Almost €10,000 Awarded to YSI teams through Social Impact Fund

Almost €10,000 was granted to 18 YSI teams in April 2022 through the Social Impact Fund, supported by The Community Foundation  for Ireland. The students in receipt of funding are developing innovative ideas around a wide range of issues including biodiversity, plastic reduction, ocean pollution, inclusion, social media and online safety, racism, and more.

The fund was distributed through the YSI Den which took place as a series of virtual events during which successful fund applicants pitched their ideas to panels of representatitves from local government, youth, education and businesss.

Three events were held over the course of a week with panellists deciding on the grant funding awarded to teams and also offering a variety of supports to help teams advance certain aspects of their projects including expert advice, and skill-sharing.

The excitement in the build-up was incredible. The students felt such a sense of achievement after. The judges were so encouraging and enthusiastic. The advice and funding were so greatly received.

Rachel Collier, CEO and Co-founder of Young Social Innovators said, "The applications submitted by young people to the Social Impact Fund were of a very high calibre and we are delighted to provide direct support to eighteen inspiring youth-led projects to help them advance their innovations which will make a real difference in their communities. Witnessing the professionalism in which these students presented their ideas was truly remarkable and we wish them the very best of luck. We are grateful to The Community Foundation for Ireland for supporting the Social Impact Fund this year, a fund which is dedicated to advancing youth-led ideas for social good.”

Denise Charlton, Chief Executive of the Community Foundation for Ireland said, "“We believe in ‘Empowering Generations’. It is a key part of the equality mission we share with our donors and the 5,000 voluntary, community and charitable groups we work with across Ireland. We are proud to work with Young Social Innovators as it promotes the vision, creativity and talent of our young people to address some of the biggest challenges facing our communities today. We wish all those involved every success and look forward to seeing the freshness and energy they will bring to finding solutions to a range of issues.”

A huge thank you to our Den panellists who gave so willingly of their time and expertise for the event!

• Rosie McDonagh, The Community Foundation for Ireland
• Mary MacSweeney, Dublin City Council
• Jamie Moore, Eirgrid
• Jacky Casserly, The Community Foundation for Ireland
• Peter McCarthy, Virgin Media
• Susan O'Neill, YSI Local Leader
• Anne O'Flynn, Virgin Media
• Karen Fitzgerald, Cork City Council
• Mella Magee, Cork Partnership
• Jacqui Walsh, Rethink Ireland

Can I just say what a fantastic morning with YSI. The team is brilliant and really encourages young ideas and talent!