€1m available for community projects in Cork

Applications are now open for a million euro initiative designed to support innovative, community-led projects in Cork and the south of Ireland.

The €1.1 million Impact Fund 2025, launched by national funding body Rethink Ireland, will back up to eight high-impact projects.

Non-profit organisations in Cork with a focus on strengthening social inclusion, wellbeing, and environmental resilience on a local level can apply for the fund via rethinkireland.ie up until 1pm on 16 January 2026.

To be eligible to apply for Impact Fund 2025, projects must address a critical social issue while being innovative in an Irish context. A project must be based on the island of Ireland and must make its main impact in Munster or Wexford.

Eligible projects must come from an entity with a not-for-profit legal form and must have potential and a desire to scale or replicate in Ireland. A project must also provide evidence that it is already up and running or has been tested at least in a minimal way.

Speaking at the launch of Impact Fund 2025, Minister of State at the Department of Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht, Jerry Buttimer TD, said the initiative will put resources where they can have the greatest effect. “We know every county has pockets of disadvantage, and the most effective response is targeted, place-based support.”

Deirdre Mortell, CEO, Rethink Ireland, said: “Impact Fund 2025 underscores the power of investing in local solutions to deliver national impact. With this funding, we can help communities to thrive and create lasting change for generations to come.”

Since 2016, Rethink Ireland has invested over €15.8 million in supports for more than 150 projects in the Munster region, including Cork. Kinsale-based charity, Sailing Into Wellness, a not-for-profit social enterprise that delivers therapeutic sailing programmes, has already been awarded funding this year.

Sailing Into Wellness Co-founder Colin Healy said: “Thanks to the support of Rethink Ireland, we’ve been able to bring our therapeutic sailing programmes to those who need it most.

“This funding has turned our vision into action, using the sea as a unique setting to deliver wellbeing, inclusion, and transformation for people who might not otherwise have access. We’re more confident than ever that place-based investment like this delivers deep and lasting impact.

“We encourage other organisations to apply to the Impact Fund 2025 for the critical funding and capacity building supports it offers.”