Today I am launching a new Philanthropy Fund aimed at supporting charities, voluntary organisations and social enterprises through the COVID-19 crisis.
The Innovate Together fund involves a €5 million commitment from my department, the Department of Rural and Community Development and it will be supplemented by donations from the philanthropic sector.
Many organisations and community groups have lost income as a result of their shops closing during the crisis, while many essential fund-raising activities have had to be cancelled.
This fund will both support those organisations and encourage them to develop new income streams. We have already seen evidence of creativity in this respect with online fund-raising and events.
The new “normal” also involves investment in new ways of working and re-skilling of staff and volunteers.
It is vital that we support our charities, voluntary organisations, community groups and social enterprises so that they can continue to provide essential frontline services.
Applications are open today and I would urge all eligible Galway organisations and groups to apply.
The Innovate Together fund will be administered by Social Innovation Fund Ireland with grants of up to €200,000 available.
The first call for applications for the fund is open until May 27. Further details can be founded at the Department of Rural and Community Development website www.gov.ie/drcd and at http://www.socialinnovation.ie/innovate-together/ .
The Innovate Together Fund complements the €35 million Stability Fund launched earlier on Monday by Minister Michael Ring.
The Stability Fund is offering emergency funding for eligible charities and community groups.
Both funds are being financed by the Dormant Accounts Fund, which falls under my responsibility.
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