Ballymount firm ReCreate picks up €10k Social Innovation Ireland grant
By Mary Dennehy
A BALLYMOUNT-based enterprise which has started a national creative reuse revolution has been honoured as best social innovation in Ireland – landing a €10,000 grant and mentoring.
ReCreate Ireland was one of four enterprises honoured by Social Innovation Fund Ireland, a non-profit organisation established to fund and aid the development of social innovation in Ireland.
Established by Tallaght Community Arts, South Dublin County Council, South Dublin Partnership Ltd, Early Childhood Ireland and Oakfield Trust, ReCreate works with businesses to collect surplus, end-of-line or unwanted stock – which supports participating businesses to produce less waste, reducing disposal costs, while helping schools and communities to stretch their budgets and imaginations.
Rather than going to landfill, the unwanted items are brought to the ReCreate storehouse where schools, youth clubs, early childcare education groups, community-based art projects, performance troupes or local crafters can visit and stock up on a diverse selection of art supplies – for a minimum cost.
In December, Social Innovation Fund Ireland opened the inaugural Animate Programme, Ireland’s first ‘non-profit accelerator’.
The Animate Programme supports early stage innovations, projects and organisations to get to the next stage of their development, with the award consisting of a package of financial and non-financial supports that target growth.
Dara Connolly, Executive Director of ReCreate, said: “Animate will allow ReCreate to keep growing its membership and supplier base nationwide thus ensuring affordable arts and educations supplies are available to every sector of the community around Ireland.
“We are very excited to be part of the innovative Animate programme which for social enterprises like ReCreate is a real breath of fresh air.”
The Animate programme sees winners pick secure grants of up to €10,000 alongside non-financial support which includes growth planning, a mentor, technical supports, and access to Social Innovation Fund Ireland’s networks.
Since launching, the programme has received over 55 high quality applications for all over the country.
Deirdre Mortell, Social Innovation Fund Ireland CEO, said: “The Government’s challenge fund of €5 million to Social Innovation Fund Ireland means that for every Euro of funds donated, we can match it with a Euro from Government, enabling us to double the impact of our donations.
“These four projects [ReCreate, Carebright, Save a Selfie and Thriftity] illustrate the power and impact of philanthropy when it partners with Government, creating 80 jobs while meeting local social needs.”
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