The Fund is now open for applications with a deadline for applications of 5th March 2021.

The Social Enterprise Development Fund is a €3.2 million Fund, being delivered from 2018 to 2022. The Fund was created by Rethink Ireland in partnership with Local Authorities Ireland and funded by IPB Insurance and the Department of Rural and Community Development through the Dormant Accounts Fund.

In 2021, the Fund will offer 16 Awardees cash grants of between €10,000 and €50,000 and a place on Ireland’s only National social enterprise Accelerator Programme. The Accelerator Programme provides training from best-in-class experts across a range of topics including impact measurement and management, strategic planning, stakeholder discovery, business modelling, pitching and more.

The best social enterprise in each Local Authority, where there was no cash grant winner, will be awarded a place on our Genesis Programme. The Genesis Programme is an intensive two-day workshop that will focus on building the skills and knowledge needed to develop a sustainable social enterprise and to be successful in future funding opportunities.

Next Friday, February 12th 2021, at 11am, they will be holding a free webinar to provide an overview of the Fund. It will cover what applicants can expect if they apply, share tips on how to write great applications and hear from past Awardees  – Please register in advance here.

They are also hosting two virtual ‘drop-in’ Application Clinics on Friday 19th February at 1pm and Friday 26th February at 1pm.