TikTok and Rethink Ireland today announce the first cohort of awardees under the TikTok Digital Future Fund. Four transformative projects have been selected as part of the €1 million fund comprised of a €750,000 donation and €250,000 advertising support from TikTok aimed at empowering marginalised young people in Ireland with essential digital and creative skills. This funding initiative is part of TikTok's commitment to upskill and create employment opportunities for young people aged 15-24 across the country.

Awardees at a Glance:

  • Autism (ASD) Print Studio & Wellbeing Project by Dochas Midwest Autism Support Based in Limerick, this project is dedicated to young people with autism and will support them across Clare, Limerick, and Tipperary to build their confidence, upskill, and become employment-ready.
  • Creative Traineeship 2024-2027 by IMMA - Irish Museum of Modern Art in partnership with Inchicore College of Further Education: Aiming to bridge the digital literacy gap in Dublin's cultural sector by targeting marginalised youth, the project will invest in increasing creative skills of trainees over three years, and connect ICFE students with alumni for learning and skills exchange.
  • Ireland's Film Pioneers by Dublin International Film Festival: Through an expert-led masterclass and accelerator programme, this skills and employment readiness project is designed to engage, inspire, and equip unrepresented 15–24 year olds with the digital skills required to seek out and harness opportunities across the screen, cinema, and filmmaking sectors.
  • My Life Online by Atlantic Corridor Links Co. Ltd t/a Midlands Science: Through immersive bootcamps, the project will provide individuals facing socio-economic disadvantages and those from minority ethnic communities with a number of science and digital skills workshops to build a community that values science communication.


Joanne Malone, Head of Education at Rethink Ireland, expressed her excitement about the partnership with TikTok, emphasizing the significant impact these projects will have on closing the digital divide and enhancing employability among Ireland's youth. "We are confident these innovative programs will provide young people with the skills they need to succeed in today's digital economy," Malone stated.


Deirdre Mortell, CEO of Rethink Ireland, highlighted the diverse backgrounds and challenges faced by the awardees' target groups. "Through the TikTok Digital Future Fund, we are not just funding projects; we are investing in futures, breaking down barriers to employment, and fostering a more inclusive digital landscape," Mortell remarked.


Elaine Fox, TikTok Ireland: "At TikTok, we are committed to supporting initiatives that provide inclusive economic opportunities for everyone. We are thrilled to partner with ReThink Ireland to announce the four recipients of the TikTok Digital Future Fund. The recipients will receive financial support to further empower marginalised young people in Ireland with essential digital and creative skills for the future. This initiative represents our aim at TikTok to help foster skill development and employment opportunities for young Irish people aged 15-24 nationwide."


The TikTok Digital Future Fund was established to support non-profit organisations in their efforts to upskill young people, particularly those who are marginalised or at risk of unemployment. This initiative aligns with Rethink Ireland's mission to support social innovations that address pressing issues in Irish society.


For more information on the TikTok Digital Future Fund and the awardee projects, please visit rethinkireland.ie.


Rethink Ireland provides financial grants and business support to Ireland's most promising social innovations, tackling issues such as inequality and educational disadvantage. Since its inception, Rethink Ireland has supported 468 social innovations, impacting over 1 million people.