Rethink Ireland’s Growth Fund seeks to support proven social innovations to achieve widespread impact and transformative change in Ireland. Applications to the Growth Fund are accepted periodically and are open to existing Rethink Ireland Awardees that meet the criteria listed below.
Through this year’s Growth Fund, we will provide bespoke support to social enterprises who meet the Growth Fund criteria and are ready to secure significant growth capital to grow and deepen their impact over several years.
If you are successful, you will receive support from Rethink Ireland’s Business Development Team to secure private funds for an agreed fundraising target. If you achieve this, Rethink Ireland will then match funds raised to provide cash grants, business support, and a dedicated team to support you to achieve targets and impact.
We invite applications from social enterprises that have been previously supported by Rethink Ireland and meet the criteria listed below.
This fund is now open for applications until 30th November 2020. Potential applicants should review the below criteria before applying and contact eoghan@rethinkireland.ie for further information.
Growth Fund Criteria
The project must:
Rethink Ireland will provide match funds to multi-year fundraising targets raised (€150,000-€200,000 per annum for 3 years) to provide;
The deadline for applications has passed.
We have tried to make the application process as accessible as possible but we understand that there may still be some difficulties for applicants. If you have access needs or are struggling with the application form, please contact eoghan@rethinkireland.ie. We will be able to assist you then.
What happens next?
A team of experts will review the applications. If you are successful in the review process, we will invite your project leader to an interview. The interviews will take place in December 2020 / January 2021. The judges may do further checks or site visits. If you are successful, we will notify you in early February 2021.
What happens if our organisation is successful?
From February to July 2021, our Business Development Team will support you to fundraise your proposed multi-year fundraising target. If you successfully reach your target, we will then progress to the contracting phase and invite you to take part in a Programme which runs from January 2022 to December 2024. This programme will include:
We will expect your project leader to devote at least two days a month to the programme.
What can we spend the grant on?
You may only spend the grant on the growth of your Social Enterprise. Rethink Ireland will agree on the specific use of the grant with you. Please note: you cannot use the grant to pay off debts or buy land, buildings or equipment.
Who will decide who wins the awards?
The Board of Rethink Ireland will make the final decision.
What is the selection process?
How can we find out where we are in the selection process?
We will inform applicants by telephone or email.
Interviews and feedback
By applying for the Growth Fund, you agree with the following: