What is Social Entrepreneurs Ireland?

Social Entrepreneurs Ireland is a privately funded not-for-profit organisation that supports people with innovative ideas to tackle Ireland’s social problems.

We believe that Ireland’s social problems are not being solved quickly enough and that we need to develop new ideas to tackle our biggest challenges.

We seek out people with unique insight and scalable ideas to social problems. We offer them a deeper level of support through our tailored programmes and direct funding, and we harness the collective power of our incredible community to deliver accelerated social change.

What programmes does Social Entrepreneurs Ireland offer?

Our core programmes are:

  • Ideas Academy – helping people with innovative ideas to social problems to take those first steps and move from idea to action.
  • Action Lab – supporting social entrepreneurs who have graduated from the Ideas Academy and are at the piloting stage to effectively roll out their offering and increase their impact.
  • Impact Programme – supporting high potential social entrepreneurs to build strong foundations and a plan for growing their impact.
  • Changing Ireland Accelerator – Bespoke, tailor-made support programmes and funding for organisations who are tackling social problems at scale. Previously known as Scale Programme/Scale Partnerships.
  • Community Programme – supporting our alumni by harnessing the skills, knowledge and experience of our community to help them further their impact.

2024 applications for the Ideas Academy are now closed. Applications for the Impact Programme are open from the 13th March to 24th April 2024. We are not currently accepting applications for our other programmes but you are welcome to download our free Spark Toolkit.

Which programme should I apply to?

If you have an innovative idea to solve a social or environmental problem in Ireland but it’s still in the early stages, the Ideas Academy can help you kick-start your idea and take those crucial first steps. Are you beyond the pilot stage, already up and running with a solution demonstrating its value to your target audience? Then the Impact Programme could be the programme for you, helping you build strong foundations for growth.

Please see the website and the relevant programme Application Guides for more information on eligibility and programme requirements.

What types of organisations do you support (charities, social enterprises, for-profits)?

We support organisations with a clear social mission, regardless of their governance structure (e.g. limited by guarantee, limited by shares, charitable status etc.). This includes early-stage ideas on the Ideas Academy that haven’t yet decided which legal structure best suits their social mission.

While we support both ‘not for profit’ and ‘for profit’ organisations, we only back social entrepreneur-led ventures where the social mission is demonstrably at the core of their activities, irrespective of their legal structure.

What sectors or project areas do you support?

We don’t limit our support to any specific sector, topic or social issue. We are open to supporting projects in any sector, once the potential for positive societal change can be demonstrated. In the past, we have supported projects in a wide range of areas including education and learning, children and young people, mental health, diversity and inclusion, housing and the environment.

Why must an idea or project you support be ‘new or different’?

Ireland still suffers from a number of entrenched social problems. At Social Entrepreneurs Ireland we believe new and improved thinking is needed. However, these types of ideas often struggle to garner support, particularly in the early stages of their development. Therefore, through our programmes we support projects that tackle these issues from a different angle, improving on what is already being done or introducing a completely new solution altogether.

How is Social Entrepreneurs Ireland funded?

Social Entrepreneurs Ireland is funded by a range of foundations, corporate partners and individuals. Our supporters are as passionate about backing people with ideas and solving social problems, as we are! Find out more about them on ‘Our Supporters’ page.

I’m interested in applying to one of SEI's programmes - how do I go about this?

All applications must be submitted online using our online application form. Please access socialentrepreneurs.grantplatform.com to login/register and create your application. Check out ‘Our Programmes’ page for details on all programmes.

Can I submit a paper version of the application form, or e-mail you a copy of my form?

No. All applications must be submitted directly online using the online application form.

Differences Between Ideas Academy and Impact Programme

  1. Programme Focus: Ideas Academy is for fresh ideas needing nurturing, like a startup incubator, while the Impact Programme is for scaling up established ideas, similar to an accelerator.
  2. Support Level: Ideas Academy provides seed funding and basic support to get projects off the ground, whereas the Impact Programme offers more substantial funding and extensive mentorship for growth.

Can I apply to the Ideas Academy and the Impact Programme?

No. You can only apply to the programme most relevant to your project/organisation’s stage of development. You cannot make two applications to two programmes with different projects. Each person can only submit one application, regardless of the programme. The Eligibility criteria are listed in each applicant guide.

I am a past recipient of support from Social Entrepreneurs Ireland - can I apply again?

If your idea is new, yes. You are not eligible to apply for the same programme with the same project. You can however apply to the same programme with a new idea or apply to a different programme with your originally supported idea.

Can I contact SEI if I need extra support with making my application?

