Rethink Ireland announces Impact Fund for Limerick-based awardees

Rob Parkes, Donor; Deirdre Mortell, CEO Rethink Ireland, and Padhraic Hastings, Chair, The Gaff, pictured at EI Electronics Campus, Shannon, as Rethink Ireland announces the nine awardees of its €672,000 Impact Fund for Munster 2024.Picture: Michael O’Sullivan / OSM PHOTO

Rethink Ireland Awards funding to Limerick-based organisations driving sustainable change in Munster through its Impact Fund

Rethink Ireland, the funding body creating a more equal and sustainable Ireland, has today announced the Limerick-based awardees of its Impact Fund for Munster 2024.

The Limerick Theatre & Performance Hub (The GAFF), the University of Limerick Foundation and among nine innovative organisations awarded a share of the €672,000 fund that will support projects leading green transition and sustainable development in Munster — both environmentally and socially.

This year’s awardees span the breadth of Munster and include Autism Assistance Dogs Ireland, AsIAm, Cork International Film Festival, Living Woodlands, New Wave Wild Adventure Therapy, The GAFF, The Toy Library, University of Limerick Foundation, and Wild Earth. Each will receive a cash grant and wraparound business supports to help scale their impact.

advertisement
advertisement

advertisement
advertisement

advertisement
advertisement

advertisement
advertisement

Awarded projects fall into two key focus areas: Environmental innovation, including biodiversity, rewilding, circular economy and food, and climate education; and social inclusion, which is supporting neurodiverse communities, cultural diversity, and the wellbeing of vulnerable and marginalised groups.  

With the funding, the University of Limerick Foundation will host an interactive foresight exhibition and workshops designed to inspire community-driven action on sustainability and regeneration.

Pádraic Vallely, Senior Philanthropy & Development Manager and Head of Munster at Rethink Ireland, said, “We’re extremely proud of this initiative, which supports the ongoing sustainable development and green transition of the wider Munster region. With the Impact Fund for Munster, we aim to help organisations stay true to their commitments to environmental sustainability, social inclusion and social cohesion. This fund embodies a solid sense of togetherness, where communities thrive from the backing of local donors. We know this will create a lasting positive impact for Munster’s environment and its people.”

Padhraic Hastings, Chairman, The GAFF said: “With this funding we can scale our Paint Punch Munster programme up, helping to reach 200 participants across Munster. The programme combines releasing the energy of expression with the creation of artwork and the positive wellbeing of the participants, helping us combat the mental health challenges and high suicide rates of young Traveller men.”

The Impact Fund for Munster 2024 was created in partnership with donors from the Munster region, including Tomar Trust, Ei Electronics, Sunflower Community Foundation, the Parkes Family Limerick, and a private donor. Their donations were matched by the Department of Rural and Community Development through the Dormant Accounts Fund.  

 One of the fund donors, Rob Parkes, Parkes Properties said: “We’re proud to partner with Rethink Ireland once again on the Impact Fund for Munster. As a family, we believe strongly in the power of local philanthropy to create effective, lasting impact where it is most needed across communities in Munster — something that’s always been close to our hearts. We have partnered with Rethink Ireland over the past five years and value the experience and commitment they bring to this work. We are especially proud of the positive change these funds have made at a local level here in the Munster region.”

Mick Guinee, Founder and Chairman of Ei Electronics: Mick Guinee, Founder and Chairman of Ei Electronics: “Being a part of rethinking Ireland with a focus on our local community, is something that has always been incredibly important to us here at Ei Electronics. We want to play a role in meeting our communities’ needs here in Munster. That’s why we have partnered with Rethink Ireland for the last three years on the Munster funds. These funds for Munster are a determinedly progressive initiative and through this fund and a new fund to be announced later this year with the Michael Guinee Charitable Foundation, we will further contribute to the steady growth of support for projects that help communities embrace the green transition.”