Two Tipperary organisations awarded support as part of million euro funding

Two organisations delivering projects in Tipperary have been announced as awardees of Rethink Ireland’s €1.1 million Impact Fund 2025 which supports innovative, community-led responses to some of the most significant challenges affecting communities in Munster and Wexford.

Circular Square in Clonmel is a community-led initiative promoting sustainable living and climate action through practical circular activities including repair cafés, clothes swaps, and a toy library.

With support from the Impact Fund 2025, Circular Square will appoint a part-time centre manager to expand its programmes and opening hours, introduce new services including a Library of Things, strengthen its organisational capacity and enable more people in the community to participate.

MooreHaven Community Markets aims to create inclusive employment and learning opportunities for people with intellectual disabilities through regular community markets in Tipperary Town, where service users can sell their crafts and produce alongside local artisan vendors.

Through the Impact Fund 2025, MooreHaven will receive capacity-building support to strengthen the project’s strategy, develop its business model and build the evidence base needed to support its future development.

The Fund is also supporting Burrenbeo Trust to expand its Heritage Keepers programme across Munster and Wexford, empowering DEIS schools and community groups to lead local heritage and environmental projects through training, practical support and seed funding.

The €1.1 million Impact Fund backs community-led projects across Munster and Wexford tackling interconnected challenges including social exclusion, barriers to employment and wellbeing, and environmental vulnerability.

Commenting on the announcement, Pádraic Vallely, Head of Government and Strategic Partnerships, Rethink Ireland, said, “Tipperary has a strong tradition of community-led innovation, and these projects show what that looks like in practice.

Circular Square and MooreHaven Community Markets are developing practical solutions that can remove barriers, strengthen inclusion and give people the support they need to participate more fully in their communities.

“Rethink Ireland is deeply grateful to our philanthropic partners and the Department of Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht (DRCDG) for their vital investment through the Impact Fund for Munster and Wexford.

This powerful blend of private philanthropy and public funding champions place-based giving at its best, directly supporting organisations rooted in the heart of communities across Tipperary.

Looking ahead, this support empowers our awardees to deepen their local impact, scale their innovative solutions, and build a more inclusive, resilient and sustainable future for the entire region.”

Impact Fund 2025 is created by Rethink Ireland and the Department of Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht, in partnership with the Parkes Family, Limerick; the Estate of Mary Coffey c/o Pat Toomey, Tipperary; the Hospital Saturday Fund; The Luan Fund, Cork; Ed Murphy, Wexford; Turas Nua and The Ireland Funds.

Rethink Ireland is Ireland's social innovation fund, supporting the most innovative non-profit organisations and social enterprises working to create a more just, equal and sustainable Ireland.