Yes, if you need extra support with making your application, we can provide extra supports like voice recording responses to the application questions. Please contact applications@socialentrepreneurs.ie or call 01-685 3469 for more details.

What we would recommend, however, if you are looking for feedback on your individual application, is to share it with some friends, colleagues and board members, to get their insights into the quality of your answers.

I’ve started my application form; how do I log back in to edit it?

Just log back at the Social Entrepreneurs Ireland grant platform to edit and submit your application. https://socialentrepreneurs.grantplatform.com

I don’t remember my password. What should I do?

Go to the Log in or register page, add your email in the respective field and click “Continue”. You will be able to easily recover your password by clicking on Forgot password on the password page.

How do I ensure that my work is saved?

After you’ve registered and have entered the applications portal you will be able to start your application. Upon selection of the programme you’re applying for, you will need to enter the Application Name and press ‘Save+Next’. All your work after this will be automatically saved. After submission you will not be able to make any changes, so please ensure that you are submitting an application for the programme you intend to apply for.

What will happen if I forget to include something in my application form?

All questions in the application are required unless marked ‘optional’. Once you have submitted your application you will not be able to amend it. Please be sure to review your work carefully before you submit it.

What happens when I submit an application?

Once all the applications have been submitted, a thorough review process will take place. A full breakdown of the review process and associated timelines is listed in the Applicant Guides.

What do the numbers in brackets mean in the Application Questions?

The numbers in brackets indicate the word count limit for that application question. The online application platform will not allow you to submit your application until all answers are within the correct word count.

Can I attach additional or supporting information to my application?

No, we can only accept the information provided within the online application form. It is possible to include links to supporting evidence for your answers. The application questions and word counts were specifically designed to empower applicants to outline their understanding of the problem, their solution and their motivation behind their work.

My idea is for a project outside Ireland, am I eligible?

No. If your project activities only take place outside Ireland and the main communities benefiting from your activities are outside of the island of Ireland then you are not eligible to apply.

What do you mean by ‘Ireland’?

At Social Entrepreneurs Ireland ‘Ireland’ refers to both the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland.

My project has activities both in Ireland and abroad, am I eligible?

If a significant proportion of the work you do takes place in Ireland and if you can clearly demonstrate the societal benefit which these activities bring to the communities you work within Ireland, then you may be eligible to apply, provided you meet the rest of the application criteria.

I am not living in Ireland, can I apply?

No. Our support programmes are only open to social entrepreneurs living in Ireland.

Do I have to be the originator of the idea or have been directly involved since the beginning of the project?

No, you don’t necessarily have to be the originator of the idea, but you should currently be the main driver and decision-maker of the project, with the skills to drive it forward. You should be passionate about the work you do and have an entrepreneurial spirit.

Do I have to meet all of the eligibility criteria to be eligible to apply?

Yes, you must meet all of the eligibility criteria listed in the Applicant Guide. You will also be asked to fill in the eligibility criteria form in the application ensuring that you are eligible for the programme you are intending to apply for. If you have any specific questions about eligibility criteria, please email us at:
applications@socialentrepreneurs.ie

Impact Programme eligibility criteria

  • You are aged 18 years or over at the time of applying for the programme.
  • You (and your project/organisation partner(s)) must be aged 18 years or over at the time of applying for the programme.    
  • Your project/organisation is legally incorporated, registered with a recognised legal structure or as a sole trader.   
  • You must be the person (or people in the case of a partnership) leading on this idea – the main driver(s) and decision maker(s) such as founder, CEO, project lead or general manager.  
  • The primary activities of your project/organisation is in Ireland.     
  • You must have identified a social or environmental problem and have an effective solution to solve it.    
  • Your project/organisation is currently operational, having progressed beyond the initial pilot stage. 
  • You have concrete evidence demonstrating the measurable impact of your project/organisation on your target beneficiaries/audience. 
  • You are willing and able to commit to the following:
    • working a minimum of 20 hours a week on your project/organisation for at least the duration of the programme.
    • attending mandatory Selection Process events outlined in the programme guide.
    • engaging with the programme for the equivalent of 2 to 4 days per month.

Social Entrepreneurs

Social entrepreneurs are society’s problem solvers. They are people with courage, insight and ambition to put forward a solution to a social or environmental problem, and act on it. Broader than social enterprise, we see social entrepreneurs as people who are driving new approaches to solving social problems, regardless of the business model being used. Social entrepreneurs are mission driven rather than profit driven.    

The Ideas Academy applicants

Throughout the application process, we aim to understand your story, delving into your understanding of the social or environmental issue, the evolution of your solution, plans for growth, why now is the right time for you to apply to the Ideas Academy at SEI, and your long-term vision for an Ireland where the problem you are tackling has been solved or significantly changed in some way.

