The RISE Community Fund supported by National Broadband Ireland and Granahan McCourt is aimed at addressing the rural digital divide and will award 5 monthly grants of €1,000 each to empower local businesses, community groups, farms and social enterprises to enhance their digital strategy. The Fund offers an immediate financial injection into your local community, boosting the digital ecosystem.
RISE Community Fund
Supported by NBI
National Broadband Ireland
National Broadband Ireland is a private company contracted by the Irish Government to design, build and operate a new high-speed fibre broadband network for communities Ireland across rural Ireland under The National Broadband Plan (NBP). The NBP is the largest ever telecommunications project undertaken by the Irish State. It aims to radically transform the country’s broadband landscape through the delivery of quality, affordable high-speed broadband to all parts of Ireland where such services would not be delivered commercially.
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The work being undertaken by NBI, over a multi-year build programme, will cover 96% of the landmass of Ireland, reaching over 554,000 homes, farms, schools and businesses.
The social and economic impact of the NBP will be transformational and will ensure that all people and businesses have access to high-speed broadband, no matter where they live, work or play.
Learn more about NBI and the team delivering Ireland’s most ambitious project for the future at www.nbi.ie
Start Your Fund Application
Fund ApplicationLocations and Deadlines
County Clare
Start Date: September 1st 2023 / Application Deadline: September 30th 2023 / Successful Applicants Announced: October 9th 2023
Your organisation must be located within the County selected for that calendar month.
County Wicklow
Start Date: October 1st 2023 / Application Deadline: October 31st 2023 / Successful Applicants Announced: November 13th 2023
Your organisation must be located within the County selected for that calendar month.
County Wexford
Start Date: November 1st 2023 / Application Deadline: November 30th 2023 / Successful Applicants Announced: December 13th 2023
Your organisation must be located within the County selected for that calendar month.
County Leitrim
Start Date: December 1st 2023 / Application Deadline: December 27th 2023 / Successful Applicants Announced: January 12th 2024
Your organisation must be located within the County selected for that calendar month.
County Donegal
Start Date: August 1st 2023 / Application Deadline: August 31st 2023 / Successful Applicants Announced: September 12th 2023
Your organisation must be located within the County selected for that calendar month.
County Monaghan
Start Date: July 1st 2023 / Application Deadline: July 31st 2023 / Successful Applicants Announced: August 10th 2023
Your organisation must be located within the County selected for that calendar month.
County Kilkenny
Start Date: June 1st 2023 / Application Deadline: June 30th 2023 / Successful Applicants Announced: July 7th 2023
Your organisation must be located within the County selected for that calendar month.
County Cork
Start Date: May 2nd 2023 / Application Deadline: May 31st 2023 / Successful Applicants Announced: June 13th 2023
Your organisation must be located within the County selected for that calendar month.
County Limerick
Start Date: April 3rd 2023 / Application Deadline: April 30th 2023 / Successful Applicants Announced: May 13th 2023
Your organisation must be located within the County selected for that calendar month.
County Westmeath
Start Date: March 1st 2023 / Application Deadline: March 26th 2023 / Successful Applicants Announced: April 6th 2023
Your organisation must be located within the County selected for that calendar month.
County Galway
Start Date: February 1st 2023 / Application Deadline: February 28th 2023 / Successful Applicants Announced: March 13th 2023
Your organisation must be located within the National Broadband Plan within the County selected for that calendar month. Check your eligibility by inserting your eircode on the NBI Network Map.
County Mayo
Start Date: January 2nd 2023 / Application Deadline: January 31st 2023 / Successful Applicants Announced: February 13th 2023
Your organisation must be located within the National Broadband Plan within the County selected for that calendar month. Check your eligibility by inserting your eircode on the NBI Network Map.
County Louth
Start Date: December 1st 2022 / Application Deadline: January 10th 2023 / Successful Applicants Announced: January 13th 2023
Your organisation must be located within the National Broadband Plan within the County selected for that calendar month. Check your eligibility by inserting your eircode on the NBI Network Map.
