With only a one day to go before the close of applications on November 30th Guinness and Co. is reminding social entrepreneurs from Northern Ireland to apply to The Arthur Guinness Fund.
Social entrepreneurs are people running projects that are committed to making a positive and sustainable impact on communities with €1.65 million of funding already awarded to a wide range of projects.
Funding is available to Northern Irish social entrepreneurs under two main categories. Firstly, established projects (termed as take-off projects) who have a proven working model in operation for between two to five years and can demonstrate the long term impact they are having in their community, are eligible to receive financial support up to €100,000. This funding will be provided over two years along with a comprehensive business mentoring programme with a view to taking their work to the next level. This includes additional expertise and practical support from Diageo Ireland through workshops, seminars and training.
Secondly, projects that have been established in the last two years (termed as start up projects) can apply to receive up to €50,000 in funding plus the professional mentoring support over two years. This award is specifically aimed at start up projects that require a springboard to help turn their vision into a reality.
Clare Strawson, Corporate Relations Manager, Diageo Northern Ireland said, “We are impressed with the variety and calibre of projects submitted from all over Ireland but we really want to see more entries from Northern Ireland. I strongly encourage any local organisation or individual who feels the work they do would be eligible for consideration to apply to The Arthur Guinness Fund. “
Applications to the Arthur Guinness Fund remain open until 5pm Wednesday, 30th November 2011. Those interested in applying can download an application form from www.guinness.com/arthurguinnessfund