Funding to the tune of €20m has been announced to support the upgrade and refurbishment of community centres across the country.
Under the Community Centres Investment Fund 2024, community organisations will be supported with grants of between €10,000 – €100,000 to develop and enhance their existing community facilities, allowing for a wide range of improvement works, including refurbishment of kitchens and toilets, upgrades to windows and doors, energy efficiency upgrades, along with improving access for people with disabilities.
Groups are now being strongly advised to get their application and paperwork ready in advance of the application process opening on 29th July.
HOW TO APPLY
The ‘Community Centre Investment Fund 2024 – Refurbishment’ will provide grants for projects from €10,000 up to a maximum of €100,000 towards capital costs. This is broken down into two categories of funding: Category 1 – Small scale projects/improvements to facilities: €10,000 – €25,000; Category 2 – Larger scale projects: €25,001 to €100,000.
The scheme will be delivered in conjunction with Pobal.
All applicants must register as ‘users’ on the online portal in advance of the application process which will open on 29th July, 2024. Groups that applied for this fund previously will not need to register again but should check that their details are still correct. The closing date for applications will be 29th August.
‘A HELPING HAND’
Announcing the funding, the Minister for Rural and Community Development, Heather Humphreys TD said: “In good times and bad, our community centres provide the physical space for friends, neighbours and those who are socially isolated to come together.
“This funding is all about giving a helping hand to our local community groups to improve their own local community spaces. I am encouraging all local groups to consider how a grant could support them in developing their community facility. Whether it be to upgrade the kitchen, the provision of toilet facilities, or perhaps to carry out small renovation works – this funding is designed to support community groups to make the improvements they need in their Community Centre.”
ONLINE INFORMATION EVENT – JUNE 25th
There will be a number of online information events to assist potential applicants, the first of which will take place on Tuesday, 25th June.
All materials to support applicants including access to the online portal, template application form, guidelines, FAQ, links to tutorials and details on information sessions can be found at the Department of Rural & Community Development website.
