RISE Community Innovation Fund

Launching January 2025

Overview

The RISE Community Innovation Fund will launch in January 2025 and provide grants to emerging innovators to empower their use of technology. Initially we will focus on the agricultural sector with a view to broadening our remit as the year progresses.

We will award quarterly grants of €10,000, €25,000 and €50,000 to individuals driving technological change in the field of agriculture and support all awardees with mentorship opportunities.

Read our simple step-by-step guide which will walk you through the application process once it goes live:

Please register your interest so we can contact you with additional information once the grant goes live:

How to Apply

How to Apply for the RISE Community Innovation Fund

The RISE Community Innovation Fund will officially open for applications in January 2025, providing quarterly grants of €10,000, €25,000, and €50,000 to individuals and organizations driving technological advancements in the agricultural sector. Here’s a simple step-by-step guide to walk you through the application process once it goes live.

01

Register Your Interest (Now)

Before the application period opens, you can register your interest. This allows us to send you important updates, reminders, and details about the application process as soon as it becomes available.

02

Review the Eligibility Criteria

Once the application process is live, ensure that you meet the basic eligibility criteria before starting your application. The RISE Community Innovation Fund focuses on:

  • Individuals or organizations working in the agricultural sector in the immediate with additional sectors to be added.
  • Projects or initiatives that demonstrate innovation through the use of technology.
  • Applicants must be based in Ireland with a clear plan to implement or scale their innovation.
  • Action: Review the full eligibility criteria provided on the application portal to ensure your project qualifies.

03

Gather the Required Documentation

To complete your application, you will need to provide several pieces of information and supporting documents. These may include:

  • Project Description: A detailed outline of your innovation, how it will benefit the agricultural sector, and how technology plays a role.
  • Budget Breakdown: A clear and concise budget that demonstrates how the grant funds will be used.
  • Implementation Plan: A timeline showing the stages of your project, from inception to completion.
  • Team/Individual Details: Information about you or your team, highlighting relevant experience and expertise.
  • Impact Statement: A statement explaining the potential impact your project will have on agriculture in rural communities in Ireland.
  • Action: Prepare these documents in advance so you’re ready to upload them once the application opens.

04

Complete the Online Application

Once you have everything ready, you can complete the online application. The form will take approximately 30-40 minutes to complete.

  • Action: Visit the RISE Community Innovation Fund Application on our website.
  • Fill out the required fields, upload your documents, and submit your application (if you wish to revisit your application before final submission a link will be generated automatically and sent to your email address)

05

Submit Your Application

After you’ve completed the application, make sure to review everything carefully before submitting. Check that all information is accurate, and all required documents are uploaded.

  • Action: Click the Submit button. You will receive an email confirmation that your application has been successfully submitted.

06

Await Shortlisting and Review

The RISE Community Innovation Fund team will review all applications and shortlist candidates based on their technological innovation and impact amongst other criteria. You will receive an update on your application status within 4-6 weeks.

  • Action: Await feedback, and if shortlisted, prepare for potential follow-up questions and an in-person interview with the judging panel.

07

Grant Award and Mentorship

Successful applicants will be notified by email and phone. In addition to receiving the grant, you will be paired with a matching mentor to support the growth and scalability of your project.

  • Action: Once you receive your grant, work with your mentor to ensure your project’s success, and keep the RISE team updated on your progress.

Important Dates

  • Applications Open: January 2025
  • Quarterly Grant Awards: March, June, September, December 2025
  • Application Review Period: 4-6 weeks after submission

We’re here to support you every step of the way. If you have any questions during the application process, please don’t hesitate to contact our team at orla@riseglobalfoundation.com.

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 Innovation 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.

Register your Interest

Register Interest