We partner with forward-thinkers who realise new thinking in Ireland is needed and want to make a lasting difference for communities across this country. Social impact is a team sport that requires investment in growth that does not leave our people and our planet behind.
How we create impact
At Rethink Ireland, we identify nonprofits and social enterprises making an impact in communities across Ireland and back them to go further. Through funds created with our partners, we give bold ideas the funding, support and connections they need to grow, turning local solutions into national impact.
We work from a venture philanthropy model, similar to the venture capital model in the business world. We provide cash grants alongside tailored business supports, connections and expertise, helping organisations strengthen their foundations, grow their impact and become more sustainable over the long term.
One of the strengths of our model is that it brings together philanthropy and matched funding from the Irish government. This enables donors to amplify the impact of their contribution, unlocking greater investment in innovative solutions and helping more organisations create lasting change in their communities.
This means that when you invest through Rethink Ireland, your funding goes further, helping organisations become stronger, more resilient and better equipped to create lasting change.
We’re proud to work with bold, courageous and compassionate leaders who seek to invest in social change. Learn more about our partners here.
Join us: Support the Alternative Education Fund 2027
We are seeking anchor donors who are willing to invest to build this transformative new fund opening in 2027.
Read MoreOur Impact
Since 2016, Rethink Ireland has launched 89 funds, providing awards and business supports to 611 social innovations across Ireland. Our venture philanthropy model is based on providing additional business supports, ensuring the innovations we invest in build their organisational capacity to maximise their social impact.
Our commitment to system change has been central to our mission at Rethink Ireland, and it makes us immensely proud that these social innovations have supported more than one million people affected by the critical social issues impacting education, equality, green transition, and health.
Who do we partner with?
Government
The Government of Ireland has supported us from the beginning with an initial donation of €250,000. Since then, the Government has pledged to match any philanthropic funds raised by us, primarily through the Department of Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht via the Dormant Accounts Fund. This means our partners’ donations are worth so much more. We have also received match funding and other forms of funding from the Department of Social Protection, the HSE, and the Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth. We have the track record of delivering high impact social change in the communities we serve.
Companies
We work closely with home-grown Irish companies no matter what size and multinational companies who are based in Ireland who share our view that lasting change demands new thinking. We know how best to guide and support you to drive social impact in the communities that are most in need.
Trusts and Foundations
We use our expertise to guide and work closely with Trusts and Foundations that share Rethink Ireland’s core mission of supporting social innovations to grow and maximise their impact. Together we can increase your social impact in the communities you wish to serve who are most in need.
Families and Individuals
We have collaborated with many incredible Irish families and individuals who are passionate about giving back. We particularly love to work with leaders who want to give back to their local communities – Give Where You Live is a guiding principle of how we operate at Rethink Ireland. We work closely with you to ensure that your donation is used according to your wishes.
Ways of partnering with Rethink Ireland
- Become a Fund Partner: Lead a fund that aligns with the causes and communities you care about. As the main donor, you’ll work closely with Rethink Ireland to shape a fund that supports innovative nonprofits tackling social and environmental challenges. Together, we’ll identify and back organisations with the potential to create lasting change.
- Join a Collaborative Fund: Partner with other donors to support a shared fund focused on a specific issue or community need. Many of these funds are place-based, focusing on a particular county, region or community and responding to local priorities and challenges. By pooling resources with like-minded organisations and individuals, you can amplify your impact and help more innovative solutions grow and scale across Ireland.
- Join the Innovators Circle: Become part of a community of forward-thinking individuals and companies committed to creating lasting social change. Innovators Circle members support Rethink Ireland’s mission while gaining exclusive opportunities to connect with social innovators, attend events, volunteer and learn more about the issues shaping Ireland’s future.
Are you interested in donating to a more just, equal and sustainable Ireland?
Get in touch with us!
Fill out the form and we’ll be back with more info and connect you with a member of our team.
businessdevelopment@rethinkireland.ie
