The Innovate Together Fund was launched on 13th May, 2020 with a call for first round applications to close on 27th May, 2020. Government will provide a contribution of €5m to this Fund, to be matched over time by philanthropic contributions. Funding will come from the Dormant Accounts Fund and will be provided immediately, so that grant making can commence. The Fund will be managed by Social Innovation Fund Ireland (SIFI), overseen by an Advisory Board which will include Departmental officials.
As the Fund is still in the initial stages of operation, the information the Deputy is seeking will not be available until the applications under the first call have been evaluated. This process is expected to be completed in June.
Initial reports from the Social Innovation Fund Ireland, who are administering the Fund for my Department, indicate a very high level of interest and of potential applications.