Callout out to Tipp’s sustainable groups
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.
Eligible organisations across Munster - including those from Tipperary - are encouraged to apply by visiting rethinkireland.ie. The closing date for applications is Friday, December 13, 2024.
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 textile systems, and community-driven green innovation.
Social Cohesion and Inclusion: Initiatives 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.
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.
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.”
The Impact Fund for Munster is part of Rethink Ireland’s commitment to regional philanthropy, inspiring ‘place-based giving’ that empowers local communities to lead positive change. This fund is the fifth Munster-based fund from Rethink Ireland. By mobilising local resources and supporting innovation, Rethink Ireland helps organisations across the country achieve meaningful, lasting social impact.
The fund falls under Rethink Ireland’s Green Transition investment strategy, which encourages philanthropists and government bodies to back ventures helping communities to adapt to the green economy.
Nuala Martin, Project Manager, Tipperary Rural Traveller Project, said: “In 2020, we were awardees of a Rethink Ireland fund, we used the cash grants and various business supports from this to develop The Empowering Traveller Women Project. Backing from Rethink Ireland, with a focus on increasing social impact through future-focused and community-led organisations, resulted in driving expansion of our programme to reach 80 Traveller children, from 16 families, ranging in age from 4- 14. Our programme provides children with the necessary tools, skills, and cultural support so that they can feel a determination that they deserve an education and to be part of Irish society. In doing so, the programme creates opportunity for Traveller women to develop their skills as Education Peer Support Workers delivering the programme.
“Over the course of the fund we supported eight Traveller women into training and employment. The fund supported us to work on our strategic plan, our communications, our impact measurement, our sustainability strategy and opened the door to invaluable networks.”
As project lead I was able to access incredible training opportunities such as Women’s entrepreneurship with Cornell University online. This is only one example of the many benefits and positive impacts the Equality Fund created for us. We have developed incredibly positive working relationships with staff and consultants from Rethink Ireland across the period of the Fund that still exist beyond it.
“We would encourage organisations with a sustainability and social inclusion agenda who have a solution, to apply for the new Impact Fund for Munster.”