County Tipperary
Start Date: November 1st 2022 / Application Deadline: November 30th 2022 / Successful Applicants Announced: December 15th 2022
Your organisation must be located within the National Broadband Plan within the County selected for that calendar month. Check your eligibility by inserting your eircode on the NBI Network Map.
Macra na Feirme Partnership
Start Date: October 30th 2022 / Application Deadline: November 30th 2022 / Successful Applicants Announced: December 13th 2022
RISE Community Fund supported by NBI has a new partnership with Macra na Feirme, offering cash grants to entrepreneurial farmers with plans to use technology in innovative ways.
County Kerry
Start Date: October 3rd 2022 / Application Deadline: October 31st 2022 / Successful Applicants Announced: November 15th 2022
Your organisation must be located within the National Broadband Plan within the County selected for that calendar month. Check your eligibility by inserting your eircode on the NBI Network Map.
County Sligo
Start Date: September 1st 2022 / Application Deadline: September 30th 2022 (5pm GMT) / Successful Applicants Announced: October 13th 2022
Your organisation must be located within the National Broadband Plan within the County selected for that calendar month. Check your eligibility by inserting your eircode on the NBI Network Map.
Castlebar, Dundalk & Gort and surrounding townlands
Start Date: August 2nd 2022 / Application Deadline: September 1st 2022 (5pm GMT) / Successful Applicants Announced: September 12th 2022
View list of Castlebar and surrounding townlands. View list of Dundalk and surrounding townlands. View list of Gort and surrounding townlands. *Locations are subject to change.
Carlow, Wexford & Kilcoole and surrounding townlands
Start Date: July 1st 2022 / Application Deadline: August 1st 2022 (5pm GMT) / Successful Applicants Announced: August 4th 2022
View list of Carlow and surrounding townlands. View list of Wexford and surrounding townlands. View list of Kilcoole and surrounding townlands. *Locations are subject to change.
Galway, Ballinasloe & Roscommon and surrounding townlands
Start Date: June 1st 2022 / Application Deadline: June 28th 2022 (5pm GMT) / Successful Applicants Announced: July 7th 2022
View list of Galway and surrounding townlands. View list of Ballinasloe and surrounding townlands. View list of Roscommon and surrounding townlands. *Locations are subject to change.
Cavan and surrounding townlands
Start Date: May 2nd 2022 / Application Deadline: May 25th 2022 (5pm GMT) / Successful Applicants Announced: June 7th
View list of surrounding townlands. *Locations are subject to change.
Carrigaline and surrounding townlands
Start Date: March 14th 2022 / Application Deadline: April 15th 2022 (5pm GMT) / Successful Applicants Announced: May 1st 2022
View list of surrounding townlands. *Locations are subject to change.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I submit my application?
All applications must be submitted through the RISE website application link.
Who is eligible?
All applicants must be over 18 years of age and operate within the monthly Community Fund Location area (Please see the calendar above).
What initiatives does the Community Fund support?
Each applicant’s submission must support the positive impact of technology on their project highlighting an identified digital need. Non-technology related applications will not be considered.
Can you make more than one application?
Each organisation can submit only one application in each community location area within the indicated deadline. Please note the deadline for your area as late applications will not be considered (Please see calendar above).
How many grants are allocated?
5 monthly grants of €1,000 in each community location chosen by RISE.
Who will decide which applicants are successful?
The RISE Team and Board will review, shortlist and decide the successful applicants.
How and when do applicants find out where they are in the selection process?
We will contact all applicants by phone or email after final decisions have been made between 4-6 weeks after the application has been submitted.
How will I receive the €1,000 grant funds?
Each successful applicant will receive their €1,000 grant via Electronic Funds Transfer (EFT). We will require a recent bank statement matching the organisation’s name to facilitate quick payment.
Terms & Conditions
- You are 18 years of age or older.
- You have given full and truthful information, both verbal and written, at all stages of the application and selection process.
- Each applicant’s submission must support the positive impact of technology on their project highlighting an identified digital need. Non-technology related applications will not be considered.
