Four social enterprise projects have been successful in applications for grants in the latest funding announcement by the Department of Rural and Community Development.
€2 million in funding from the Dormant Accounts Fund was shared out among 52 social enterprise projects across the country.
In Donegal, the projects being supported by the Fund are:
Lárionad Acmhainní Nádúrtha (LAN) in Falcarragh will receive €33,456 to fund the purchase of an excavator to facilitate land rehabilitation of an industrial waste land. Previously the site of a tomato growing industry, this land will be developed as an innovative sustainable eco / cultural-tourism facility for LAN and its wider community.
Spraoi Agus Spórt Family Centre in Carndonagh will get €75,000 to fund the purchase and installation of the FabLab equipment at their existing premises.
Comhlacht Forbartha an Tearmainn was allocated €68,500 for development of a dedicated storage facility for the organisation’s primary asset, its fleet of electric bikes for hire to tourists.
Muff Community Development Co-op Society Limited will receive €43,862 to extensively upgrade facilities in Muff Community Hall.
The main aim of the funding is to increase the impact of social enterprises by enhancing their capacity to delivery services and generate traded income through the provision of small capital grants.
The allocations follow a call for applications for funding made by Minister Ring in July.
Announcing the successful projects today, Minister Ring said: “I am delighted to announce funding of €2 million to assist social enterprises in the valuable work they carry out across the country. Social enterprises drive job creation, deliver essential services, bring social benefits and breathe life into communities.
“Most importantly, they carry out this work in communities and areas which are most in need, including rural areas which would otherwise struggle to attract mainstream providers in certain sectors. The funding being made available today will enable the successful applicants to improve their service delivery through investment in areas such as essential equipment, accessible vehicles and premises refurbishment.”
