Managing Partner Declan Black (right) pictured with Deirdre Mortell, CEO of SIF, and Eoghan Murphy TD, Minister of State for Financial Services at the official launch of the Engage and Educate Fund in Dublin.

We are delighted to launch the Engage and Educate Fund in conjunction with Social Innovation Fund Ireland and the Irish Government.

The Engage and Educate Fund is open to projects that empower people through education, to achieve their full potential and to contribute to community. Projects that focus on people from disadvantaged socioeconomic backgrounds, people with disabilities, and people with migrant status are encouraged to apply.

Speaking at the launch, Declan Black, Managing Partner, said “We have supported the provision of educational opportunity, particularly for the disadvantaged, for many years. So it was entirely in keeping with that approach to form the ‘Engage & Educate Fund’. We hope there will be many deserving applications and look forward to announcing the winners in June.”

The €450,000 fund is a three year commitment between Mason Hayes & Curran, Social Innovation Fund Ireland and the Irish Government. Each year €150,000 in funding will be available to be shared between 4 or 5 successful applicants.

Attending the launch, Eoghan Murphy TD, Minister of State for Financial Services said: “The Engage and Educate Fund is a great example of Government, corporate leadership and social innovation coming together to drive real societal change. I look forward to seeing these projects bring sustainable change in their communities over the coming months.”

Awarded projects will receive a share of the significant fund including a cash grant and non-financial supports, similar to those provided by venture capital companies to commercial enterprises. Non-profit organisations, educational institutions and community groups across Ireland are encouraged to apply for funding before 5 April 2017. Eligible projects can also include adult education or physical education for disadvantaged adults, young people or children.

Applications can be made through the Social Innovation Fund Ireland website here. To find out more about the Fund, click here to watch a webinar for insights on how to apply.

The content of this article is provided for information purposes only and does not constitute legal or other advice.