· Funding made under Awareness Raising Initiative for Social Enterprise Scheme (ARISE)
· Scheme designed to raise awareness of Social Enterprises and their positive impact in our communities
On Friday 3rd December, Minister for Rural and Community Development, Heather Humphreys TD, announced funding of €680,000 for 50 organisations under a new initiative designed to raise awareness of the positive role played by Social Enterprises.
The Awareness Raising Initiative for Social Enterprise (ARISE) Scheme 2021 was set up to provide grants to Social Enterprises to help them promote the positive impact they have on their local communities.
Due to the high number of applications received by the Department, the overall level of grant funding being allocated was increased from €500,000 to €680,000.
Among the Social Enterprises to receive funding include:
· Féach, Co Wicklow: A support group for parents of blind and visually impaired children – €10,000
· Sensational Kids, Co Kildare: An organisation that provides subsidised therapy supports to children of all abilities – €9,000
· Siel Bleu Ireland, Co Dublin: Offers exercise supports for people in Residential and Day Care Centres – €10,000
· Comharchumann Forbartha Cill tSeadhna Teo, Co Mayo: Provides Meals on Wheels for Older People , along with a Community Laundry Service – €10,000
· Grow it Yourself, Co Waterford: Gives people the confidence and skills required to grow fruit and vegetables successfully – €10,000.
Announcing the funding, Minister Humphreys said:
“Throughout this Pandemic, we have seen many examples of the important role our Social Enterprises play within their local communities.
“As Minister, I want to help our Social Enterprises to grow and promote the really valuable contribution they make to Society.
“The ARISE Scheme is a new initiative that I announced earlier this year to help put a spotlight on the positive role played by our Social Enterprises.
“Today, (3rd December) I’m delighted to announce funding of €680,000 to support 50 Social Enterprise projects across the country.”
The Minister continued:
“This scheme will play a significant role in in fostering a common understanding of the value of Social Enterprise.
“Under Strand One of the Scheme, forty-two Social Enterprises will tell their story and highlight how their Social Enterprise is improving the lives of citizens.
“Under Strand Two of the Scheme, eight Social Enterprise network and support organisations will deliver more general or sectoral messages on what Social Enterprises are, and their potential to deliver sustainable and inclusive development and recovery.
“Today’s (3rd December) funding announcement will support the vital work being done across the Social Enterprise sector, and ensure that Social Enterprises continue to grow and develop.”