This is a three-year, €3,000,000 Fund created by Rethink Ireland in collaboration with the Z Zurich Foundation and the HSE. We invite applications from projects and organisations that have an innovative approach to effecting positive mental health, with a proven track record of impact and a vision to scale.
All young people can benefit from better mental health and The HeadStart Fund recognises that you don’t need to be at a ‘crisis point’ to access mental health support. Therefore, the projects/organisations who apply for the HeadStart Fund will be working across the full spectrum of mental health initiatives including early interventions, well-being and resilience programmes, confidence-building supports, initiatives for fighting depression/social anxiety/loneliness/stress, etc. This is not an exhaustive list. We want to back organisations that will equip our young people with the skills they need to improve and maintain their mental health and well-being over time.
The HeadStart Fund will support organisations working with young people aged 15-24 in the Republic of Ireland and will focus on innovative solutions to help groups such as young people, women, and those experiencing socio-economic disadvantage through cash grants and non-financial support.
You can apply to the Headstart Fund via the online portal from January 23rd until March 3rd at 1 pm.
Please join us for our application clinics to find out more and answer any questions that you have:
Wednesday, 8th February at 11 am
Friday, 17th February at 1 pm
There will be up to 10 awards available in total, each Awardee will receive a cash grant (to a maximum of €208,000, across three years), mentoring support and placement on Rethink Ireland’s capacity building programme.
This Fund is open to organisations with a not-for-profit legal form, e.g. charity, social enterprise, and other voluntary organisations.
Projects must meet both Rethink Ireland’s criteria and the specific criteria for the Headstart Fund, as set out below:
Rethink Ireland Criteria
The Headstart Fund Core Criteria
Advantageous criteria
Projects addressing the social determinants of mental ill-health
Which projects cannot apply?
Projects that are not eligible to apply are:
Which projects cannot apply?
Projects that are not eligible to apply are:
Applicants that are not eligible to apply are:
Past awardees that have been recipients of cash grants are ineligible, except where they are the parent organisation and the project is entirely different.
Applications were open from January 23rd until March 3rd at 1 pm, and are now closed.
Accessibility
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 get in touch with headstart@rethinkireland.ie.
What can cash grants be spent on?
You may only spend the grant on the project which won the award. 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 and it cannot be used for subsistence or scholarship payments to beneficiaries.
If my organisation has already or is currently receiving a grant from Rethink Ireland, can I still apply?
Yes. If you have previously been funded or are currently being funded by Rethink Ireland, you can still apply to the Headstart Fund with a new project.
Who will decide who wins the awards?
The Board of Rethink Ireland makes final decisions.
What is the selection process?
The selection process includes the following steps:
Stage 1: Open call for applications
Stage 2: Review the applications
Stage 3: Shortlisted applicants invited to interview – week beginning April 3rd
Stage 4: Interviews held – April 17th – 28th (TBC)
Stage 5: Final checks on short-listed applicants
Stage 6: Final decision by Rethink Ireland’s Board – Mid-June
Stage 7: Inform successful applicants – Late June
Can organisations make multiple applications?
Yes, organisations can make multiple applications. These applications must be for different projects.
If my organisation is funded by a Government/state agency (HSE, TULSA, etc) are we eligible?
Yes, you can apply if you are in receipt of funding from a government or state agency. However, if your organisation is 100% funded through state sources then you are not eligible to apply to the Fund.
Any further questions?
Contact the Fund Team at headstart@rethinkireland.ie
By applying for The Headstart Fund, you agree to the following terms and conditions.
Supporting initiatives offering early interventions, well-being and resilience programmes, and other mental health supports, to young people in Ireland.