A PRIMARY school and five community groups in Limerick have received a quick cash injection to invest in new technology thanks to the RISE Community Fund, supported by National Broadband Ireland (NBI) and Granahan McCourt.
Receiving the grants of €1000 each were Gerald Griffin NS, with plans to purchase new equipment to support its growing STEM initiatives for pupils; Kilmallock Macra, a rural youth organisation which is set to install projector facilities to run educational classes for its members; Adare Recreation and Community Complex CLG, investing in new technologies having recently been made a Broadband Connection Point to offer free public access to high speed internet; and Kantoher Development Group, upgrading its Killeedy Eco Park to offer remote access for the companies using the facility.
Tournafulla Community Council will use its funding to upgrade its payment systems in its new community not-for-profit shop, while Dóchas Midwest Autism Support will install technology into its soon-to-open social enterprise, providing a café and arts and crafts facility.
Established by Granahan McCourt and NBI Chairman David McCourt, who founded RISE, the fund is providing monthly grants across the country to rural community organisations seeking to boost their digital ecosystems.
Speaking about the fund, Mr McCourt commented: “When we launched the RISE Community Fund, we were looking for community groups, charities, small businesses, and social enterprises in rural areas who were exploring how technology could scale the impact of their work.”
“I’m delighted to say that since opening applications in County Limerick, the response has been incredible and now we’re excited to be awarding grants to our successful applicants.
“Each one of them is an inspiration, with many volunteering their time and committing a huge amount of energy and passion to bring pride of place to their local community.”
The RISE Community Fund is calling on small businesses, charities, community groups, and social enterprises to use technology in creative and entrepreneurial ways to deliver maximum impact.
