News

Rethink Ireland, in partnership with the Michael Guinee Charitable Foundation and the Department of Rural and Community Development, are delighted to announce that Round 2 of the Clare Communities Fund is now open! (Please see here for more details)

We invite applications from projects and organisations that innovatively work to create more inclusive and resilient communities in County Clare, where every individual can participate in and benefit from inclusive initiatives that support a community-centred approach.

The fund offers a package of cash grants and non-financial supports for up to 8 projects* to help them expand and increase their social impact.

*Please Note: This is Open Call 2 of the Clare Communities Fund. Open Call 1 of the Clare Communities Fund closed on 28 of November 2025. The first cohort of 7 awardees have now been contracted, and we aim to support up to 8 awardees in the upcoming second cohort

This includes:
• Up to eight awards of up to €67,500 in total for the 18 months of the programme
• The non-financial supports include:
o a place on Rethink Ireland’s Accelerator Programme.
o business and capacity-building supports designed in consultation with successful projects on topics such as strategic planning, maximising your impact, communications, and fundraising.
• Access to Rethink Ireland’s networks.

Join one of our one-hour webinars which will provide information on fund eligibility and the application process and offer an opportunity to answer any questions you have. Register for an application clinic here:
• Wednesday 28th October at 11:00 am – Register here
• Wednesday 18th November at 11:00 am – Register here

We will also be hosting the following drop-in sessions; to address any additional queries you may have and support your application process:

• Thursday 5th November (in-person) 2:00 pm – 4:00 pm – Temple Gate Hotel, Ennis.
• Wednesday 25th November (online) 3:00 pm – 4:00 pm – Link here
• Wednesday 2nd December (online) 11:00 am – 12:00 pm – Link here

You can apply to the Clare Communities Fund via this online application. Applications are open from Monday, 19th October 2026 to Monday 7th December at 1pm. The full list of eligibility criteria can be found here on our website as well as details on how to submit your online application.