learning in what is to date an underdeveloped field in Ireland
- €10,000 bursary
- The opportunity to present and disseminate their research to relevant stakeholders in the fields of philanthropy and social finance.
Applications should be submitted electronically to bursary@raymurphybursary.org to arrive no later than 5pm on Friday, 28th May 2010.
More details visit www.raymurphybursary.org