People’s Impact Fund – Promoting Equitable Access to Employment
14th October 2024
The People’s Impact Fund, a collaborative initiative by Rethink Ireland, Deloitte Ireland and the Department of Rural and Community Development, is now accepting applications for its €500,000 fund aimed at empowering young adults through enhanced employability skills and employment facilitation.
This one-year fund is designed to promote equitable access to employment opportunities for disadvantaged youth across Ireland.
With youth unemployment in Ireland standing at 12% as of Q2 2024, significantly higher than the overall unemployment rate of 4.6%, the need for targeted support is critical.
The People’s Impact Fund aims to bridge this gap by funding innovative non-profit projects that equip young people aged 15-30 with the necessary skills to thrive in today’s job market.
“By investing in the future of our young people, we are not only addressing unemployment but also responding to the pressing skills shortages within our labour market,” said Harry Goddard, CEO of Deloitte Ireland.
“We are proud to collaborate with Rethink Ireland and the Department of Rural and Community Development to make a tangible difference in our communities.”
“This fund supports our WorldClass ambition to equip 300,000 people in Ireland, especially our young people, with the skills they’ll need for the challenges of tomorrow, it will be incredibly exciting to see what projects apply,” said Lorraine Griffin, Chairperson and Social Impact Partner for Deloitte Ireland.
The fund will provide cash grants and comprehensive business supports to up to four selected projects that tackle various challenges faced by young adults from marginalised communities.
These challenges include:
•Limited awareness of career options
•Insufficient technical or general skills
•Lack of supportive social networks
Rethink Ireland’s CEO Deirdre Mortell emphasised the importance of this initiative:
“The People’s Impact Fund is a vital step towards ensuring that all young people in Ireland have access to the resources they need to succeed. We believe that with the right support, every young adult can find their path to meaningful employment.”
Key Highlights of the initiative:
•Total Funding: €500,000 – €250,000 will come from the Dormant Accounts Fund and €250,000 will come from Deloitte Ireland
•Target Group: Young adults aged 15-30 facing employment barriers
•Application Deadline: Friday, 22nd November at 1 pm
•Support Offered: Cash grants and tailored business supports through Rethink Ireland’s Accelerator Programme.
Applications are now open for eligible non-profit organisations across the country. Find out more information and apply at www.rethinkireland.ie.
Pictured (l-r): Stephanie Walsh, Business Development Director, Rethink Ireland, Deirdre Mortell, CEO Rethink Ireland, Harry Goddard, CEO, Deloitte Ireland, Lorraine Griffin, Chairperson and Partner, Deloitte Ireland, Sinead Grogan, Chief HR Officer, Deloitte Ireland.
