Rethink Ireland has today announced a social enterprise fund in partnership with the Mayor of Limerick, John Moran, to support start-up projects across Limerick city and county.

The More for Limerick Social Enterprise Fund will be jointly supported through the discretionary Mayoral Fund, the Department of Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht, Rethink Ireland and through various philanthropic sources.

The Mayor and Rethink Ireland are now calling on businesses and families across the county to join as philanthropic donors, helping bring the fund value up to €1,000,000 and contribute to developing innovation in the Treaty County.

The project follows up on a key action contained in the ‘More Prosperous’ pillar of the More for Limerick Mayoral Programme 2024-2029.

The fund will open for applications from Limerick social innovations in 2026 and the successful projects will receive both cash grants and non-financial support through the initiative, managed by Rethink Ireland.

Mayor of Limerick, John Moran, commented: “This is innovation with purpose in action. Limerick thrives when we do things differently and we empower those with ambition to drive things forward. That’s why I’m proud to announce the delivery of another promise I made in the Mayoral Programme. This time it is our More for Limerick Social Enterprise Fund to back those with bold, energetic ideas to deliver a better and fairer Limerick. Through the equal support of my Mayoral Fund, our partners at Rethink Ireland and philanthropic sources, we’re going to create new funding opportunities for Limerick people to shape their communities right across the city and county. Lots of people have been asking how they can help those communities – now they have a way!”

Jerry Buttimer T.D., Minister of State with responsibility for Community Development, Charities and Rural Transport, at the Department of Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht said: “We are delighted to partner on the More for Limerick Social Enterprise Fund by providing match funding for philanthropic contributions. Limerick is an energetic and vibrant region, with changemakers who can change lives and create greater equality. We look forward to unlocking critical social development for communities across the county by, together, supporting local solutions to scale.”

Head of Trade and Investment with Limerick City and County Council, Brendan Troy, added: “By combining support from the Mayoral Fund, Rethink Ireland’s expertise and some generous philanthropic support, we hope to unlock €1 million to kickstart inclusive innovation across Limerick. It’s about backing ideas that build stronger communities and ensuring Limerick leads in social enterprise impact, which is something Limerick City and County Council is fully behind.”

Senior Philanthropy & Development Manager at Rethink Ireland, Pádraic Vallely, said: “We’re thrilled to partner with Mayor John Moran and Limerick City and County Council on what is a groundbreaking project. At Rethink Ireland, we believe in backing bold ideas that drive social change through the power of philanthropy. We know from our discussions with the Mayor and the Limerick City and County Council team that Limerick is full of innovators who are ready to deliver with the right supports. The project reflects our shared vision for innovative local solutions to be resourced in tackling local challenges.”

Businesses or families interested in contributing philanthropic support to the More for Limerick Social Enterprise Fund can connect with Pádraic Vallely for further information at moreforlimerick@rethinkireland.ie.

Details relating to applications for funding and support through the initiative will be made available in 2026.