Rethink Ireland funds innovative Limerick projects with €672K impact fund

RETHINK Ireland, the funding body designed to create a more equal and sustainable Ireland, has announced the Limerick-based awardees of its Impact Fund for Munster.

The University of Limerick Foundation and The Limerick Theatre & Performance Hub (The GAFF), are among nine innovative organisations awarded a share of the €672,000 fund.

This will support projects leading green transition and sustainable development in Munster — both environmentally and socially. 

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The two focus areas for awarded projects, 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, 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.” 

Chairman of The GAFF, Padhraic Hastings 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 donor, Rob Parkes, from Parkes Properties said: “We’re proud to partner with Rethink Ireland once again on the Impact Fund for Munster. We are especially proud of the positive change these funds have made at a local level here in the Munster region.”  

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 business supports to help scale their impact.