New fund to make an impact
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James Hanley and Jenny O’Halloran with Pádraic Vallely, Senior Philanthropy & Development Manager at Rethink Ireland at Down Syndrome Ireland’s Field Of Dreams in Curraheen as Rethink Ireland announced a €750,000 fund to support not-for-profit organisations improving health outcomes in the larger Munster region. Down Syndrome Ireland is a previous recipient of Rethink Ireland funding. Photos: Brian LougheedImage 2 of 3
Pádraic Vallely and Khadija Bouncir.Image 3 of 3
Pádraic Vallely with Dylan Kennedy and Ross Twomey.A new fund worth €750,000 has been opened to support not-for-profit organisations.
These include charities and social enterprises, improving health outcomes in the larger Munster region.
The one-year Impact Fund from Rethink Ireland will invest in up to 10 innovative projects that are promoting healthy lives and well-being for all across Munster. Up to five awards will be made to projects and/or organisations that use music, creativity, or the arts to enhance the physical and mental health of their communities.
Minister of State with special responsibility for Community Development and Charities Joe O’Brien said: “I am delighted to launch the Impact Fund for Munster, which is supported by my department and several private donors.
“By recognising that mental and physical health conditions are equally important, and often connected, and that wellness is crucially important to building thriving communities, the Impact Fund for Munster will make a valuable difference to the lives of many people living in the region.”
Alongside cash grants, successful applicants will secure a place on Rethink Ireland’s accelerator programme and access a bespoke non-financial supports package that uses expert consultants to help strengthen and scale awarded projects.
Pádraic Vallely, Senior Philanthropy & Development Manager at Rethink Ireland said: “Ensuring that health innovations receive the backing they need has been part of Rethink Ireland’s core focus since we began. With the support of our generous donors and the Government of Ireland, we have invested €16.3 million in health projects since 2016, supporting 96 innovations in this area and helping us to reach more than 116,000 people.
“Through the Impact Fund for Munster, we aim to enhance the physical and mental health of communities across the province and, ultimately, help to save lives in the process. We would like to thank the Government of Ireland and the multiple donors to this fund who believe in the power of philanthropy and supporting innovative not-for-profits.”
Eligible projects are invited to apply for the €750,000 Impact Fund before 1pm on Tuesday 14 June at rethinkireland.ie.