Announcing the 2009 Awards Programme
Feb 03 2009
Social Entrepreneurs Ireland has launched its call for applications for its 2009 Awards Programme. Since its establishment in 2005 Social Entrepreneurs Ireland has provided over €2.8 million in funding to support a network of 116 aspiring social entrepreneurs, many of whom have gone on to develop innovative and highly successful programmes that are tackling serious social problems in our society.
Launching the call for applications, Sean Coughlan, Chief Executive, Social Entrepreneurs Ireland said that the current social and economic climate has created conditions that require more and more people to think and act creatively in order to address the needs and growing disparities in communities.
“We believe that new and innovative solutions exist to the myriad of social and environmental challenges we face today and that these solutions will be most effective when driven by individuals who adopt a highly entrepreneurial approach to their activities, i.e. by social entrepreneurs” said Coughlan.
"Social entrepreneurs are by definition entrepreneurs; innovators who are passionate and resourceful, who are prepared to take risks and who apply their energy, drive and ambition to effecting social change in Ireland. At the start of their journey they need support and that is what we provide. Today we are inviting those people to contact us and apply for funding and support" he said
The Social Entrepreneurs Ireland 2009 Awards are supported by NTR plc under a three year partnership as a practical means of injecting support for those people who are prepared to take risks for social change. “I would encourage people to apply for these awards;” said Jim Barry Chief Executive Officer, NTR plc. “There is tangible support at hand through Social Entrepreneurs Ireland for those who have a vision on how they can effect social change and these awards could help in many ways, from helping get projects off the ground or by bringing pioneering programmes to a new level.”
Application forms and further information can be found on the Social Entrepreneurs Ireland website www.socialentrepreneurs.ie. Closing date for completed applications is March 20th 2009.
Read the full press release here