- RISE/NBI will hold the personal details which you submitted with your application form and will not share with third parties.
- Awardees will be requested to take part in publicity about the grants and allow NBI and RISE to publish the names and images of successful applicants.
- Awardees will be contacted by RISE to share updates on their project’s progress and outcomes.
- Awardees will be expected to share the successful outcomes of their projects in supporting other organisations where relevant and sharing best practice.
- Applicants must be located within the community fund location calendar and within the deadline dates listed.
- Due diligence is critical to RISE, organisations must be able to satisfy by supplying additional information upon request
- Annual turnover must not exceed €500,000
- By sending in your application, you accept these terms & conditions and privacy statement.
Latest News
1st August 2023
RISE Community Fund Awards Cash Grants in Cork
RISE Community Fund Awards Cash Grants in Cork
1st August 2023
Three community groups and two small businesses in county Cork have received a quick cash injection to invest in new technology thanks to the RISE Community Fund supported by National Broadband Ireland (NBI) and Granahan McCourt.
Press-release1st August 2023
RISE Community Fund Awards Cash Grants in Kilkenny
RISE Community Fund Awards Cash Grants in Kilkenny
1st August 2023
A primary school, small business and three community groups in county Kilkenny have received a quick cash injection to invest in new technology thanks to the RISE Community Fund supported by National Broadband Ireland (NBI) and Granahan McCourt.
Press-release30th June 2023
RISE Community Fund Awards Cash Grants in Limerick
RISE Community Fund Awards Cash Grants in Limerick
30th June 2023
A primary school and five community groups in Limerick have received a quick cash injection to invest in new technology thanks to the RISE Community Fund supported by National Broadband Ireland (NBI) and Granahan McCourt.
Press-release30th April 2023
RISE Community Fund Awards Five Cash Grants in Westmeath
RISE Community Fund Awards Five Cash Grants in Westmeath
30th April 2023
Five community groups in Westmeath have received a quick cash injection to invest in new technology thanks to the RISE Community Fund supported by National Broadband Ireland (NBI) and Granahan McCourt.
Press-release6th April 2023
RISE Community Fund Awards Four Cash Grants in Louth
RISE Community Fund Awards Four Cash Grants in Louth
6th April 2023
Four community groups in Louth have received a quick cash injection to invest in new technology thanks to the RISE Community Fund supported by National Broadband Ireland (NBI) and Granahan McCourt.
Press-release31st March 2023
RISE Community Fund Awards Five Cash Grants in Galway
RISE Community Fund Awards Five Cash Grants in Galway
31st March 2023
Five community groups in Galway have received a quick cash injection to invest in new technology thanks to the RISE Community Fund supported by National Broadband Ireland (NBI) and Granahan McCourt.
Press-release23rd March 2023
Local Mayo community groups receive technology grants
Local Mayo community groups receive technology grants
23rd March 2023
Four community groups and a charity in Mayo have received a quick cash injection to invest in new technology thanks to the RISE Community Fund supported by National Broadband Ireland (NBI) and Granahan McCourt.
Press-release1st March 2023
Local Tipperary community groups express delight at receiving cash injection to invest in new technologies
Local Tipperary community groups express delight at receiving cash injection to invest in new technologies
1st March 2023
Four community groups and a primary school in Tipperary have received a quick cash injection to invest in new technology thanks to the RISE Community Fund supported by National Broadband Ireland (NBI) and Granahan McCourt.
Press-release12th December 2022
€25,000 donation to SVP Killarney and RISE grants to six local groups as National Broadband Ireland marks milestone in Kerry
€25,000 donation to SVP Killarney and RISE grants to six local groups as National Broadband Ireland marks milestone in Kerry
12th December 2022
A €25,000 donation has been made to the Society of St. Vincent de Paul (SVP) local conference in Killarney to help individuals and families over the Christmas period.
Press-release19th December
Thank you for all your support in 2022 and Merry Christmas
Thank you for all your support in 2022 and Merry Christmas
19th December
Thank you for all your support in 2022 and wishing you and your families a very Merry Christmas and a joyous and gracious New Year.
