The Equality Fund was set up in 2018 by The Peter Kinney and Lisa Sandquist Foundation in conjunction with Rethink Ireland to support marginalised communities in their struggle for a more just society. The Equality Fund receives match funding from the Department of Rural and Community Development, and the Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth to further these goals.
Our funding is based on a belief that solutions to combat systemic inequalities must come from the affected communities.
In its first year, The Equality Fund supported communities experiencing serial discriminations. This meant partnering with organisations dedicated to making Irish society more equal for LGBTI people, migrants, and those affected by gender-based violence.
A review of these activities led to extensive research in the areas of equality funding and identifying the essential needs of Ireland’s minority and marginalised communities. You can read the research report in full HERE.
The outcome of that work has helped to shape The Equality Fund for 2020-23 which includes three strands: Empowering Women, Strengthening Communities, and Building Equality Together.