The Innovate Together Fund starts as a €5 million fund which will focus on supporting innovative responses to the Covid-19 crisis that will also be part of the ‘new normal’.
Social Innovation Fund Ireland has launched the Innovate Together Fund in partnership with the Department of Rural and Community Development.
This new fund, which starts as a €5 million fund, will focus on supporting emerging innovations that address the current and long-term social, economic and environmental challenges.
“The Government has pledged to provide €5 million via the Dormant Accounts Fund so that as many organisations as possible can get the help they need to help to continue to support those affected most by the Covid-19 pandemic”
The Innovate Together Fund is supported by a commitment of €5 million from the Department of Rural and Community Development through the support of the Dormant Accounts Fund.
Tackling the virus
Social Innovation Fund Ireland is also determined to raise additional significant funds to support challenges across Ireland, and is calling on companies, foundations, families and individuals to donate to this initiative.
Ireland’s social innovation sector is already rising to the many challenges raised by the Covid-19 pandemic and is continuing to support the individuals and communities most at need during this time.
A number of awardees have adapted their business models to be able to continue to deliver meaningful services to various groups across the country.
“We are looking to support innovative community-based organisations across the country who are coming up with impactful solutions to the problems posed by the Covid-19 pandemic that will become the new normal”
Medtronic Foundation, a charitable foundation, funded solely by medical technology company Medtronic, is dedicated to improving health among underserved populations and supporting communities worldwide, and has set an example for the philanthropic community through a €70,000 donation.
Minister Seán Canney TD, minister of state at the Department of Rural & Community Development said; “I’m delighted to launch the Innovate Together Fund in partnership with Social Innovation Fund Ireland to help organisations across the country who contribute so much to our society.
“The Government has pledged to provide €5 million via the Dormant Accounts Fund so that as many organisations as possible can get the help they need to help to continue to support those affected most by the Covid-19 pandemic.”
Deirdre Mortell, CEO, Social Innovation Fund Ireland added; “I believe that social innovation holds the key to addressing emerging social and economic needs in a sustainable manner and will be essential to creating an inclusive, and sustainable recovery in a post-Covid-19 world.
“With the launch of this new fund, we are looking to support innovative community-based organisations across the country who are coming up with impactful solutions to the problems posed by the Covid-19 pandemic that will become the new normal.’’
The Innovate Together Fund is open for applications now and you can learn more at http://www.socialinnovation.ie/innovate-together/.
Pictured: New €5 million announced for social innovation non-profits acting in response to the Covid-19 crisis announced (L/R) Joan Ellison, project and office manager, We Make Good, a social enterprise development fund 2019 awardee and Deirdre Mortell, CEO of Social Innovation Fund Ireland, Pic: Marc O’Sullivan
By Stephen Larkin
Published: 13 May, 2020
