Submit Applications for New Solutions Pilot Grants (Ireland)

Deadline: 13-Mar-2026

The New Solutions Social Innovation Fund Pilot Grants provide €70,000–€100,000 per project to support innovative solutions addressing social and environmental challenges in Ireland.

With a total allocation of €4 million, the programme funds 24-month pilot projects while also offering access to advisory and capacity-building support through the Social Innovation Hub.

Programme Overview

The New Solutions Social Innovation Fund is a national initiative designed to strengthen Ireland’s social innovation ecosystem while funding practical pilot projects that address pressing social and environmental issues.

The Pilot Grants form one of three core elements of the broader New Solutions programme, alongside:

• Development of the Social Innovation Hub

• Scaling Up Grants

• Pilot Grants (this funding stream)

The programme connects funding with structured ecosystem support, ensuring projects are not only financed but also strengthened for long-term sustainability and scale.

Strategic Objectives

The fund is guided by four key objectives:

1. Strengthen Ireland’s Social Innovation ecosystem

2. Provide structured capacity-building support

3. Fund pilot programmes addressing major social and environmental challenges

4. Create an enabling environment that supports scaling and long-term impact

The initiative aligns with national policy areas such as:

• Social inclusion

• Social enterprise development

• Community-led local development

What Is Social Innovation?

Social innovation refers to new or improved solutions (products, services, models, or processes) that:

• Address unmet social or environmental needs

• Improve quality of life

• Create systemic change

• Deliver measurable impact

Projects are expected to demonstrate innovation, collaboration, and scalability potential.

Funding Details

Total Budget

• €4 million allocated to Pilot Grants

Grant Amount Per Project

• Minimum: €70,000

• Maximum: €100,000

Project Duration

• 24 months

Additional Support

Successful grantees receive:

• Access to the Social Innovation Hub

• Advisory services

• Capacity-building support

• Networking opportunities

H3: De Minimis Aid Rule

Applicants who have previously received De Minimis Aid may still apply.
However, prior funding may affect the final grant allocation.

The Social Innovation Hub

The Social Innovation Hub is a central support structure within the New Solutions programme.

It provides:

• Awareness-raising initiatives

• Advisory services

• Ecosystem networking

• Capacity-building support

The Hub supports initiatives at all stages of the Social Innovation Development Curve, from early concept to scaling phase.

Who Is Eligible?

Eligible applicants include:

• Not-for-Profit Organisations

• Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs)

• Local Authorities

• Community and Voluntary Organisations

• Charitable Organisations

• Social Enterprises or Profit for Purpose Organisations

• Designated Activity Companies (DACs)

• Co-operatives

Social enterprises must meet the definition outlined in Ireland’s national social enterprise policy.

Incorporation Requirements

Eligible organisations must generally be:

• Incorporated via the Companies Registration Office (CRO), or

• Registered as a Co-operative, or

• Registered as a charity

Exceptions apply to statutory bodies such as:

• Higher Education Providers

• Education and Training Boards

What Types of Projects Are Suitable?

Pilot projects should:

• Address significant social or environmental challenges

• Demonstrate innovative approaches

• Show potential for scaling

• Build partnerships and cross-sector collaboration

• Deliver measurable outcomes

Examples may include initiatives in:

• Social inclusion

• Climate action

• Community development

• Employment and skills

• Health and wellbeing

• Sustainable development

Why This Fund Matters

The New Solutions Pilot Grants are designed to:

• De-risk innovative ideas

• Strengthen collaboration across sectors

• Build organisational capacity

• Create pathways to scale

• Strengthen Ireland’s social innovation infrastructure

By combining funding and structured ecosystem support, the programme aims to move promising ideas from pilot stage to long-term impact.

How to Apply – Step-by-Step Guide

Step 1: Confirm Eligibility

Ensure your organisation meets incorporation and policy criteria.

Step 2: Define the Social or Environmental Challenge

Clearly articulate:

• The problem being addressed

• Target beneficiaries

• Evidence of need

Step 3: Design an Innovative Pilot

Your proposal should include:

• Description of the innovation

• How it differs from existing approaches

• Expected outcomes and impact

• Scalability potential

Step 4: Develop a 24-Month Implementation Plan

Include:

• Key milestones

• Risk management plan

• Partnership strategy

• Monitoring and evaluation framework

Step 5: Prepare Budget

Ensure:

• Total request falls between €70,000 and €100,000

• Costs are realistic and justified

• De Minimis Aid compliance is confirmed

Step 6: Submit Application

Follow official submission procedures and deadlines as outlined in the call documentation.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Proposing non-innovative or routine service delivery

• Weak evidence of social or environmental need

• Overambitious scaling claims without clear plan

• Lack of measurable outcomes

• Failure to demonstrate collaboration

• Budget inconsistencies

Strong clarity, feasibility, and measurable impact are essential.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. How much funding can organisations request?

Between €70,000 and €100,000 per project.

2. What is the total budget for the Pilot Grants?

€4 million.

3. How long can projects run?

Up to 24 months.

4. Can organisations that previously received De Minimis Aid apply?

Yes, but it may affect the final allocation.

5. Are for-profit companies eligible?

Only if they qualify as Social Enterprises or Profit for Purpose Organisations under national policy definitions.

6. What additional support is provided?

Access to the Social Innovation Hub’s advisory, networking, and capacity-building services.

7. What is expected at the end of the 24 months?

A tested pilot model with evidence of impact and potential for scaling.

Conclusion

The New Solutions Social Innovation Fund Pilot Grants offer a significant opportunity for Irish organisations to test innovative approaches to major social and environmental challenges.

With funding of up to €100,000 per project and access to ecosystem-wide support through the Social Innovation Hub, the programme is designed to strengthen Ireland’s social innovation landscape and accelerate sustainable, inclusive progress.

For more information, visit Government of Ireland.