About Our National Call for Applications

Each year, Social Entrepreneurs Ireland launches a nationwide campaign to find people with bold ideas to tackle Ireland’s social and environmental challenges. We call this our National Call for Applications—a key moment when we invite passionate changemakers to step forward and apply to one of our programmes.

In 2025, the National Call will run from 31st March to 1st May.

  • Applications for the Impact Programme are open from 31st March to 1st May (deadline extended).

  • Applications for the Ideas Academy are open from 7th to 1st May (deadline extended).

About Our Programmes

Ireland faces complex social challenges that our current systems are struggling to solve. As a result, the most vulnerable and marginalised people in our society are often the most affected.

We work closely with social entrepreneurs at every stage of their journey, offering tailored mentorship, strategic guidance, and expert-led training to strengthen their organisations. Our support extends beyond funding—we help them build resilience, refine their leadership skills, and develop the tools needed to sustain and scale their impact.

Upcoming Opportunities

Impact Programme

Supporting social entrepreneurs strengthen their foundations and scale their solution for long-term impact.

Click here to learn more and to apply.

Ideas Academy

Supporting budding social entrepreneurs to move from idea to action

Click here to learn more and register your interest.

Ideas Academy

This three-month programme provides you with the knowledge and tools you need to help you to deepen your understanding of the problem and kick-start your idea to get testing and piloting. 

Participants on the Ideas Academy are supported to clearly articulate, refine and progress their solution, to build skills and accelerate learning in core areas of importance to social entrepreneurship, and to move from idea to piloting. 

Ideas Academy

Click here to learn more and to apply.

Impact Programme

The Impact Programme is a nine-month journey designed to help social entrepreneurs strengthen their foundations and identify where they can have their greatest impact. Through expert mentorship, tailored consultancy, and unrestricted funding of €20,000, we provide the critical supports needed to help you thrive.

The programme focuses on four key areas: building a stronger organisation, developing resilient leadership, amplifying your voice, and creating long-lasting social change. Whether it’s refining your strategy, strengthening governance, or expanding your reach, we work with you to identify your biggest opportunities for growth and impact. Join Ireland’s largest community of social entrepreneurs and take your impact to the next level. 

Impact Programme

Click here to learn more and to apply.

Supporting society’s problem solvers

How can I apply to a
Social Entrepreneurs Ireland
programme?

How can I apply to a Social Entrepreneurs Ireland programme?

1

Check Open Opportunities

  • Visit our homepage to see the latest open opportunities and find the programme that best suits your needs.
2

Start Your Application

  • Go to our Application Portal to begin your application. Read the Applicant Guide carefully and ensure you meet the eligibility criteria before applying.
3

Sign Up to SEI Newsletter

Click below to learn about each of our programmes

Spark Toolkit

Providing the spark to set ideas alight – a free downloadable toolkit for early stage entrepreneurs!

Ideas Academy

Supporting budding social entrepreneurs to move from idea to action

Action
Lab

Supporting graduates of our Ideas Academy through their piloting stage

Impact Programme

Supporting high-potential social entrepreneurs to take their organisation to the next level

The Investor Readiness Pathway

Supporting social entrepreneurs to navigate the investment process.

Elements of AI

Explore the foundations of AI to drive smarter decision-making, foster innovation, and create real-world impact.