Deadline: 5-Mar-21
Rethink Ireland in partnership with Local Authorities Ireland has launched a €3.2 million Social Enterprise Development Fund to have a positive effect on society. Social enterprises are at the heart of facing the greatest social challenges in Ireland. It is funded by IPB Insurance and the Department of Rural and Community Development through the Dormant Accounts Fund.
They are professional and experienced, and use business skills and clever thinking to bridge the gaps in our society. The money they make from their work is used to grow what they do so that they can reach all the people in society who need their help.
Objectives
The objective of the fund is to find and back social enterprises that add to the social and economic fabric of their community by way of social impact. The fund will provide critical support to the most innovative and impactful social enterprises across Ireland, helping them to:
- Increase their social impact;
- Increase their traded income;
- Create more jobs;
- Develop long-term, effective and sustainable solutions.
Funding Information
- Cash Grants: In 2021, the fund will support up to 16 social enterprises with cash grants:
- Two social enterprises will receive a cash grant of €50,000 each
- Two social enterprises will receive a cash grant of €30,000 each
- Two social enterprises will receive a cash grant of €20,000 each
- Up to ten social enterprises will receive a cash grant of €10,000 each.
- The Accelerator Programme:
- All successful applicants will win a place on Ireland’s only National Accelerator Programme specifically designed for social enterprises.
- The Accelerator Programme is designed to equip the social enterprises with the tools and techniques to expand their business skills and deepen their impact within their communities and across the country.
Eligibility Criteria
Rethink Ireland invites applications from social enterprises that:
- Have a clear social mission that addresses a critical social issue;
- Generate income from goods or services;
- Are already up and running;
- Reinvest any surplus into achieving their mission;
- Have a not-for-profit legal form, e.g. companies limited guarantee;
- Are separate from the Government and state agencies;
- Have their main impact in the Republic of Ireland;
- Have not already completed a multi-year fund with Rethink Ireland.
For more information, visit https://rethinkireland.ie/current_fund/social-enterprise-development-fund-2021/