Overview

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.

Fund Application

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 Application

Locations and Deadlines

County Meath

Start Date: May 1st 2024 / Application Deadline: May 31st 2024 / Successful Applicants Announced: June 17th 2024

Your organisation must be located within the County selected for that calendar month.

County Kildare

Start Date: May 1st 2024 / Application Deadline: May 31st 2024 / Successful Applicants Announced: June 17th 2024

Your organisation must be located within the County selected for that calendar month.

County Dublin

Start Date: May 1st 2024 / Application Deadline: May 31st 2024 / Successful Applicants Announced: June 17th 2024

Your organisation must be located within the County selected for that calendar month.

Previous Locations

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.

Closed

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.

Closed

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.

Closed

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.

Closed

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.

Closed

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.

Closed

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.

Closed

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.

Closed

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.

Closed

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.

Closed

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.

Closed

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.

Closed

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.

Closed

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.

Closed
Macra na Feirme Partnership

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.

Closed

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.

Closed

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.

Closed

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.

Closed

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.

Closed

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.

Closed

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.

Closed

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.

Closed

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.

Testimonials

Joe

Wicklow Men's Shed

"You know when we apply for funding anywhere, it's very very hard to get it so when the RISE Global…

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Sylvester Burke

Sylvester Burke Farming

"I'd like to finish by thanking the RISE Global Foundation and their staff for their courteousness and for selecting my…

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Katherine Quiney

Kilmacanogue National School

"I think the fact that it's coming from a Community and hopefully going back into the community it is quite…

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Shane, Patty & Jenna

Shuttle Knit

"We're going to use the funding towards improving our online presence. We're going to upgrade our Shopify store so that…

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Katrina

The Multiple Sclerosis Society of Ireland

"We were absolutely trilled to get Grant from the RISE Global foundation and we are going to spend the money…

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Kieran McCroary

Castlefinn Tidy Towns

"I would like to thank first of all RISE for actually giving us the funding to to launch the Heritage…

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Declan Meehan

Milford and District Resource Centre

"We're so grateful to RISE Global Foundation and National Broadband Ireland for supporting rural communities through this grant round and…

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Rossnowlagh Community Group

Rossnowlagh Community Group

"On behalf of Rossnowlagh Community Group I would like to thank the RISE Global Foundation and National Broadband Ireland".

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Yoyo

Yoyo's Grub

"When I was doing the application it was absolutely painless. It was direct and clear. I think this is the…

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Corofin BCP

Corofin Future Planning Association

"We are very grateful to the RISE Global Foundation for the funding that they have offered to us. We have…

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Breandán O'Looney

Ballyea Community Group

"We are over the moon,. We're absolutely thrilled and delighted to be one of the participants in the funding and…

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Cathal Barry

Kilnaboy Group Water Scheme

"On behalf of Kilnaboy Group Water Scheme we'd really like to thank the RISE Global Foundation".

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Mags Liddy

East Clare Community Co-op

"On behalf of the East Clare Community Co-op we are so grateful to the RISE Global Foundation for giving this…

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Tristan Lienhard

AppleOak FibreWorks

"On behalf of AppleOak FibreWorks we'd like to thank the RISE Global Foundation for the funding that we got to…

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Paul McKenna

Emerald Isle Water

"I actually heard about the grant process on Northern Sound Radio. It's important for Rural businesses to get the support…

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Mary Lennon

Tullycorbet Community Development Association

"On behalf of Tullycorbet Community Development Association I say a big thank you to RISE Community Fund supported by NBI…

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Julie McGurk

Clones Youth Club

"We're so so grateful for the money, it will be very well spent and I know our young people are…

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Paula Coleman

Scoil nagCailini

"I would like to just publicly thank RISE Foundation for supporting us in this endeavour and I am very grateful…

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Kathleen Kirby

Caheragh Community Hall

"On behalf of Caheragh Community Association I would like to thank the RISE Foundation and National Broadband Ireland for giving…

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Claire Downey

West Cork Jesters

"We're really delighted to get this grant it makes a big difference to us. One of the first things we're…

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Alexis

Ebony Seed

"We want to thank you for giving us an opportunity to present what Ebony Seed is and what we're trying…

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Sheila Quealey

Schoolyard Theatre

"On behalf of the schoolyard I would love to thank RISE and NBI. There's two reasons, first reason obviously is…

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Victor Branagan

History Mystery, Graiguenamanagh

"We're very grateful for the money that we've received as it's been really useful to get this website to a…

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Dympna Hayes

Urlingford Junction 4

"This grant from the RISE Community Fund is hugely important support for our efforts by facilitating people who want to…

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Margaret Keane

St. Patricks NS, Clogh

"I was like look we need more technology for children, it's a very very simple process absolutely amazing".