The Impact programme applicants

Throughout the application process, we aim to understand your story, delving into your understanding of the social or environmental issue, the evolution of your solution, plans for team and impact growth, why now is the right time for you to apply to the Impact Programme at SEI, and your long-term vision for an Ireland where the problem you are tackling has been solved or significantly changed in some way.

The 6 key areas in our evaluation criteria

1. Spirit of a Social Entrepreneur 

We want to understand your story and what motivates you to create social or environmental change. We are looking for applicants who demonstrate passion, determination, and a clear vision for their solutions. We want to know why you are well-suited to tackle this solution and lead this organisation. 

2. Solution Fit 

Our emphasis on ‘solution fit’ stems from the belief that you cannot have a viable solution without an in-depth understanding of the problem. We want to see a strong understanding of both the broad problem and the specific aspect you’re addressing, the specific group(s) you aim to help, and how the problem directly affects them. Understanding the obstacles hindering your identified social or environmental problem in Ireland today is key. Your solution should demonstrate a clear plan to address the identified problem in light of those obstacles.  

3. Solution Evolution 

We want to understand how you plan or have implemented your idea/solution and the steps taken thus far. Crucially, we’re interested in how your idea/solution has evolved in response to feedback or lessons learned. Sharing this journey highlights your ability to adapt and improve your approach for greater effectiveness.

4. Steps to Growth 

We’re keen to understand your practical plans for expanding in the future. While other sections highlight visionary aspects, here we want to know more about the details on how you plan to grow—what resources you need, how you’ll make money, and how you’ll keep going long-term. 

5. Social Change 

We aim to understand your vision of what Ireland would look like if the social or environmental problem you identified was solved or significantly changed. We want to know what other players in your field are doing and how your solution improves what’s already being done and fills gaps that others might miss. It is unlikely that any one organisation can effectively address a problem, therefore we also want to know about any of your collaborations with other stakeholders and how you think the broader changes that might be needed in behaviour, culture, policies, or institutions can be brought about. This helps us visualise your plans to make lasting change in Ireland.  

6. SEI Programme Fit 

We want to know why now is the right time for you to join The Ideas Academy or The Impact Programme. We’re interested in your commitment to working closely with SEI and other social entrepreneurs. We’re interested in how you plan to engage with our supports and what your desired outcomes are from engaging with the programme.  

What is the Ideas Academy?

The Ideas Academy is a three-month programme to provide budding changemakers and early-stage social entrepreneurs with the support and direction needed to turn an idea into action.  

As part of the Ideas Academy, participants will receive training and support to: 

  • Deepen their understanding of the problem they have identified. 
  • Refine and validate their solution. 
  • Develop an action plan to pilot their idea post-programme. 
  • Increase their network.  
  • Grow in confidence as a social entrepreneur. 
  • Gain an insight into the social entrepreneur journey.  
  • Apply for seed funding and further support from Social Entrepreneurs Ireland at the end of the programme. 

If I am selected, how much time must I commit to The Ideas Academy?

The Ideas Academy 2024 will cover four core modules over twelve weeks and will be delivered online through a mix of large and small group sessions.

Core programme dates for 2024 are listed in the applicant guide. All of the modules, group sessions and in-person events are mandatory which means that you must be able to attend all of them to be eligible to partake in the programme. The estimated time commitment required varies between 3-6 hours per week (core programme elements, group sessions and individual work) for the duration of the programme.

At what stage of development should my idea/project be to be eligible to apply to the Ideas Academy?

The Ideas Academy programme is suitable for people with ideas at either the ideation, research or piloting/testing stages.

If your project/organisation has moved beyond the idea/conceptual stage, with activities up and running that relate directly to the problem you are trying to address, you should consider applying to the Impact Programme.

How many applicants will be selected to participate in The Ideas Academy?

There are 30 places available on the 2024 programme. 

I have submitted my Academy application. When will I know whether I have been successful?

We will notify you about your selection for the 2024 Ideas Academy by the end of April. Mark your calendars – the programme officially kicks off on May 9th.

How much seed funding is available to apply for at the end of the programme?

Each project selected will receive a €500 bursary to help subsidise any costs you might incur while taking part in the programme.

Moreover, all projects that complete the Ideas Academy programme can apply to pitch for a portion of €25,000 seed funding at the end of the programme to pilot their idea. Typically, projects that successfully pitch for seed funding receive between €1,000 and €5,000. 

What is the Action Lab Programme?

The Action Lab designed for high potential social entrepreneurs who have completed the Ideas Academy and aims to support them through the pilot stage as they build solid foundations, and to bridge the gap between our Ideas Academy and Impact Programme.

