Clare Communities Fund (Round #2) Now Open for Applications
Apply to the Clare Communities Fund via this online application portal from Monday, 19 October 2026 to Monday, 7 December 2026 at 1 pm.
What is the Clare Communities Fund – Open Call 2 ?
Fund Overview
The Clare Communities Fund is a three-year collaborative initiative between Rethink Ireland, the Michael Guinee Charitable Foundation and the Department of Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht via the dormant Accounts Fund, dedicated to fostering participation, accessibility and social inclusion in County Clare through embodying a strong sense of community and wellbeing.
Through this partnership, the fund aspires to create more inclusive and resilient communities in County Clare, where every individual can participate in and benefit from inclusive initiatives that support a community-centred approach. Up to fifteen projects are being supported in total through two separate open calls.
- Note: This is Open Call 2 of the Clare Communities Fund. Open Call 1 of the Clare Communities Fund closed on 28 November 2025. The first cohort of 7 awardees have now been contracted and we aim to support up to 8 awardees in the upcoming second cohort
Objectives of the fund:
- Empower Local Communities: By supporting grassroots projects, the Clare Communities Fund will help communities address social inequalities and build resilience
- Enhance Social Inclusion: The fund aims to strengthen community ties and encourage collaboration by supporting innovative projects that bring communities together
- Promote Inclusion & Belonging: The fund will engage individuals from diverse backgrounds, particularly marginalised groups, in initiatives that foster inclusion
- Champion Innovation in the Arts: Through digital storytelling, immersive technologies, and creative industries, Clare can lead the way in integrating arts and technology to drive cultural innovation and industry growth
- Improve Mental Health and Wellbeing: The fund recognises the role of community, in enhancing mental health and well-being.
Open Call 2 of the Clare Communities Fund offers a package of cash grants and non-financial supports for up to eight projects to help them expand and increase their social impact.
This includes:
- Up to eight awards of up to €67,500 in total for the 18 months of the programme
The non-financial supports include:
- A place on Rethink Ireland’s Accelerator Programme
- Business and capacity-building supports designed in consultation with successful projects on topics such as strategic planning, impact management, communications and fundraising
- Access to Rethink Ireland’s networks.
* The Rethink Ireland Board will decide how much money to award, which may be less than the amount requested. The final award amount will depend on how many organisations are selected.
You will need to download the following document to complete your online application:
Clare Communities Fund Budget Template (compulsory)
We can only accept applications through our online portal, but you can download a word template of the following forms to help you complete your application:
- Clare Communities Fund Application Form (for reference only)
- Clare Communities Fund Webtext (Downloadable Version) (for reference only)
- Clare Communities Fund Management Accounts Template (If you do not already have management accounts).
APPLICATION CLINICS
You can apply to the Clare Communities Fund via this online application portal from Monday, 19 October 2026 to Monday, 7 December 2026 at 1 pm.
Want more information? Join one of our application clinics on Wednesday, 28 October and Wednesday, 18 November. These one-hour webinars will provide information on fund eligibility and the application process and offer an opportunity to answer any questions you have. Register for an application clinic here:
- Wednesday, 28 October at 11 am – Register here
- Wednesday, 18 November at 11 am – Register here
For any questions you may have, please contact [email protected]