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Teddy Marinell

Ballykeeffe Amphitheatre

"I applied for the funding myself I found it very simple and on behalf of Ballykeeffe Amphitheatre I'd like to…

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Cyril Killeen

Dóchas Midwest Autism Support

"We will be using the funding for the purchase of two laptops. At Dóchas Autism we would like to thank…

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Barry O'Halloran

Adare Recreation and Community Complex

"On behalf of not just myself but of the community of users that use this fantastic community we would like…

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Shelly O'Connor

Tournafulla Community Council

"On behalf of Tournafulla Community Council, I'd like to thank RISE Global Foundation for this grant and as it will…

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Jack O'Connor

Kantoher Development Group

"We're going to use the money to allow us remote access to the locking facility at Killeedy Eco Park. Disabled…

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Aine Callopy

Kilmallock Macra

"On behalf of everyone in the club like Kilmallock Macra I want to say a big thanks to RISE Global…

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RISE Panel Session

The Future Impact of Agritech in Ireland

Some of our RISE Community Fund successful Macra candidates share their innovative use of farm technology at our Agritech panel…

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Audrey Hession

Mill House Farm, Co. Galway

"We'll be using the grant funding to fund the website. We managed for 15 years without having a website. We…

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Laura Daley

Corrib Computing, Co. Galway

"We're a kids coding company based in County Galway. We teach Scratch coding and Microsoft Makecode coding. We also do…

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Cathal Granal

Comhlacht Forbartha An Spidéil

"The money will be spent on developing the website. We see the website has been very important to let people…

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Maura Hughes

Ballinasloe Town Hall Theatre

"On behalf of Ballinasloe Town Hall I'd like to thank RISE because everything helps. We all work hard and it's…

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Clodagh Ni Gholl Mullin

Coiste Meithil Oibre Kilenne Teoranta

"This grant was awarded for our facilities and what we wanted to buy was a television, an over-head projector, laptop…

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Eimear Nally

Bonny Bo Milk, Westmeath

"It goes a long way for me the €2,000 grant from RISE because as a small business owner a sole…

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Milltownpass Tidytowns

Co. Westmeath

"The application process I have to say was one of the simplest and more straightforward grants I have applied for…

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Westmeath Women's Sheds

Co. Westmeath

"Being able to get this grant was fantastic, it was an online application literally just a couple of questions, very…

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Caulry GAA

Co. Westmeath

"These grants are so important to us and that's why we're so grateful to the RISE Community Fund which is…

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Streete Parish Park and Sports Complex

Co. Westmeath

"We're delighted to receive this funding from the RISE Community Fund this grant funding will have a huge impact on…

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Womens Refuge

Co. Louth

"The funding that we received from the RISE Community Fund will go towards us as a service. Keeping up with…

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Mattock Rangers GAA Club

Collon, County Louth

"I would like to thank the RISE Community Fund for helping us to buy this video conferencing equipment. So we're…

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Urlaur Pattern & Family Fun Day Committee

County Mayo

"This grant is a godsend to the community. We were lacking the facilities due to funding and it will get…

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Pamela McCarthy

Castlelyons Community Center, County Cork

"We were delighted to receive funding from the RISE Community Fund and National Broadband Ireland. This funding has been used…

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Croí

Mayo

"It's a very easy application. We'd like to thank the RISE Community Fund in conjunction with NBI and Granahan McCourt…

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Balla Community Resources Development CLG

Co. Mayo

"The funding we've received goes a long way to creating a digital space which would be wheelchair accessible, open to…

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Ronnie Dorney

Courtbrack Community Center, County Cork

"Funding is crucial to the ongoing success of our new Community Centre. Organisations like The Rise are so incredibly supportive…

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Drom Community Centre

Co. Tipperary

"On behalf of the community and the schools and everybody who uses this we are very grateful to RISE for…