From the RISE Global Foundation Family.
Watch Video1st November 2022
€1,000 grant scheme now open for Tipperary companies and community groups
€1,000 grant scheme now open for Tipperary companies and community groups
1st November 2022
The RISE Community Fund supported by National Broadband Ireland (NBI), the company delivering the National Broadband Plan (NBP), has announced that applications for its grants to small businesses, farms, community groups and social enterprises are now open in Tipperary.
Press-release31st October 2022
RISE Community Fund partners with Macra na Feirme to award cash grants to entrepreneurial young farmers
RISE Community Fund partners with Macra na Feirme to award cash grants to entrepreneurial young farmers
31st October 2022
RISE Community Fund supported by NBI has a new partnership with Macra na Feirme, offering cash grants to entrepreneurial farmers with plans to use technology in innovative ways.
Press-release25th October 2022
Inaugural NBI Social Spins Cycle | Funds raised for the RISE Community Fund supported by NBI
Inaugural NBI Social Spins Cycle | Funds raised for the RISE Community Fund supported by NBI
25th October 2022
Funds raised for the RISE Community Fund supported by NBI
Watch Video4th October 2022
€1,000 grant scheme now open for Kerry companies and community groups
€1,000 grant scheme now open for Kerry companies and community groups
4th October 2022
The RISE Community Fund supported by National Broadband Ireland (NBI), the company delivering the National Broadband Plan (NBP), has announced that applications for its grants to small businesses, farms, community groups and social enterprises are now open in Kerry.
Press-release1st September 2022
€1,000 grant scheme now open in County Sligo for small businesses, community groups and social enterprises
€1,000 grant scheme now open in County Sligo for small businesses, community groups and social enterprises
1st September 2022
The RISE Community Fund supported by National Broadband Ireland (NBI), the company delivering the National Broadband Plan (NBP), has announced that applications for its grants to small businesses, community groups and social enterprises are now open in County Sligo.
Press-release1st September 2022
RISE Community Fund Awards Five Cash Grants in Carlow, Wexford and Kilcoole
RISE Community Fund Awards Five Cash Grants in Carlow, Wexford and Kilcoole
1st September 2022
Five community groups in Carlow, Wexford and Kilcoole have received a quick cash injection thanks to the RISE Community Fund supported by National Broadband Ireland (NBI), the company delivering the National Broadband Plan (NBP).
Press-release2nd August 2022
The Cottage Market Cavan on how it will use the RISE Community funding
The Cottage Market Cavan on how it will use the RISE Community funding
2nd August 2022
Five community groups in Cavan have received grants of €1,000 through the RISE Community Fund.
The fund is supported by National Broadband Ireland and provides grants to give immediate cash injections to local communities seeking to boost their digital footprint.
Cavan was one of the first locations to benefit from the fund. The successful groups were Shercock Killan Rural Development, Templeport Resource Centre, and the Cavan Federation Irish Country Women’s Association. Mullahoran Community Centre and the Cottage Market Cavan also benefitted.
For tonight’s edition of the Bottom Line, we caught up with Imelda Mullen from the Cottage Market Cavan.
Listen Back1st August 2022
RISE Community Fund Opens Grant Applications in Castlebar, Dundalk, Gort and surrounding townlands
RISE Community Fund Opens Grant Applications in Castlebar, Dundalk, Gort and surrounding townlands
1st August 2022
The RISE Community Fund supported by National Broadband Ireland (NBI), the company delivering the National Broadband Plan (NBP), has today announced that applications for its grants to small businesses, community groups and social enterprises are now open in Castlebar, Dundalk, Gort and surrounding townlands.
Press-release4th July 2022
RISE Community Fund Opens Grant Applications in Carlow, Wexford, Kilcoole and surrounding townlands
RISE Community Fund Opens Grant Applications in Carlow, Wexford, Kilcoole and surrounding townlands
4th July 2022
The RISE Community Fund supported by National Broadband Ireland (NBI), the company delivering the National Broadband Plan (NBP), has today announced that applications for its grants to small businesses, community groups and social enterprises are now open in Carlow, Wexford, Kilcoole and surrounding townlands.
