€4 million New Solutions Social Innovation Pilot Grant Scheme welcomed by Sligo/Leitrim Minister

Sligo/Leitrim Minister Marian Harkin has welcomed the launch a €4 million New Solutions Social Innovation Pilot Grant Scheme. 

The two-year fund, co-financed by the European Union through the European Social Fund Plus (ESF+) 2021–2027 programme and the Department of Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht, will support early-stage social innovation projects across Ireland. The scheme aims to fund a minimum of 40 projects, with grants of between €70,000 and €100,000 over a 24-month period.

Welcoming the announcement, Minister Harkin said: “I am very pleased to welcome the launch of the New Solutions Social Innovation Pilot Grant Scheme. This €4 million investment represents a significant commitment to supporting innovative, community-led responses to some of the most pressing social challenges facing our country. “Across Ireland — particularly in rural and disadvantaged communities — we see organisations and social entrepreneurs with creative ideas that have the potential to deliver real and lasting impact. This scheme will give them the opportunity to test and refine those ideas in practical, real-world settings.

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“By supporting initiatives at an earlier stage of development, we are strengthening the foundations of Ireland’s social innovation ecosystem and ensuring that promising solutions have the backing they need to grow and succeed.” The New Solutions Pilot Grants Scheme forms part of the wider New Solutions Fund, which seeks to enhance Ireland’s social innovation ecosystem and reduce the risk of poverty and social exclusion, particularly among disadvantaged groups. Successful applicants will not only receive financial support but will also benefit from access to the New Solutions Social Innovation Hub’s networks and tailored supports, including mentoring, training and peer learning opportunities. The scheme will be managed by the New Solutions Social Innovation Hub, which plays a central role in fostering innovation and collaboration across the sector."

Minister Harkin added: “The combination of funding, mentoring and peer support is critical. Innovation does not happen in isolation — it thrives in a strong, connected ecosystem.”

She concluded by encouraging eligible organisations and social innovators to consider applying and to seize the opportunity to contribute to a more inclusive and resilient Ireland."