13 July 2026: Rethink Ireland, the funding body creating a more just, equal and sustainable Ireland through social innovation, has today announced the seven awardees of the three-year €1.5 million Clare Communities Fund.  

The cash grants and business supports provided through this fund will help to strengthen communities in County Clare by fostering participation, accessibility and social inclusion. 

The Clare Communities Fund is a collaboration between Rethink Ireland, the Michael Guinee Charitable Foundation and the Department of Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht (DRCDG) via the Dormant Accounts Fund. 

The awardees selected and their projects based across County Clare are:  

• Burrenbeo Trust 
• Cuimhneamh an Chláir 
• Hometree 
• LIFT Ireland
• MS Ireland
• Scarrif Bay Community Radio
• Wild Earth

Together, these organisations will deliver vital supports to a broad range of marginalised communities across County Clare, including people with disabilities, migrants, Traveller and Roma communities, ethnic minorities, and individuals and families experiencing poverty or socioeconomic disadvantage. 

Pádraic Vallely, Head of Government Relations and Strategic Partnerships at Rethink Ireland, said: “Through the work of these seven inspiring awardees, we are helping to build greater social inclusion across communities in County Clare, and fostering a real sense of wellbeing and participation at a local level.  

The Clare Communities Fund is rooted in the principle of place-based giving and reflects the Michael Guinee Charitable Foundation and DRCDG’s deep commitment to investing locally, strengthening equality, and promoting social inclusion for everyone in the county. 

Place-based giving works because it is precisely targeted where the need is greatest, driven by local philanthropy that genuinely cares about the communities on its own doorstep – where the tangible impact of stronger, more resilient communities can truly be seen and felt.” 

Derek Barrett, CEO of The Michael Guinee Charitable Foundation, added: “Supporting local communities to overcome the barriers that prevent them from fully participating in life here in County Clare is at the heart of everything we do.  

We want people to thrive – to have equal access to the supports that help them to fully participate in their community and feel they truly belong.  

Because we are rooted in this county, we know and understand its challenges firsthand, and we believe deeply in the power of local philanthropy to create meaningful, lasting impact where it is needed most. 

That is why we are proud to be part of this place-based fund and to support Rethink Ireland’s Clare Communities Fund. We look forward to seeing these seven awardees grow their resilience and deepen their impact across County Clare”. 

The second open call for applications to the Clare Communities Fund will launch in October 2026 on Rethink Ireland’s website. 

Learn more about Rethink Ireland and our current open funds on our website: Clare Communities Fund (Round #1) – Rethink Ireland