This fund is now closed for applications

Fund Overview  

The Sustainability Step-Up Fund is a €1.5 million, two-year fund supported by Zurich in Ireland and the Department of Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht (DRCDG) via the Dormant Accounts fund. 

The Sustainability Step-Up Fund supports social innovations across Ireland to step up their impact and address the climate crisis and its interconnected challenges. It is aimed at grassroots organisations, community-led initiatives, social enterprises and other non-profits that build resilience, promote sustainable practices, foster climate action and environmental stewardship and support the circular economy so that the benefits of the green transition are shared equitably. Both established organisations ready to scale and earlier-stage initiatives that are up and running and looking to step up are eligible to apply. 

All supported projects must demonstrate strong environmental and social sustainability. By integrating environmental, economic, and social objectives, this fund backs inclusive, scalable, long-term climate solutions. 

Up to five innovative projects with social and environmental impact in urban and/or rural communities will be supported to scale and maximise their impact. 

The fund offers a package of cash grants and non-financial supports for up to five projects.  

This includes: 

• Up to €210,000 each over an 18-month project implementation period* 

• The non-financial supports include: 

• A place on Rethink Ireland’s Accelerator Workshop Programme  

• Bespoke business and capacity building supports designed in consultation with the successful projects on topics such as strategic planning, impact measurement, communications, financial sustainability or fundraising. 

• Access to Rethink Ireland’s networks. 

* The Rethink Ireland Board will decide how much money to award, which may be less than the amount requested. The final amount of the award will depend on how many organisations are selected.