Press-release31st May 2022
RISE Community Fund Opens Grant Applications in townlands across Galway and Roscommon
RISE Community Fund Opens Grant Applications in townlands across Galway and Roscommon
31st May 2022
The RISE Community Fund supported by National Broadband Ireland (NBI), the company delivering the National Broadband Plan (NBP), has today announced that applications for its grants to small businesses, community groups and social enterprises are now open in townlands across County Galway and County Roscommon.
Press-release26th May 2022
RISE Community Fund Awards Five Cash Grants in Cavan and Surrounding Townlands
RISE Community Fund Awards Five Cash Grants in Cavan and Surrounding Townlands
26th May 2022
Five community groups in Cavan have received a quick cash injection thanks to the RISE Community Fund supported by National Broadband Ireland (NBI), the company delivering the National Broadband Plan (NBP).
Press-release23rd May 2022
RISE Community Fund Awards Four Cash Grants in Carrigaline and Surrounding Townlands
RISE Community Fund Awards Four Cash Grants in Carrigaline and Surrounding Townlands
23rd May 2022
Four community groups in Carrigaline have received a quick cash injection thanks to the RISE Community Fund supported by National Broadband Ireland (NBI), the company delivering the National Broadband Plan (NBP).
Press-release5th May 2022
RISE Community Fund opens grant applications in Cavan - Anglo Celt
RISE Community Fund opens grant applications in Cavan - Anglo Celt
5th May 2022
Money available for groups seeking to improve digital systems
Grants are available for small businesses, community groups and social enterprises in Cavan and surrounding townlands to improve their digital systems.
The RISE Community Fund is inviting applications under the programme, which is supported by National Broadband Ireland (NBI), the company delivering the National Broadband Plan (NBP).
Read Article3rd May 2022
Northern Sound Radio Interview
Northern Sound Radio Interview
3rd May 2022
The RISE Community Fund has opened for applications in Co Cavan.
The fund is supported by National Broadband Ireland and provides monthly grants to give immediate cash injections to local communities seeking to boost their digital footprint.
Cavan is one of the first locations to benefit from the RISE Community Fund, and up to five grants of €1000 will be available to successful applicants.
Listen Back31st March 2022
Carrigaline set to benefit from RISE grants - Cork's 96FM
Carrigaline set to benefit from RISE grants - Cork's 96FM
31st March 2022
The Rise Community Fund supported by National Broadband Ireland is inviting applications for its grants scheme in Carrigaline and surrounding areas. RISE provides monthly grants around the country for local communities seeking to boost their digital eco-systems. Following deployment of NBI’s new high-speed fibre broadband network,Carrigaline is the first location to benefit form the RISE Community Fund and five grants of 1,000 euro will be available to successful applicants.
Read Article23rd March 2022
Digital Funding Available For Community Groups - The Echo (Cork)
Digital Funding Available For Community Groups - The Echo (Cork)
23rd March 2022
Small businesses, community groups and social enterprises in Carrigaline and surrounding townlands are being invited to apply for funding under the RISE Community Fund.
Read Article22nd March 2022
RISE Community Fund Opens Grant Applications in Carrigaline
RISE Community Fund Opens Grant Applications in Carrigaline
22nd March 2022
(Left to Right) David McCourt, Founder of RISE and Chairman of National Broadband Ireland; Orla O’Malley, Programme Director of the RISE Global Foundation; and Peter Hendrick, CEO of National Broadband Ireland.
Press-release19th March 2022
€5k digital grant for Carrigaline enterprises - Echo Live
€5k digital grant for Carrigaline enterprises - Echo Live
19th March 2022
THE Carrigaline area is set to benefit from a €5,000 grant scheme aimed at boosting the community’s digital ecosystems. The Rise community fund will dole out five monthly grants of €1,000 to businesses, community groups, and social enterprises to enhance their digital strategies.
