Rethink Ireland launches €672,000 Impact Fund for Munster
Rethink Ireland, in partnership with philanthropic donors, is now accepting applications for its Impact Fund for Munster, offering €672,000 in funding to organisations across the region. This one-year fund will provide cash grants and non-financial business support for up to eight non-profit organisations dedicated to advancing sustainable environmental and social development in Munster.
The Impact Fund for Munster aims to empower organisations driving innovative solutions for a greener, more inclusive Munster. The fund will support organisations committed to sustainable development in two key areas: environmental sustainability projects focused on addressing environmental challenges such as climate education, circular economy initiatives, sustainable food and more; and social cohesion and inclusion, including nitiatives that promote cultural diversity, social inclusion, and address the needs of marginalised and vulnerable communities.
This latest version of Impact Fund for Munster will also include a new element – supporting organisations promoting neurodiversity awareness through educational initiatives and efforts to challenge stigma.
Commenting on the Impact Fund for Munster Pádraic Vallely, senior philanthropy & development manager and head of Munster, Rethink Ireland, said: “A sustainable future requires an inclusive approach to social well-being. With this fund, we are championing projects that bring communities together, address inequalities, and drive both environmental and social change. By backing projects that prioritise marginalised groups, we can help ensure that no one is left behind in Munster’s green transition.
“Reflecting on the previous versions of this fund, we’ve added a new element to this Impact Fund for Munster, which will be to back organisations that will promote neurodiversity awareness by supporting educational initiatives and challenging stigma. Empower neurodiverse individuals by ensuring their meaningful participation in the design and implementation of projects that affect their lives. Continued thanks to our generous donors, we’re rethinking Ireland’s future – together.”
This fund is the fifth Munster-based fund from Rethink Ireland, which falls under the organisation’s Green Transition investment strategy, which encourages philanthropists and government bodies to back ventures helping communities to adapt to the green economy.
James Blake, CEO, Limerick Learning Hub, said: “In 2024, we were awardees of an ‘Impact Fund for Munster’ and we used the cash grants and various business supports from this to increase our social impact – we provide low-cost health-focused and music-focused programmes to our local community – through increasing the numbers attending the programmes on a weekly basis, and achieving strong attendance at the six weeks of summer camps for 40 children per week.
“Backing from Rethink Ireland, with a focus on increasing social impact through future-focused and community-led organisations has been indispensable in our delivery of health and music programmes. It boosted all the other activities we deliver as well – arts, STEM, nutrition, gardening and much more. The non-financial supports were hugely beneficial in helping us to develop funding strategies for this years and years to come.”
The Impact Fund for Munster is made possible through the collaboration of Rethink Ireland and dedicated philanthropic partners, including Tomar Trust, Ei Electronics, Sunflower Charitable Foundation, the Parkes family in Limerick, and a private donor. The fund also benefits from match funding provided by the Department of Rural and Community Development via the Dormant Accounts Fund.
Applications can be made at rethinkireland.ie until Friday 13 December 2024.
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