THE ARTHUR GUINNESS FUND is an innovative investment vehicle that supports the big ideas and the passion for community of social entrepreneurs, furthering the philanthropic legacy of Arthur Guinness. THE ARTHUR GUINNESS FUND helps social entrepreneurs deliver measurable, transformational change to communities in Ireland and worldwide.

Established in 2009 to help mark the 250th anniversary of GUINNESS®, over €6.5m was initially invested in the fund. Last year, the fund awarded €1m and a package of practical support and mentoring to 10 Irish social entrepreneurs. Globally, €3 million was distributed to programmes in the US, Indonesia, Nigeria and Ghana.

This year, GUINNESS® is investing a further €650,000 in Ireland’s social entrepreneurs.

One of the most progressive aspects of THE ARTHUR GUINNESS FUND is that it not only provides financial support to the entrepreneurs; awardees also have access to practical support, expertise and workshops from Diageo and its partner, Social Entrepreneurs Ireland.

In this way, THE ARTHUR GUINNESS FUND acts as a springboard to enable social entrepreneurs to take their initiatives to the next level, and make their vision a reality.