Read Article17th March 2022
NBI launches fund to support rural communities - Agriland.ie
NBI launches fund to support rural communities - Agriland.ie
17th March 2022
National Broadband Ireland (NBI), the company delivering the National Broadband Plan (NBP), has announced its partnership with RISE Global Foundation, to support rural communities. RISE Global Foundation is a privately funded foundation launched last year to empower businesses and social enterprises across rural Ireland, by combining technology with an entrepreneurial mindset.
Read Article16th March 2022
NBI, Rise Global Foundation launch community fund - TechCentral.ie
NBI, Rise Global Foundation launch community fund - TechCentral.ie
16th March 2022
National Broadband Ireland (NBI), the company delivering the National Broadband Plan (NBP), has partnered with Rise Global Foundation, the privately funded foundation launched last year to empower businesses and social enterprises across rural Ireland by combining technology with an entrepreneurial mindset.
Read Article16th March 2022
NBI Partners with RISE Global Foundation to Launch Community Fund - Irish Tech News
NBI Partners with RISE Global Foundation to Launch Community Fund - Irish Tech News
16th March 2022
National Broadband Ireland (NBI) has announced its partnership with RISE Global Foundation, the privately funded foundation launched last year to empower businesses and social enterprises across rural Ireland by combining technology with an entrepreneurial mindset.
The partnership sees the launch of the RISE Community Fund supported by NBI, and is set to award grants to empower local businesses, community groups and social enterprises to enhance their digital strategies.
Read Article15th March 2022
RISE Global Foundation Partners with NBI to Launch Community Fund
RISE Global Foundation Partners with NBI to Launch Community Fund
15th March 2022
Tara Collins, CMO, NBI; David McCourt, Chairman, NBI & RISE Global Foundation; Minister Heather Humphreys, Minister for Rural and Community Development & Minister for Social Protection and Peter Hendrick, CEO, NBI announcing the launch of the RISE Community Fund supported by NBI.
Press-releaseGrant Recipients
- 121 Digital, Co. Wicklow
- Achonry Farmers Market, Co. Sligo
- Ballinderreen Community Centre, Co. Galway
- Ballycanew Ballyoughter Community Development Association, Co. Wexford
- Banna Community Rescue Boats, Co. Kerry
- Bree Community Development Group, Co. Wexford
- Brockagh Resource Centre, Co. Wicklow
- Cabragh Wetlands Trust. Co. Tipperary
- Carrigaline GAA Club, Co. Cork
- Carrigaline Mens Sheds, Co. Cork
- Castlelyons Community Centre, Co. Cork
- Cheshire, Co. Kerry
- Clonoulty Rossmore Community First Responder group, Co. Tipperary
- Comharchumann Mhic Dara, Co. Galway
- Community of Lough Arrow Social Project CLG, Co. Sligo
- Cottage Market Cavan, Co. Cavan
- Courtbrack Community Centre, Co. Cork
- Creggs Rural Development, Co. Galway
- Drom Community Centre, Co. Tipperary
- Foodie Save Ltd, Co. Mayo
- ICA Cavan Federation, Co. Cavan
- Inch Community Council, Co. Kerry
- Inishbofin Development Company CLG, Co. Galway
- Island OrganiX, Co. Kerry
- Kilchreest Community Recreational Group, Co. Galway
- Killarney Cardiac Response Unit, Co. Kerry
- Killoscully Development Association, Co. Tipperary
- Listowel Community Centre, Co. Kerry
- Midlands Polish Community, Co. Roscommon
- Mullahoran Community Centre, Co. Monaghan
- Neurology Support Centre, Co. Sligo
- Organic Growers Ireland, Co. Galway
- Parke Community Hall CLG, Co Mayo
- Ray Community Centre, Co. Donegal
- Rossmore NS, Co. Tipperary
- Shercock Killann Rural Development Company, Co. Cavan
- Sligo Yacht Club, Co. Sligo
- Templeport Community Centre, Co. Cavan
- Tulsk Macra Community Hall, Co. Roscommon
- Wexford Farmers Market, Co. Wexford