New ‘Open Fund’ for Social Enterprises Announced
A new €250,000 social enterprise fund has been launched in South Dublin County – and is seeking applications from enterprises and entrepreneurs, focused on making a social impact in the community.
The ‘open’ fund has been announced by Clondalkin based Oakfield Trust and is to the value of €50,000 per annum for five years.
The fund will be released in two phases of €25,000 during each year, with the first application window open from 30 March until 12 May.
Oakfield Trust is a Clondalkin based social enterprise and registered charity which has been successfully supporting community organisations and social enterprises in the locality for 26 years.
During that time it has provided a range of property-based supports to a number of projects in the Clondalkin area including: feasibility studies, start-up grants, business development supports, project loans, project management and capacity development.
The new social enterprise fund is its first ‘open fund’ which any interested and relevant party can apply for. Applications will particularly be encouraged from the Clondalkin and South Dublin County areas, but projects which reach outside the locality or nationwide will also be considered.
Oakfield Trust Chairperson Aileen O’Donoghue said she was delighted to announce the fund – and looked forward to the progress, energy and positivity it will build within communities.
The open fund includes three categories which are:
- ‘Scale Up’ funding up to €10,000 for an established social enterprise or entrepreneur
- ‘Get Started’ funding up to €5,000 to develop a new social enterprise idea towards start-up
- ‘Explore Award’ to enable an applicant to explore an idea which addresses a social issue.
International Conference on Social Enterprise in Ireland, 24 May
Oakfield Trust is also delighted to announce that it will host an international conference this May. The conference titled Social Enterprise in Ireland: Achieving Real Social Impact and Developing the Social Enterprise Space will take place on Wednesday, 24 May at the Wood Quay Venue in central Dublin from 9.45am to 1pm.
It will include a combination of international experts speaking, panel discussions featuring key figures in the sector, and established success stories presenting their experiences.
Oakfield Trust is looking forward to some open and interesting discussion on what real and practical social impact looks like, and how those active in the sector can collectively grow social enterprise practice in Ireland.
More information on the conference and registration is available on eventbrite, or via www.oakfieldtrust.ie