This 5 month programme is designed to support social entrepreneurs to increase their knowledge of social business models, funding, governance, marketing, and communications. 10 social entrepreneur-led projects were selected for the 2021/2022 programme and will receive: training and support and peer support.

What is the Impact Programme?

The Impact Programme is a nine-month accelerator programme designed to support Ireland’s highest potential social entrepreneurs. Through the programme, we help you build strong foundations and a plan to grow your impact.

We offer a mix of group and individual support and training in areas like strategy, governance, business modeling, fundraising, communications, leadership, and wellbeing. This helps you take your organisation to the next level.

On top of that, we pair you with highly experienced mentors, coaches, and connect you with our extensive network of social entrepreneurs. This comprehensive support system empowers you to build an impactful, scalable, and sustainable organisation.

How long will it take to fill in the Impact Programme application form?

While everyone will be different, in general, we advise that it takes approximately 5-6 hours to complete the application form, depending on the level of detail being provided. Trying to do all of this in one sitting is tough though, so we advise completing the application form in sections, making use of all the time available to complete the form.

How many social entrepreneurs will become Impact Awardees this year?

Up to 5 social entrepreneurs will be selected as Impact Awardees.

What do I get if my Impact application is successful?

All Impact Awardees will receive direct unrestricted funding of €20,000, and a programme of support from SEI worth approximately €20,000. Impact Awardees of Social Entrepreneurs Ireland are also entitled to receive a series of pro-bono supports from several partner organisations, ensuring that each of our social entrepreneurs receives the best professional services available at no cost to them or their organisations. Impact Awardees are also provided with access to numerous free/low-cost training courses and workshops to help develop both themselves and their organisations further.

If I am selected, how much time must I commit to the Impact Programme?

The Impact Programme is tailored to meet the needs of the individual social entrepreneur, with the programme structure agreed at the beginning of the Award. The time commitment for each Impact Awardee will be slightly different but on average 2-4 days per month for supports such as 1-1 meetings with your programme manager, meetings with consultants/experts and group and networking events. This time commitment may increase throughout the programme depending on the level of support required. 

Throughout the programme, participating in photocalls, media opportunities and speaking opportunities may be required and involvement in the SEI community is encouraged.

It’s important to note that the Programme will require significant input from the Impact Awardee in order to benefit from the supports on offer.

If I am selected to receive an Award, why must I commit to participating in the Impact Programme?

The support structure is at the heart of the Impact Programme. It comprises both funding and a tailored support programme designed to help social entrepreneurs to maximise their impact and accelerate their development. Impact Awardees must commit to participating fully in the programme to gain the benefits it offers.

At what stage of development should my project be to be eligible to apply to the Impact Programme?

Impact Programme projects and organisations must be currently operational, having progressed beyond the initial/pilot stage. This means that you can demonstrate that you have carried out a pilot, evaluated the results, and are now actively delivering your solution.

Additionally, Impact Programme projects and organisations must be legally incorporated, registered with a recognised legal structure or as a sole trader.

If you are unsure what stage your solution is at, please review the criteria outlined in the Applicant Guide on our website.

How can the financial support be spent?

The financial support provided by Social Entrepreneurs Ireland is unrestricted. While there are some broad constraints to how the unrestricted funding is spent (for example we will not fund illegal activities) we consider the Impact Awardee to be the person best suited to decide how their project can benefit from the financial support. The unrestricted funding may be used, for example, to fund the salary of the social entrepreneur or specific initiatives. 

What are the reporting requirements for Impact Awardees?

Impact Awardees are required to submit reports throughout the period of their Award, along with a summary report at the end of the award period. This report outlines progress made and actions completed against the Awardee’s project plan, along with a financial breakdown of the donation monies.

Can I apply to other funds and the Social Entrepreneurs Ireland Impact Programme?

Yes; at Social Entrepreneurs Ireland realises how tough it can be to raise the necessary funds for a project, particularly in the early stages of development. As a result, we have no issue with applications being made to other funding opportunities that may arise.

I have previously applied to Social Entrepreneurs Ireland, can I re-apply?

Yes. However, we would only recommend re-applying if your project or idea has made significant progress since you last applied or if you have taken on feedback that was provided.

I have submitted my Impact Programme application. When will I know whether I have been successful?

We will let you know whether you have been selected to take part in the Assessment Workshops at the beginning of June 2024.

If my application is successful, when will the Impact Programme begin?

The programme will begin in August 2024 and will run until May 2025. You can find more details on this and associated timelines in the Selection Process Timeline in the application guide here.

What is the Changing Ireland Accelerator?

