Donegal County Council and the Donegal Local Community Development Committee (LCDC) are inviting applications from Community groups in disadvantaged areas for funding under the Communities Support Fund for running costs and/or Capital expenditure.
The Department of Rural and Community Affairs launched the Community Support Fund, with a national allocation of €10million.
This fund will support community and voluntary groups, in disadvantaged areas as follows:-
- Small Grant (€500-€1,000) for non-pay running costs such as utility bills (electricity costs, refuse charges, heating charges) or other non-pay operating costs for e.g. rental/lease costs, insurance bills during period 1st April 2022-31st March 2023.
- Large Grant (€5,000-€10,000) to carry out necessary repairs and improvements to their facilities or purchase of equipment.
An element of the available funding has been ring fenced for Women’s Sheds with a separate application form available.
Councillor Niamh Kennedy, Chairperson of Donegal LCDC (pictured above) welcomed the Fund and encouraged all Community and Voluntary Groups in the county to apply.
She said “Donegal LCDC acknowledge the enormous contribution Community and Voluntary Groups from every sector make to their Communities. We are acutely aware of the difficulties groups face in meeting their running expenses due to increasing costs and welcome this Scheme which will assist groups to meet day to day expenses or upgrade or improve their facilities to allow them to continue to operate and grow.”
Launching the Scheme Minister Heather Humphries said “As Minister for Rural and Community Development, I fully appreciate the fantastic work carried out by volunteers in communities across the country whether it’s the local Parish Hall Committee, the Development Association or the local Senior Citizens Group.
“These local committees work hard to make sure they can keep the lights on and run fantastic local services and events for young and old to enjoy.”
The closing date for receipt of applications to the Scheme is 3.30pm on Thursday, 9th March 2023.
Further details and application forms can be obtained by clicking on the following link https://www.donegalcoco.ie/community/fundingforyourgroup/communitysupportfund/
