Chamber supports launch of Wexford Impact Fund

County Wexford Chamber
Wexford Impact Fund

County Wexford Chamber is delighted to partner with Rethink Ireland on the launch of the Wexford Impact Fund. The Fund is a transformative initiative dedicated to driving positive change and fostering innovation in County Wexford. It is designed to support groundbreaking social enterprises and impactful community projects, making a real difference in the lives of people across Wexford.

Join Us in Making a Difference

The Wexford Impact Fund is a philanthropic fund by Wexford people for Wexford people and is run by Rethink Ireland with GreenTech HQ as its first donor. The fund is now calling on visionary donors, especially individuals and Wexford businesses who share a passion for positive change, to join us on this exciting journey. By investing in this fund, donors will directly contribute to sustainable, impactful solutions that address the most pressing social challenges in the community.

Rethink Ireland’s mission is to raise a €500,000 fund, built from philanthropy (corporates, individuals, trusts and foundations) and match funding from the Government.

Wexford Impact Fund: Chamber support

“The Wexford Impact Fund represents a powerful opportunity for us to come together as a community and invest in our future,” said Paula Roche, CEO of County Wexford Chamber. “By supporting this fund, we are helping to drive meaningful change, foster innovation, and creating a better Wexford for generations to come. We are proud to partner with Rethink Ireland on this transformative initiative and call on all those who share our passion for progress to join us in making a lasting impact.”

For more information about the Wexford Impact Fund or to join as a valued donor, please contact: Padraic Vallely, Senior Philanthropy & Development Manager, Rethink Ireland.
Email: padraic@rethinkireland.ie

Applications will be assessed by external reviewers via interview panels with potential awardees.

Wexford Impact Fund
Pictured at the launch of the Wexford Impact Fund (l-r): Paula Roche, County Wexford Chamber CEO; Padraic Vallelly, Rethink Ireland; Minister James Browne TD; and Ed Murphy, CEO, GreenTech HQ.

Why Wexford?

Wexford is a vibrant and dynamic region with a rich cultural heritage, a strong sense of community, and a wealth of untapped potential. Here’s why we are focusing on Wexford:

  • Community Spirit: Wexford is renowned for its close-knit communities and a strong sense of solidarity. This provides a fertile ground for collaborative and impactful social initiatives.
  • Environmental Sustainability: Wexford has the natural resources and community interest needed to become a leader in sustainability. Investing in green social innovations will ensure long-term environmental health and resilience.

Driving Social Change

The Wexford Impact Fund aims to catalyse social change through:

  • Empowerment and Participation: By engaging local communities in decision-making processes and project implementation, we ensure that the solutions are tailored to the specific needs and aspirations of the people.
  • Innovation and Creativity: Supporting innovative ideas and creative approaches to problem-solving can lead to more effective and sustainable solutions. The fund prioritises projects that push boundaries and explore new possibilities.
  • Collaboration and Partnerships: Building strong partnerships between social enterprises, local businesses, government bodies, and community organisations is crucial for achieving systemic change. The fund encourages collaborative efforts to maximise impact.
  • Capacity Building: Strengthening the skills, knowledge, and resources of individuals and organisations within the community fosters long-term resilience and self-sufficiency. The fund invests in training, mentoring, and capacity-building initiatives.

For more information about the Wexford Impact Fund or to join as a valued donor, please contact: Padraic Vallely, Senior Philanthropy & Development Manager, Rethink Ireland.
Email: padraic@rethinkireland.ie

 

About Rethink Ireland

Rethink 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 also putting their ideas into practice and building a more inclusive Ireland. Rethink Ireland works with companies, families, individuals, foundations and the Irish Government who understand that new thinking in Ireland is needed.

Since its first year of operations in 2016, it has created a €109 million social innovation fund. It has partnered with companies, trusts, foundations, families and individuals to create funds tackling issues such as inequality and educational disadvantage. It has supported 448 social innovations, which have reached over one million people. It has created over 998 jobs and helped over 3,309 people into employment.

Main picture caption: County Wexford Chamber CEO Paula Roche pictured with Padraic Vallely, Senior Philanthropy & Development Manager, Rethink Ireland.