Skip to main content

Full employment but young people left behind: Rethink Ireland and Deloitte Ireland fund to create pathways to meaningful employment for marginalised young adults

Monday, 14 October 2024. The People’s Impact Fund, a collaborative initiative by Rethink Ireland, Deloitte Ireland and the Department of Rural and Community Development, is now accepting applications for its €500,000 fund aimed at empowering young adults through enhanced employability skills and employment facilitation. This one-year fund is designed to promote equitable access to employment opportunities for disadvantaged youth across Ireland.

With youth unemployment in Ireland standing at 12% as of Q2 2024, significantly higher than the overall unemployment rate of 4.6%, the need for targeted support is critical. The People’s Impact Fund aims to bridge this gap by funding innovative non-profit projects that equip young people aged 15-30 with the necessary skills to thrive in today’s job market.

By investing in the future of our young people, we are not only
addressing unemployment but also responding to the pressing skills shortages
within our labour market,

said Harry Goddard, CEO of Deloitte Ireland

We are proud to collaborate with Rethink Ireland and the Department of Rural and Community Development to make a tangible difference in our communities.

This fund supports our WorldClass ambition to equip 300,000 people in Ireland, especially our young people, with the skills they’ll need for the challenges of tomorrow, it will be incredibly exciting to see what projects apply.

Lorraine Griffin, Chairperson and Social Impact Partner for Deloitte Ireland.

The fund will provide cash grants and comprehensive business supports to up to four selected projects that tackle various challenges faced by young adults from marginalised communities. These challenges include:

  • Limited awareness of career options
  • Insufficient technical or general skills
  • Lack of supportive social networks

Rethink Ireland’s CEO Deirdre Mortell emphasised the importance of this initiative:

The People’s Impact Fund is a vital step towards ensuring that all young people in Ireland have access to the resources they need to succeed. We believe that with the right support, every young adult can find their path to meaningful employment.

Applications are now open for eligible non-profit organisations across the country. Find out more information and apply at www.rethinkireland.ie

Key Highlights:

  • Total Funding: €500,000 - €250,000 will come from the Dormant Accounts Fund and €250,000 will come from Deloitte Ireland
  • Target Group: Young adults aged 15-30 facing employment barriers
  • Application Deadline: Friday 22nd November, 1pm.
  • Support Offered: Cash grants and tailored business supports through Rethink Ireland’s Accelerator Programme.

Notes to editor

Spokespeople from Rethink Ireland are available for media interviews.

Deloitte’s WorldClass ambition

Social Impact at Deloitte is driven by our WorldClass ambition to reach 100 million people globally (300,000 in Ireland) by 2030 through programs and partnerships with leading educational organisations. To achieve this ambition we invest our people's time, provide volunteers, and donate to support thousands of students, teachers, and education leaders each year.

About Rethink Ireland

Rethink Ireland provides cash grants and business support to charities and social enterprises working in Irish communities across the country. These are the organisations not just thinking differently but also putting their ideas into practice and building a more just, equal and sustainable Ireland. We work with companies, families, individuals, foundations and the Irish Government who understand that new thinking in Ireland is needed.

Since our first year of operations in 2016, we have created a €109 million social innovation fund. Through these public-private partnerships, we create funds tackling issues such as inequality and educational disadvantage. The €109 million fund has reached over one million people, launched 58 funds, backing 448 innovative projects, supporting 137,134 learners, creating 998 jobs in the non-profit sector and supporting 3,309 people into employment. For more about Rethink Ireland, please visit www.rethinkireland.ie