There are currently a number of open calls which may suit your community need - have a read below:
Communities Activities Fund,
Community Climate Action Programme,
Built Heritage Scheme and Historic Structures Fund 2022
Community Monuments Fund 2022
Community Activities Fund:
Good news for men’s and women's sheds, youth centres, parish halls and other community groups as Ministers Humphreys and O’Brien in the Department of Rural and Community Development announce €9 million Fund to support community groups impacted by COVID-19.
Offaly has been allocated €277,101 and Laois has been allocated €273,048.
The fund will provide small grants for community groups impacted by the Pandemic.
Groups will be able to use the funding to carry out necessary repairs and to purchase equipment such as tables and chairs, tools and signage, laptops and printers, lawnmowers, canopies and training equipment.
The once-off fund will be allocated under the Department’s Community Enhancement Programme and will be administered locally by the Local Community Development Committees (LCDCs). The closing dates are to be set by each LCDC so do check with yours to ensure you don't miss out.
Laois LCDC Ph: 057 86 64000
Offaly LCDC Ph: 057 93 46800.
Read the full Press Release on gov.ie here Please don't hesitate to contact my team at pippa.hackett@oireachtas.ie if you would like assistance with this or another matter.
Does your Not For Profit organisation operate at the National or Regional level?
Strand 2: Climate Education, Capacity Building and Learning by Doing, of the Community Climate Action Programme is now open to not for profit organisations, non-government organisations, universities, third level institutions, community and voluntary organisations, social enterprises and libraries.
The purpose of this funding is to facilitate eligible organisations to collaboratively develop supports, tools, know-how and approaches to assist local communities take climate action. The strand focus is on climate education, capacity building and learning by doing – moving beyond ‘raising awareness’ to build the knowledge, skills, attitudes and values necessary to respond to the challenges of climate change at a community level. It is necessary for successful proposals to demonstrate inclusivity in design and practice, so that no one is left behind.
Eligible organisations interested in applying must complete and submit their on-line application form before the deadline of 3pm (15:00hrs) on the 14th January, 2022. More information on pobal.ie
Built Heritage Scheme and Historic Structures Fund
My colleague Malcolm Noonan TD, Minister of State for Heritage and Electoral Reform at the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage, has launched the Built Heritage Investment Scheme and the Historic Structures Fund for 2022.
With €8m in funding across both schemes – an increase of €2 million from 2021 – they represent a continued and significant boost to the preservation of Ireland’s built heritage. It is expected the schemes will support hundreds of projects while also creating over 44,000 days of employment.
The schemes have developed to include new emphasis on, for example, bringing properties back to residential use so be sure to check out the two funds. The primary focus of the Historic Structures Fund will be on conservation and enhancement of historic structures and buildings for the benefit of communities and the public.
Both schemes are administered by your Local Authority:
Laois County Council - all the necessary information on their website.
Offaly County Council - all the necessary information on their website
I suggest you get in contact with your Council as soon as possible as the application deadline will vary by Council but likely to be early in 2022.
Community Monuments Fund 2022
The Community Monuments Fund was first established in 2020 to provide investment in Ireland’s archaeological heritage. Part of this funding is prioritised for local authorities, private owners and custodians and community groups for the care, conservation, maintenance, protection and promotion of archaeological monuments.
Eligible projects will be drawn from the following categories:
projects proposed by a Local Authority in relation to archaeological monuments in public ownership , where a clear heritage focus and community or public benefit has been demonstrated
projects proposed by a Local Authority on foot of applications from private applicants who are the owners or custodians of relevant archaeological monuments where there is a tangible public benefit
projects with a clearly defined heritage focus and community or public benefit proposed directly to the Department by a State-funded organisation working in the heritage area.
Again, get in touch with your Local Authority as soon as possible if you believe your community could apply for this fund.
If my office can assist with your application for any of the above please let us know on pippa.hackett@oireachtas.ie