Five Cork projects to benefit from €400k through transition support fund

Five innovative non-profit projects in Cork, focused on addressing the challenges of green and digital transitions, are due to receive support from a €400,000 fund.

Among the projects awarded are the International Garden by Cork Migrant Centre; ECO-UNESCO Regional Hub; Bridging the Digital Divide by Cork Deaf Enterprises; Access Studio Project by Cork Community Media Hub; and Toy Library.

Their projects are part of the SEFIT (Social Ecosystems for Fair and Inclusive Transitions) Challenge Fund, a 10-month pilot collaboration between the municipalities of Cork and Turin.

Co-funded by the EU, the SEFIT Challenge Fund is managed by Rethink Ireland and Cork City Council.

Partnership

Organisers are working in partnership with their Italian counterparts, Fondazione Giacomo Brodolini (FGB) and the City of Turin.

The Irish SEFIT Challenge Fund is aligned with a recent consultation conducted by Cork City Council on the upcoming city Climate Action Plan.

The fund engages community representation, marginalised leadership and partnerships between different sectors to tackle the challenge of the green and digital transitions through enhanced collaboration.

Each of the selected projects will receive a comprehensive package of cash grants and non-financial support to amplify their social impact and develop sustainable solutions.

The initiatives chosen will run from August through to May.

Commitment

Cork City Lord Mayor, councillor Dan Boyle said: “The five awardee projects in Cork reflect our city’s commitment to sustainability and social inclusion, addressing urgent local challenges through community engagement and collaboration.

“These initiatives are pathways to a fairer and more resilient future for all Cork’s residents.”

Senior Philanthropy and Development Manager of Rethink Ireland, Pádraic Vallely said: “These five projects showcase the innovative thinking needed to make green and digital transitions more equitable.

“We look forward to seeing the lasting positive impact these initiatives will have on both our environment and society.

“This is another great example of placed-based giving and its value locally, and an opportunity to replicate in different areas.”

For more information on the SEFIT Challenge Fund visit https://rethinkireland.ie.