Programmes and Initiatives

The Programme for Government commits to progressing Ireland’s first National Philanthropy Policy. The purpose of the policy is to deepen understanding and knowledge, creating an enabling environment and accelerate engagement with philanthropy in Ireland for social good. The policy contains 21 actions, divided between the following strands: communications and awareness raising; data and research; stimulating and incentivising philanthropy; government and sectoral partnership; and capacity building.

A key action of the National Philanthropy Policy 2024-2028 is to promote cross sectoral partnership and unlock philanthropic potential to address key social issues. To advance this commitment, the Department of Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht launched a call in June 2025 for pilot place-based pilot projects which provided funding for a small number of projects that will test how collaboration between philanthropy, the Government and communities can deliver community led initiatives to address local challenges.

The aim of this call for place-based pilot projects was to support projects that:

1. Address identified local needs or challenges – social, economic or environmental.
2. Promote understanding and collaboration between philanthropy and government (both national and local government).
3. Test innovative, co-funding approaches to addressing key social issues.

The main objectives of the programme are to:

1. Bring together resources in a collaborative way to benefit the community in a defined geographical location.
2. Promote partnership and collaboration between communities, philanthropists, local government and local organisations.
3. Trial a co-funding approach to gain insights to inform future initiatives.

A total of 33 applications were received with 9 successful projects receiving funding from the Dormant Accounts Fund.

• A full list of successful projects is available here.
• Link to Press Release here.

The video collection of the successful pilot projects can be found below.

CityWise Education

Citywise Education supports young people reach and access third level education in a geographic area proven to have a much lower level of access to education than the national average.

Our Shared Plate, Neighbourhood Network

Our Shared Plate supports neighbourhoods to grow, cook and eat together, targeting vulnerable young people at risk of, or involved in criminal activity to improve their life options and participate positively in the community.

Changing Lives DLR

Changing Lives DLR steward multi-annual philanthropic funding for community initiatives across three themes; Supporting and working with infant children and their parents who face significant challenges; helping young people to thrive in school by providing additional supports to keep them engaged in their education and enabling older people to age well in the community.

Engage in Education

Engage in Education helps students progress to further and higher education, access meaningful employment opportunities, and ultimately realise their full potential.

Croom Family Resource Centre CLG

Croom Community Kitchen is a community-led initiative aimed at addressing rural food poverty, social isolation, and health inequalities.

JumpAGrade Pathways to Success

Pathways to Success is a tiered innovative, place-based academic and guidance support system targeting over 1,200 senior cycle students in areas of Cork City and County defined as disadvantages.

Hygiene Hub

Hygiene Hub addresses hygiene poverty by ensuring equitable access to essential hygiene products and raising awareness of hygiene as a human right through education and community partnership.

Common Knowledge

Common Knowledge focuses on sustainability, community empowerment, and environmental restoration in County Clare.

Legal Change Makers Programme in Limerick / Community Law and Mediation

Community Law and Mediation aims to empower disadvantages communities in Limerick to access justice by providing free legal advice clinics.