'Real impact and lasting change': Clare charities urged to apply for new major Amazon fund

Amazon has launched the Regional Creatives Fund Ireland, offering grants of up to €20,000 to Clare charities that develop creative industry career pathways.

The fund is open to registered charities in the county, and across Ireland, that help underserved communities access careers in publishing, music, gaming, film, TV, fashion, advertising and more.

The aim of the Regional Creatives Fund Ireland is to increase access to careers in creative industries for people from these communities. It is open for applications from charitable organisations that are registered with the Charities Regulator who are currently running impactful skills projects and are seeking additional funding to scale, sustain or innovate their efforts.

The grants will give charities with creative upskilling programmes the flexibility to address their most pressing needs and enhance existing programmes. Applications are open for small to mid-size organisations. 

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Applicants must currently be running a programme that focuses on upskilling people from underserved communities for careers in creative industries. Applicants must also be able to demonstrate that the fund will be used to expand or continue an existing impactful programme. 

Examples of programmes that a Regional Creatives Fund Ireland grant can be used for include funding for placements in game development studios, music production training and portfolio development for future advertising creatives.

“The Regional Creatives Fund Ireland is about reducing barriers to entry within Ireland’s creative sector and working with charities who are already making a difference to help them reach even more people. We're excited to combine financial support with Amazon's industry expertise to create real pathways into creative careers across Ireland,” said Alison Dunn, Country Manager for Amazon in Ireland. 

The focus on these communities reflects the fund's alignment with Arts Council Ireland's mission to increase equality in the arts.

The Arts Council, the national government agency for funding, developing and promoting the arts in Ireland, defines equality in the arts as establishing equal treatment for all, while equity means assisting those who could not otherwise avail of the equal treatment in this sector. 

Through the Regional Creatives Fund Ireland, Amazon aims to support this vision by removing barriers and creating new pathways into creative careers.

In addition to financial support, the fund will also use Amazon’s network of creative industry professionals to offer charities pro bono upskilling programmes for their organisations as well as their beneficiaries - including mentoring, work experience, placement opportunities and digital training.

Support will be provided by creative minds from Amazon Music, Prime Video, Amazon Games and more. Grants will be awarded by an independent judging panel, which includes senior leaders from Amazon, The National Concert Hall, Writers Guild of Ireland, Business to Arts and Digital Hub.

Funding applications will be assessed across five key areas. Strong proposals will reflect the fund’s spirit with energy, optimism and a clear creative purpose; deliver real impact through skills, access and industry links; show a smart, achievable plan with confident delivery; centre inclusion by amplifying underrepresented voices; and build on existing programmes to grow what’s already working.

“Ireland’s creative industries thrive on diversity of voice and perspective. The Regional Creatives Fund is a vital step in ensuring that talent from every community has the chance to flourish. By supporting grassroots organisations that provide pathways into the sector, this initiative will help open doors for people who might otherwise be excluded. Therefore, I’m delighted to be part of a programme that celebrates creativity in all its forms and invests in the next generation of storytellers, artists and innovators.” Ciarán Hayden, Executive Director, Writers Guild of Ireland.
 
“The Regional Creatives Fund Ireland is about strengthening organisations that are already making a difference in people’s lives and careers. By focusing on skills, confidence and pathways into creative industries, this fund can help broaden opportunities for those who are often excluded. I’m looking forward to supporting a fair and rigorous process that backs real impact and lasting change.” Louise O’Reilly, Chief Executive, Business to Arts.

Charities can apply now until November 16.

To find out more about the Regional Creatives Fund and apply, go here.