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Cabragh Wetlands

Co. Tipperary

"We are very grateful to a group like RISE Community Fund that will come in and it gives us a…

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Declan Meehan

Ray Community Centre, County Donegal

"The support we received from RISE was central to expanding our programme of safe and accessible connectivity in our rural…

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Teresa O'Connor

Rossmore National School, Co. Tipperary

"I'd like to thank RISE Global Foundation for the wonderful opportunity there after giving the pupils in our school. They've…

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Eoin Heverin

Foodie Save, Castlebar, County Mayo

"Foodie Save’s experience with RISE was fantastic! The funding we received was brilliant but there was so much more. The…

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Clonoulty Rossmore Community First Responder Group

Clonoulty Rossmore, Co. Tipperary

"On behalf of the Clonoulty Rossmore Parish and the Clonoulty Rossmore First Responder Group we would like to thank the…

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John Finnegan

Killoscully Development Association, Co. Tipperary

"We are thrilled to receive this grant from the RISE Community Fund with the support of NBI and Granahan McCourt.…

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Niall O'Regan

Ballyviniter, Co. Cork

"I was very appreciative to the RISE Global Foundation, it's very generous. It's a very worthwhile cause and it's great…

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Joanne Cushen

Goresbridge, Co. Kilkenny

"The funding will help us purchase these collars for our animals and obviously the more animals we have this technology…

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Fabian Jacob

Ballyragget, Co. Kilkenny

"I attended the national rally for a Macra and Macra in partnership with the RISE Foundation for promoting these grants…

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Darragh Haugh

Borrisokane, Co. Tipperary

"Funding that I've received is absolutely vital for the smaller business that I run. The way the system works is…

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Society of St. Vincent de Paul

Killarney

"We have the social housing. We have 25 apartments in Killarney at the moment and of those 25 there was…

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Maria O’Shea

Inch Community Group

"Inch Community Council has plans to purchase a sound bar to enhance their community meetings and educational classes".

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Paul O'Neil

Island OrganiX

"Starting up and getting a business off the ground can be so tough in many ways, especially in rural communities.…

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Ruth Doherty

Cheshire Kerry

"We here at Cheshire Ireland Kerry found the process to be very clear, easy and concise. We will be using…

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Killarney Cardiac Response Members

Killarney Cardiac Response

"With the help from Kerry County Council and RISE we received a lovely funding to cover radios. We need the…

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Josie & Brian Crean

Banna Community Rescue Boats

"With the NBI and RISE Community Fund we will actually purchase a new desktop computer and a multimedia overhead projector.…

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Oliver Lee

Achonry Farmers Market

"We'll be using the grant funding to install Broadband at the market in Achonry which will greatly enhance their ability…

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Imelda Mullen

The Cottage Market, County Cavan

"This grant from the RISE Community Fund and NBI makes a huge difference. We are hugely passionate about empowering our…

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Donegal Cycle Challenge

Supported by NBI

"We're here today to support the RISE Community Group which happens to be in the deployment area that NBI is…

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Eamonn Haran

Community of Lough Arrow Social Project CLG

"It's a big lift to CLAS to get the RISE Community Fund. We're going to purchase some essential IT equipment…

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Ken Draper

Sligo Yacht Club

"So we'll be using the community grant funding to add on payment options to our website and that will handle…

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Bernard Hayes

Neurology Support Centre, County Sligo

"We are delighted to receive this grant from the RISE Community Fund and NBI. With the help of the grant,…

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Dave Jordan

The Ballycanew Ballyoughter Community Development Association, County Wexford

"The Ballycanew Ballyoughter Community Development Association was delighted to receive funding from the RISE Community Fund, this funding will be…

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Storm Piper O'Neil

Brockagh Resource Centre, County Wexford

"We are excited to receive this grant from the RISE Community Fund and NBI. As a small community, we work…

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Fintan Mulligan

121 Digital, County Wicklow

"There can be a bad return on investment (of time & energy) applying for grant aid, if complicated and lengthy……

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Kathleen Farrelly

Cavan Irish Country Womens Assoc.

"For Cavan, the plan is to hire a tutor to train old folk like me how to use iPads and…

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Sean Carolan

Cavan

"Our organisation is responsible for the ongoing development of Shercock in County Cavan and surrounding areas. We are going to…

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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.

Grant 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