One of the awardees is Limerick Civic Trust. Their project supports the preservation of local built heritage while creating skills and employment pathways through hands-on training in traditional stone masonry, conservation and craftsmanship. With support from the Impact Fund 2025, the Trust will expand its ‘Carving the Future in Stone’ training programme across Limerick and Clare in partnership with Irish Natural Stone (INStone), delivering certified workshops for adults experiencing social exclusion, while strengthening pathways into further training and employment. 

The €1.1 million Impact Fund backs community-led projects across Munster and Wexford tackling interconnected challenges including social exclusion, barriers to employment and wellbeing, and environmental vulnerability. 

Commenting on the announcement, Pádraic Vallely, Head of Government and Strategic Partnerships, Rethink Ireland, said, “Limerick has a strong tradition of community-led innovation, and these projects show what that looks like in practice.  Dóchas Midwest Austism Support and Limerick Civic Trust are developing practical solutions that can remove barriers, strengthen inclusion and give people the support they need to participate more fully in their communities.  

“Rethink Ireland is deeply grateful to our philanthropic partners and the Department of Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht (DRCDG) for their vital investment through the Impact Fund for Munster and Wexford. This powerful blend of private philanthropy and public funding champions place-based giving at its best, directly supporting organisations rooted in the heart of communities across Limerick. Looking ahead, this support empowers our awardees to deepen their local impact, scale their innovative solutions, and build a more inclusive, resilient and sustainable future for the entire region.” 

Impact Fund 2025 is created by Rethink Ireland and the Department of Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht, in partnership with the Parkes Family, Limerick; the Estate of Mary Coffey c/o Pat Toomey, Tipperary; the Hospital Saturday Fund; The Luan Fund, Cork; Ed Murphy, Wexford; Turas Nua and The Ireland Funds. 

Rethink Ireland is Ireland’s social innovation fund, supporting the most innovative non-profit organisations and social enterprises working to create a more just, equal and sustainable Ireland.