Who We Are

The Peter Kinney and Lisa Sandquist Foundation

The Peter Kinney and Lisa Sandquist Foundation is a spend down foundation focused solely on amplifying the voices of the most marginalised communities. Giving every member of society the support they need to thrive — equal access to education, a fair wage, the ability to buy a home, and live in a welcoming environment — can lead to a better Ireland for all.

The Peter Kinney and Lisa Sandquist Foundation leverages the collective power of our grantees who share our commitment to equity. We align our goals and resources to invest in communities, local leaders, and bold ideas to transform the lives of those who have been impacted by ingrained inequality.

What inspires us:

  • Address unmet needs
    Identify and fund organisations that are unlikely to get funding
  • Empower leaders
    Invest in minority leaders that can motivate and impact their communities and engage wider society
  • Create sustainability
    Provide multi-year funding so that organisations can plan strategically
  • Enable meaningful impact
    Seek innovative organisations that will have a meaningful impact on marginalised communities
  • Be the catalyst
    Embrace the risk of funding traditionally hard-to-fund organisations, especially if this encourages follow-on funding

Rethink Ireland

The Equality Fund is managed by Rethink Ireland. Rethink Ireland (previously Social Innovation Fund Ireland) provides cash grants and business support to charities and social enterprises working in Irish communities across the country. These are the organisations not just thinking differently, but who are putting their ideas into practice and building a more inclusive Ireland. We work with companies, families, individuals and foundations who understand new thinking in Ireland is needed. Funds raised by Rethink Ireland are matched by the Irish Government from the Dormant Accounts Fund.

Since our first year of operations in 2016, we have created a €65 million social innovation fund. We’ve partnered with companies, trusts, foundations, families and individuals to create 30 funds tackling issues such as inequality and educational disadvantage. We have supported 247 social innovations, which have reached 408,624 people. We’ve created over 500 jobs and helped almost 1,000 people into employment.

 

The Department of Rural and Community Development

The Department of Rural and Community Development was established on 19 July 2017. Their mission is “to promote rural and community development and to support vibrant, inclusive and sustainable communities throughout Ireland.”

 

The Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth

The Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth’s mission is to enhance the lives of children, young people, adults, families and communities, recognising diversity and promoting equality of opportunity.