Rethink Ireland and Irish Life have today launched the Inner City Dublin Fund, a new €2 million, three-year initiative also supported by the Department of Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht via the Dormant Accounts Fund.
The fund will support up to eight innovative, community-led initiatives that strengthen wellbeing, safety, cohesion, and inclusion across Dublin’s core communities.
Organisations that amplify underrepresented voices, particularly youth, migrants, and people affected by addiction or inequality are encouraged to apply.
The fund represents Rethink Ireland’s largest investment focused on Dublin City communities and its largest single-donor contribution to a place-based fund.
It will focus on improving wellbeing and belonging for people living in the inner-city, particularly those most affected by isolation, poor mental health, addiction, or exclusion.
By investing in community-based initiatives that build trust, resilience, and connection, the fund aims to create safer and more inclusive neighbourhoods throughout the inner-city.
Awardees will receive financial support, alongside tailored business and capacity-building supports as part of Rethink Ireland’s Accelerator Programme to help them scale their impact and strengthen their long-term sustainability.
Awardees will also get access to Irish Life’s Community Impact Hub, which is a new dedicated space in Dublin 1 to foster collaboration and networking.
Irish Life have committed to pledge 1% of pre-tax base earnings annually, based on a three-year average, to improve the wellbeing of communities, the environment and broader society which includes the €2 million for the Inner-City Dublin Fund.
On the launch of the fund, Deirdre Mortell, CEO, Rethink Ireland, said: “Dublin’s inner-city is home to strong, diverse communities and organisations that understand first-hand the challenges people face.
“This fund represents an important first for Rethink Ireland, with a dedicated focus on community-led responses to addiction, isolation, poor mental health, and exclusion.
“Through this partnership, we want to back local solutions that strengthen connection and wellbeing, while demonstrating the important role corporate partnerships and philanthropy can play in tackling complex social challenges.”
Commenting on the partnership with Rethink Ireland, Declan Bolger, CEO, Irish Life, said: “Irish Life has been part of the Dublin 1 community since we opened our first offices here in 1939, and we are proud to continue that connection through our partnership with Rethink Ireland, the Department of Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht. This €2m fund, part of a wider commitment being undertaken by Irish Life, will support organisations rooted in inner-city Dublin, helping them create opportunities and build stronger connections for the people they serve.”
Minister of State for Community Development and Charities Jerry Buttimer T.D. added: “The Inner City Dublin Fund is a strong example of Ireland’s National Philanthropy Policy coming to life, bringing Government funding and philanthropy together to tackle important social issues.
“By combining support from the Dormant Accounts Fund with philanthropic investment, we can strengthen community-led responses to challenges including addiction, isolation, poor mental health and social exclusion.
“This partnership demonstrates what can be achieved when government, philanthropy and communities work together to create lasting social impact.”
The Inner City Dublin Fund is now open for applications, closing 20 November 2026. Visit rethinkireland.ie for more information.