FAQs

• Cash grants each year for three years*
• A strategic supports package to help organisations broaden and deepen their impact
• A place on Rethink Ireland’s Accelerator Programme. (You can find out more about the Accelerator Programme under “What happens if our project is successful?”)
• Project performance and impact management
• Access to Rethink Ireland’s networks of civil society, Government and donors

*The Rethink Ireland Board decides how much money to award which may be less than that requested. The award depends on how many organisations are selected.

The Equality Fund 2020-23 has closed for applications. To find out more about the successful projects, please visit the 2020 Awardees page.

Projects that are not eligible to apply are those:

• That do not seek to advance equality in Ireland
• Seeking funds for capital items such as buildings, vans, renovations or equipment
• Where research is the primary activity
• Promoting or aligned with a political party
• That only accept participants of a particular faith or religious denomination
• Where the main impact is outside the Republic of Ireland
• Led by people under 18 years of age

• Applicants under 18 years of age
• Commercial companies
• Rethink Ireland staff, directors and their immediate family members

If successful we will invite you to take part in our Accelerator Programme which includes:

• Mentoring
• Strategic planning
• Measuring the project’s impact
• Communications training
• Access to Rethink Ireland’s expertise and networks

Your project leader will be expected to devote at least two days a month to the programme.

The grant can only be used for the scope outlined in the application submitted.
Please note: the grant cannot be used to pay off debts or buy land, buildings or equipment.

Rethink Ireland’s board makes the final decision on award winners.

• Stage 1: Open call for applications
• Stage 2: Selection process
• Stage 3: Interviews
• Stage 4: Final checks on shortlisted applicants
• Stage 5: Final decision by Rethink Ireland’s board

• If invited to the next round of the application process, you will be asked to attend an interview which the project leader or representative must attend.
• If selected for an interview, we will share your application with the judges.
• The Rethink Ireland board of directors chooses the winning applications. Its decision is based on recommendations from a panel of judges. The board’s decision is final.
• The Equality Fund Manager may offer general verbal feedback to unsuccessful applicants who have reached the interview stage.

You can contact The Equality Fund Team at equality@rethinkireland.ie