Social Innovation Fund- Children and YouthEducation Fund

The Children and Youth Education Fund has been created by Social Innovation Fund Ireland (SIFI) in partnership with the Department of Rural and Community Development. The Department of Rural and Community Development provides match funding for all philanthropic funds raised by Social Innovation Fund Ireland, via the Dormant Accounts Fund.

The aim of this fund is to improve access to higher and further education for students (including the full primary school cycle and up to the age of 25) who are affected by disability or disadvantage.

As part of the application requirements, SIFI are asking applicants to demonstrate that they have secured private or philanthropic funding for the duration of this fund. If the applicant is successful, SIFI will match their donation by providing a 50% uplift on their funds, as well as delivering other supports such as training, impact measurement, and capacity building.

SIFI are looking for innovative projects or programmes in Ireland that:

·         Improve the retention of youth learners up to age 25 who are affected by disadvantage or disability at level 1 to 8 on the National Framework of Qualifications (NFQ) or equivalent accredited programmes/courses,

·         Demonstrate movement of learners along the NFQ ladder or equivalent.

The Children and Youth Education Fund aims to have wide impact and will contribute to Ireland’s achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals.

Applicants must have not-for-profit legal status to be considered for the Children and Youth Education Fund. For example: charity, company limited by guarantee, trust etc.

How to apply:

The Children and Youth Education Fund application form is available here

The Children and Youth Education Fund is open for applications from 21st January 2019 to 17th May 2019.

Applicants are expected to be available for interviews between the 17th June – 28th June 2019