Rise Up! Grab A Grand – Got a Big Idea? Let’s Make It Happen.

Applications open 27 October 2026

Got an idea that could make life better for girls and women in Ireland?

Rise Up! Grab A Grand is here to help you make it happen.

YWCA Ireland is launching a new funding initiative for young women aged 18–30 who have a fresh idea, a passion for change and a vision for making a difference.

To celebrate our 150th birthday, we are seeking to award 10 grants of €1,000 (or the GBP equivalent) to ten young women who have an project idea which will positively impact the lives of girls and young women in the Republic of Ireland and/or Northern Ireland.

Whether you're creating a safe space, developing young women as leaders or advocating for gender justice, we want to hear your idea.

Could you Grab A Grand?

You can apply if you:

  • Are a woman aged 18–30

  • Live in the Republic of Ireland or Northern Ireland

  • Have a bank account in the Republic of Ireland or Northern Ireland

You don't need to have applied for funding before, and your idea doesn't have to be church-based.
We welcome applications from women of all faiths or none. However in line with our charitable ethos, priority will be given to initiatives led by a Christian or which have a Christian ethos.

Here's how it works

01 — Share your idea
Complete a short online application, tell us what you want to achieve and share your vision in a one-minute video.

02 — Talk it through
If your application progresses, you'll meet online with the YWCA Ireland team to chat about your idea.

Save the dates

Applications open: 26 October 2026
Applications close: 30 November 2026
Funding distributed: March 2027

Got the idea? Now grab the opportunity.

Download the info pack here


Apply here

Questions? Email riseup@ywca.ie.

Your idea could be the start of something bigger. Turn your vision into impact.