Applications are now open for the Rethink Ireland’s Impact Fund for Munster to support non-profit organisations who work primarily to improve the lives of people and communities.
The Fund is set up in partnership with a number of donors in the Munster region including Ei Electronics, Sunflower Charitable Foundation, Tomar Trust, the Parks Family Limerick and the Department of Rural and Community Development through the Dormant Accounts Fund.
About Impact Fund for Munster
The Impact Fund for Munster 2023 was created with a clear mission; to support sustainable development of Munster communities through funding social and/or environmental innovations which shape a more sustainable future for all.
This mission will be future-focused and community-led, strengthening the capacities of Munster communities to develop sustainably far beyond 2023 by focusing on:
Climate Action and Environmental Awareness: increasing sustainability, climate change education, increasing efforts in recycling, the circular economy, green production and waste awareness and/or
Community Inclusion and Cohesion: generating a positive sense of belonging, particularly for marginalised and vulnerable groups.
Funding Information
The Fund offers a package of cash grants and non-financial supports to the value of €762,375 for up to 8 projects, to help them expand and increase their social impact. The Fund will run over 6 months between February – September 2024.
This Includes:
Up to 8 awards of up to €68,000
The non-financial supports will include:
a place on Rethink Ireland’s Accelerator Programme
bespoke business and capacity building supports designed in consultation with the successful projects on topics such as strategic planning, maximising your impact, communications, storytelling and fundraising.
Access to Rethink Ireland’s networks.
The Rethink Ireland Board will decide how much money to award, which may be less than the amount requested. The final amount of the award will depend on how many organisations are selected.
What is Expected of Awardees?
The project lead will be expected to take part in the six-month Accelerator Programme, which includes attending approximately 6 workshops and spending time working 1:1 with a business/strategy consultant. Project leads will be expected to spend a minimum of two days per week working on the awarded project and working towards agreed goals.
Eligible Projects
Promote social inclusion for marginalised groups
Empower disadvantaged groups to tackle social and environmental issues experienced by their community
Increase community engagement and awareness of climate action
Engage participants to protect and improve biodiversity
Implement innovative solutions for sustainable food systems and/or reduce pollution and consumption
Upskill communities to adapt to the Green Transition ensuring that no one is left behind
Eligibility Criteria
This fund is open to organisations that have a not-for-profit legal form, e.g. charity, social enterprise and other voluntary organisations.
Projects must meet both Rethink Ireland’s criteria and the specific criteria for the Impact Fund for Munster, as set out below:
Rethink Ireland Criteria
The project must address a critical social or environmental issue
The project must be innovative in an Irish context
The project must be based in the Republic of Ireland
The project must have the potential and desire to scale or replicate in Ireland
The project must provide evidence that it is up and running, or has been tested at least in a minimal way
Applicants must come from an entity that has a ‘not for profit’ legal form for example, a charity or voluntary organisation
Impact Fund for Munster Core Criteria
Achieve their social impact primarily in Munster- projects must directly work with, and for Munster communities
Focusing on Climate Action and Environmental Awareness – i.e supporting coastal and marine biodiversity projects, supporting circular economy projects, supporting conservation projects etc AND/OR
Focusing on Community Inclusion and Cohesion – i.e. Supporting communities to increase community participation and improve social inclusion etc
Advantageous criteria
Community-led i.e. includes representation from the participant community in positions of leadership, integrates community input and feedback
Future focused i.e supports the sustainability of the environment and communities in Munster, protects these resources for future generations
Marginalised identities can include people who; are from Roma or traveller communities, are migrants or seeking asylum, have a disability, are socio-economically disadvantaged or unemployed, are rurally isolated, are experiencing poor mental health or addiction, or identify as LGBTQ+. Please note, this list is not exhaustive as many individuals experience marginalisation.
Ineligible Projects
Projects where research is the primary activity
Projects seeking funding for capital assets (such as buildings, vans or equipment)
Projects promoting or aligned with a political party
Projects that only accept participants of a particular faith or religious denomination
Projects focused on animal welfare
Projects based outside the Republic of Ireland
Projects led by people under 18 years of age
Projects that are an idea (only) and that have not yet started
Ineligibility Criteria
Applicants under 18 years of age
Commercial companies, sole traders and individuals
Individuals, statutory or public bodies, local development companies, LEADER companies, companies limited by shares, and organisations that are funded 100% by state bodies or agencies and continue to be in receipt of that funding.
