New Solutions Pilot Grants 2026: Funding for Social Innovation in Ireland

 

The New Solutions Pilot Grants 2026 are now open, offering organisations in the Republic of Ireland an opportunity to trial bold and innovative ideas that address pressing social challenges. Applications open on 11 February 2026, and the deadline to apply is 13 March 2026 at 6 PM. This two-year fund supports projects that aim to improve outcomes for disadvantaged groups through fresh approaches, new models, and creative problem-solving.

---

About the New Solutions Pilot Grants

The New Solutions Pilot Grants are designed to help not-for-profit and community-focused organisations test new products, services, or practices that can strengthen social inclusion. With a total fund value of €4,000,000, at least 40 pilot projects will receive between €70,000 and €100,000 to develop and implement their ideas over a 24-month period.

The grants are co-funded by the Government of Ireland and the European Union under the ESF+ Programme 2021–2027, and overseen by Pobal. Beyond financial support, successful applicants gain access to the New Solutions Social Innovation Hub, benefitting from expert guidance, tools, and networking opportunities.

---

Themes of the 2026 Funding Call

Projects must focus on at least one of the fund’s core social inclusion themes. These include:

• Increasing access to employment for disadvantaged groups
• Increasing access to education for disadvantaged groups
• Supporting the personal and social development of young people at risk of poverty
• Harnessing the potential of sport to drive social inclusion

Disadvantaged groups may include people with disabilities, migrants, ethnic minorities, individuals experiencing homelessness, jobless households, single-parent families, and people living in remote or rural communities.

---

What the Fund Supports

A pilot project is understood as a small-scale test of a new idea, model, or solution. The goal is to examine feasibility, gather feedback, and refine approaches before scaling. Eligible costs under the grant may include:

• Staff salaries directly linked to the project
• Travel, training, and meeting expenses
• Marketing and communications
• ICT and small equipment essential to programme delivery
• Other direct costs tied clearly to project activities

Indirect costs are permitted up to 10% of total direct costs, provided they are reasonable and properly allocated. However, grants cannot be spent on debt repayment, capital projects, or large equipment purchases.

---

Who Can Apply?

A wide range of organisations can apply, including:

• Not-for-profit organisations
• NGOs and community groups
• Local authorities
• Charitable organisations
• Social enterprises
• Co-operatives
• Higher education institutions
• Education and Training Boards

All applicants must meet the programme’s eligibility criteria by 31 May 2026. Organisations may also collaborate and submit joint applications when relevant.

---

What Applicants Must Submit

To complete the online application, organisations must upload a series of required documents. These include:

• Project Budget Template
• Organisation Income & Expenditure Template
• Results Framework Template
• De Minimis Aid Declaration
• Management Accounts (for organisations operating for under a year)
• Financial statements
• Governing documents or partnership agreements, if applicable
• A letter of engagement with a Sports Development Officer for sport-focused projects

Applicants may also submit a short optional video (2–3 minutes) explaining their project concept.

---

Timeline and Selection Process

Applications close on 13 March 2026 at 6 PM, followed by internal and external reviews from March to May. Shortlisted organisations will be invited to online interviews between 11 May and 5 June 2026, with interview invitations issued by 24 April 2026. Final decisions will be communicated from 17 August 2026, and contracting will take place up to 25 September 2026.

---

A Significant Opportunity for Social Change

The New Solutions Pilot Grants 2026 offer a meaningful chance for organisations to test transformative ideas that can strengthen communities and improve lives. With strong financial support, structured guidance, and a clear focus on social inclusion, the fund invites organisations to think creatively and pilot solutions that can shape a more equitable future for Ireland.

Application can be accessed from here.

To know more about such opportunities, click here.