The Changing Ireland Accelerator is a twelve-month initiative for social entrepreneur-led organisations with a proven solution to a social problem affecting under-represented or marginalised people in Ireland. Throughout the 12 months, you will work with SEI to support you in key areas of need to help you grow and scale your impact. We provide one-to-one support, coaching and consultancy as well as group training, in areas such as leadership development, marketing and communications, governance, strategic planning, and finance.

How long will it take to fill in the Changing Ireland Accelerator application form?

While everyone will be different, in general, we advise that it takes approximately 5-6 hours to complete the application form, depending on the level of detail being provided. Trying to do all of this in one sitting is tough though, so we advise completing the application form in sections, making use of all the time available to complete the form.

How many social entrepreneurs will be selected this year?

Up to 4 social entrepreneurs will be selected to participate in the Changing Ireland Accelerator.

What do I get if my application is successful?

All four succesful applicants will receive direct funding of €60,000, and a programme of bespoke support from SEI. As part of the supports, awardees will receive coaching, consultancy, training and pro-bono supports from several partner organisations, ensuring that each of our social entrepreneurs receives the best professional services available at no cost to them or their organisations. 

If I am selected, how much time must I commit to the Changing Ireland Accelerator?

The Changing Ireland Accelerator is tailored to meet the needs of the individual social entrepreneur, with the programme structure agreed at the beginning of the programme. The time commitment for each Awardee will be slightly different but on average 3 to 5 days per month. Depending on the type and timing of support, some months may require more time commitment than others. It’s important to note that the programme will require significant input from the Awardee in order to benefit from the supports on offer.

If I am selected to receive an Award, why must I commit to participating in the Changing Ireland Accelerator?

The support structure is at the heart of the Changing Ireland Accelerator. Both the funding and a tailored support programme is designed to help social entrepreneurs to grow and scale their impact. Awardees must commit to participating fully in the programme to gain the benefits it offers.

At what stage of development should my project be to be eligible to apply to the Changing Ireland Accelerator?

Successful applicants to the Changing Ireland Accelerator Programme must be able to demonstrate the following:

  • proof that they can successfully fund their solution,
  • that they not only have the desire and ambition to scale, but a plan to do so,
  • they must be able to show that they are directly supporting people who are under-represented and/or marginalised,
  • the are working full-time in the organisation (or full-time equivalent if partnership) for the duration of the programme.  

Do I need to have previous success in raising sufficient funds for my project/organisation?

The Changing Ireland Accelerator is for organisations who are up and running and have proof of the impact they are making. Previous funds raised gives us an indication of the stage you are at, as well as demonstrating the traction your solution is having. These funds can be from various sources such as fundraising, grants, investment or other. Due to the nature of the programme, it is not suitable for organisations for whom this is their first investment to get started, but more so an investment to help them to scale a proven solution. 

How can the financial support be spent?

The financial support provided by Social Entrepreneurs Ireland is unrestricted. While there are some broad constraints to how the unrestricted funding is spent (for example we will not fund illegal activities) we consider the Awardee to be the person best suited to decide how their project can benefit from the financial support. The funding may be used, for example, to fund the salary of the social entrepreneur or specific initiatives. 

What are the reporting requirements for Changing Ireland Accelerator Awardees?

Changing Ireland Accelerator Awardees are required to submit reports throughout the period of their Award, along with a summary report at the end of the award period. This report outlines progress made and actions completed against the Awardee’s support plan, along with a financial breakdown of the funding spend.

Can I apply to other funds and the SEI Changing Ireland Accelerator?

Yes; at Social Entrepreneurs Ireland we realise how tough it can be to raise the necessary funds to scale. As a result, we have no issue with applications being made to other funding opportunities that may arise.

I have previously applied to Social Entrepreneurs Ireland, can I re-apply?

Yes. However, we would only recommend re-applying if your project/organisation has made significant progress since you last applied or if you have taken on feedback that was provided.

I have submitted my Changing Ireland Accelerator application. When will I know whether I have been successful?

We will let you know whether you have been selected to take part in the Changing Ireland Accelerator first round of interviews by the 5th April.

If my application is successful, when will the Changing Ireland Accelerator begin?

The programme will begin in June 2023 and will run until June 2024. You can find more details on this and associated timelines in the Selection Process Timeline in the Applicant Guide.

I have a project/organisation that is up and running and I want to scale. Should I apply to The Impact Programme or the Changing Ireland Accelerator?

Before applying, please review the eligibility criteria for The Impact Programme here, and for the Changing Ireland Accelerator here

Have a question

not covered in our FAQs?

Submit your question to us by email on our contact page

For urgent questions,
call us here