The true scale of the COVID-19 crisis will only be revealed as we move forward into the recovery period. The devastating impact of the pandemic is likely to last for years to come. Failure to understand and respond to these challenges risks leading to deeper inequality throughout the next decade. To combat this, significant investment and intervention is required. Economic disadvantage, lack of job and educational opportunities and social isolation are some of the most crucial challenges facing rural Ireland.
This is why we have created the Rural Recovery Fund. This is a one year €600,000 fund created by Rethink Ireland with support from Google.org and the Department of Rural and Community Development via the Dormant Accounts Fund. The objective of the Fund is to support projects working with communities in rural Ireland that focus on recovery and resilience, as we emerge from the COVID-19 pandemic.
You can apply to the Rural Recovery Fund via the online application form from Thursday 21st October 2021 to Friday 19th November at 5 pm.
The Rural Recovery Fund will provide a package of awards and supports to innovative not-for-profit organisations that are working to increase their impact in supporting rural communities to recover from the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic and build resilience for future challenges. It will provide tailored support to solutions that are already seeing clear social impact.
There will be up to 5 awards available in total, and each Awardee will receive a cash grant (to a maximum of €80,000), mentoring support and placement on Rethink Ireland’s Accelerator programme.
This fund is open to organisations that have a not-for-profit legal form, e.g. charity, social enterprise and other voluntary organisations.
Eligibility & Criteria
Projects must meet both Rethink Ireland’s criteria and the specific criteria for the Rural Recovery Fund, as set out below:
Rethink Ireland Criteria
Rural Recovery Fund Core Criteria
Advantageous criteria
Which projects cannot apply?
Projects that are not eligible to apply are:
Which applicants cannot apply?
Applicants that are not eligible to apply are:
This one year fund will provide a range of supports to community and voluntary sector organisations through cash grants and non-financial support.
Complete the online application form from Monday 18th October to Friday 19th November at 5pm. To complete your application form online, you will need to upload financial and governance information including a one year budget for your project.
Accessibility
We have tried to make the application process as accessible as possible but we understand that there may still be some difficulties for applicants. If you have access needs or are struggling with the application form, please contact ruralrecovery@rethink.reddog.ie.
What can cash grants be spent on?
You may only spend the grant on the project which won the award. Rethink Ireland will agree on the specific use of the grant with you.
Please note: you cannot use the grant to pay off debts or buy land, buildings or equipment and it cannot be used for subsistence or scholarship payments to beneficiaries.
If my organisation has already or is currently in receipt of a grant from Rethink Ireland, can I still apply?
Yes. If you have previously been funded or are currently being funded by Rethink Ireland, you can still apply to The Rural Recovery Fund with a new project.
Who will decide who wins the awards?
Final decisions are made by the Board of Rethink Ireland.
What is the selection process?
The selection process includes the following steps:
Can organisations make multiple applications?
Yes, organisations can make multiple applications. These applications must be for different projects.
If my organisation is funded by a Government/state agency (HSE, TULSA etc) are we eligible?
Yes, you can apply if you are in receipt of funding from a government or state agency. However, if your organisation is 100% funded through state sources then you are not eligible to apply.
Any further questions?
Contact the Rural Recovery Fund Team at ruralrecovery@rethink.reddog.ie
By applying for The Rural Recovery Fund, you agree to the following terms and conditions.
Contact the Rural Recovery Fund Team at ruralrecovery@rethink.reddog.ie