Rethink Ireland, the funding body thinking differently to create a more just, equal and sustainable Ireland, has announced seven awardees for the Resilient Cork Fund. The cash grants and business support provided through this fund will help to strengthen communities facing social and economic exclusion, tackling challenges such as mental health issues in the community, rural isolation, and urban marginalisation. 

The awardees from across Cork City and County — all of whom focus on disability access, mental health support, and tackling poverty — include:

• The WellSchools Initiative, Let’s Grow Together
• Inclusive Dance Cork at the Firkin Crane
• Cork’s Baby Bank, Community Connect Support
• Deaf Awareness and the ISL Act, Cork Deaf Association
• Studios of Sanctuary at Sample-Studios
• Leading the Way, Irish Dogs for the Disabled
• Cork Anti Poverty Resource Network (CAPRN) Volunteers’ Training and Community Outreach Project.

These seven organisations will receive a portion of the €570,000 fund over one year, which includes business support and access to the Rethink Ireland Accelerator Programme. The Resilient Cork Fund is in partnership with several donors in Cork City and County, including the Luan Fund, Tomar Trust, The Ireland Funds, The Montenotte Hotel, a private donor, and the Department of Rural and Community Development via the Dormant Accounts Fund.

Speaking on the awardee announcement, Pádraic Valley, Senior Philanthropy & Development Manager & Head of Munster Rethink Ireland, said: “We’re incredibly proud to see these awardees delivering innovative strategies that foster social inclusion and sustainable community development across Cork City and County. Since 2020, we’ve invested €3.2 million in Cork-based social innovations through our place-based approach. The Resilient Cork Fund shows what’s possible when donors come together and commit to strengthening equality in their own communities. We warmly encourage more families and companies to join us for the next phase of Resilient Cork – together we can create lasting positive change where it matters most.”

“By supporting organisations like these awardees at a regional level, we feel like we are mobilising our philanthropic donations on our own doorsteps,” said Yvonne Frost, Luan Fund, one of several philanthropic donors to the fund. “This approach ensures that communities across Cork benefit directly, through amazing organisations such as the awardees of the Resilient Cork Fund. We’re very proud to partner with Rethink Ireland to empower these awardees to create lasting change.”

“This recognition from Rethink Ireland is a huge milestone for us, allowing us to further develop inclusive dance practice and deepen the conversation around creativity, accessibility, and artistic innovation in the Republic of Ireland.” said Rhona Coughlan, Artistic Director, Inclusive Dance Cork

“Winning Rethink Ireland’s Resilient Cork award is transformative for the Let’s Grow Together collaboration with The WellSchools Network.” said Katherine Harford, Executive Director, Let’s Grow Together. “It enables us to scale our trauma-informed education initiatives, supporting educators and students across Cork. It’s a powerful endorsement of our vision for well-being in education.” 

Gerrie O’ Grady, Executive Manager, Cork Deaf Association said “Winning a Rethink Resilient Cork award for this project is a game-changer for the Cork Deaf Association and Ireland’s Deaf Community. With this grant, we’re launching transformative training to support public bodies to meet their obligations under the Irish Sign Language Act 2017.  This isn’t just a project, it’s part of a movement.  It helps to build momentum for lasting system change and a new landscape of meaningful inclusivity for Ireland’s Deaf Community.” 

“Our dedicated Cork volunteers in the Cork Baby Bank have done incredible work over the past few years to establish our hub in Cork, and their compassion and quiet commitment has already helped many babies and parents. This award allows us to build on that work, expanding our hub to support many more families across County Cork and beyond, who really need support at the vulnerable time of welcoming a new baby into the world.” said Elaine Noonan, CEO & Co-Founder, Community Connect.

Dr Matthew Whyte, Development & Communications Coordinator, Studios of Sanctuary said: “Not only will the support from the Resilient Cork Fund allow the current participants to continue the incredible momentum they have achieved so far, it will allow us to introduce three new participants, extending the reach to new artists and communities. The capacity-building supports offered by Rethink Ireland are most welcome as we explore opportunities to scale Studios of Sanctuary to a regional and national offering.”

Jennifer Dowler, CEO, Irish Dogs for the Disabled said:  “Receiving this funding is huge for DFD as it gives us space to breathe allowing us to focus on what matters the most, the children we strive to help through the placement of our amazing assistance dogs and it provides the children and their families hope, a sense of achievement and a plan for their future.”

“The award comes at a very opportune time for our organisation as it will enhance our plan to expand the involvement of volunteers across our projects, provide training and personal development and education to all our volunteers.”  said Michael O Connell,  Chair person CAPRN

To learn more about the awardee projects please visit our fund page