The Minister for Foreign Affairs has announced funding of $1.183 million (€919,374) for 14 Irish community organisations in the US.
Dermot Ahern said the grants will be used to provide support and advisory services to Irish emigrants. He said it was a "clear reflection" of the Government's resolve to support the more vulnerable members of the Irish community in the US.
"Funding this year is up 29 per cent on last year, it is close to double the amount distributed in 2004 and is more than three-times the funding available in 2003," he said.
The Minister praised the work of the Irish immigration centres. "The information and advisory services that the Irish immigration centres offer are of great benefit to the more vulnerable members of our community in the US.
Their services are of particular value to the undocumented Irish whose welfare remains an issue of deep concern to the Government," he said.
Mr Ahern also announced a grant of $10,000 towards the costs of a memorial in New York to commemorate Irish soldiers who died during the Korean War.
Funding was also provided to two web-based publications, with grants of €5,000 each to the Newshound and the Irish Emigrant, which provide Irish people abroad with news from Ireland.