Gareth Ebbs, Social Impact Manager, Oakfield Trust speaking at the event ‘Social Enterprise. Achieving Real Social Impact and Developing the Space’
Call to strengten policy and supports for social enterprise
A CALL has been made to strengthen policy and supports for the social enterprise sector in Ireland at an event hosted by Oakfield Trust – Social Enterprise. Achieving Real Social Impact and Developing the Space.
Speaking at the event, a Clondalkin based social enterprise, Sensational Kids CEO Karen Leigh identified measures which government could take to help grow the sector.
“Social enterprises are often supported via a range of third-party project specific funding streams, however there can be an ongoing shortage in funding for core management to run and grow the organisation. The government has a role to play here and could do more to encourage established social enterprises to develop and grow.
“Multi-annual core funding is required for planning and certainty. Greater security for social enterprises would also support the recruitment of skilled people when trying to compete with longer term employment contracts which other sectors can offer.”
Oakfield Chairperson Aileen O’Toole said the Clondalkin based organisation has this year launched a new ‘open’ social enterprise fund of €25,000 which will run twice a year for at least three years, totalling €150,000.
“The new fund is just part of our overall strategy to increase the profile and development of social enterprise in Clondalkin and beyond. Our aim is to develop a pipeline of social enterprise by being a source of critical financial support, particularly at the outset of new social enterprises and during their initial start-up phase. We also want to nurture the space locally by way of information and support services, and by engaging the community with related events and networking opportunities.”
Oakfield Trust is a registered charity and has been successfully supporting community organisations and social enterprises for 26 years.
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