Fingal Community Groups invited to apply for Community Support Funding

Community and voluntary groups in Fingal are invited to apply for funding under the 2022 Community Support Fund.  The new scheme has been designed to support groups with their energy costs who may not have been deemed eligible under previous Government schemes.   Groups can also use the funding to carry out small upgrade works and to purchase equipment to support their activities.  The Community Support Fund (CSF) will provide small grants to a wide and diverse range of local community groups in disadvantaged areas, with funding available to assist with:

• Current Expenses i.e. operating and running costs such as utility bills, rental/lease costs and insurance bills.
• Capital Expenditure such as the cost of repairs and improvements to facilities, purchase of I.T. equipment, furniture, tools, signage, training equipment etc.
• Separate funding will be ring-fenced to provide support for Women’s Sheds. 

The CSF is funded by the Department of Rural and Community Development with Fingal allocated €341,875 in funding for groups across the county. It was launched in November 2022 at a national level by Minister for Rural and Community Development, Heather Humphreys TD, and the Minister of State with responsibility for Community Development and Charities, Joe O’Brien TD.

The CSF is administered by Local Community Development Committees (LCDCs) in each Local Authority area. It is part of the wider Community Enhancement Programme, which has funded over 8,000 projects in urban and rural communities throughout Ireland since first being launched in 2018.

Applications are now being sought from community and voluntary groups in Fingal for grants up to a maximum of €10,000 for Capital Funding and up to a maximum of €3,500 for Current Funding with a closing date for applications of Friday, February 10th, 2023 at 5pm.

Welcoming the CSF Scheme, the Mayor of Fingal, Cllr. Howard Mahony said: “The CSF can be an important support to community groups in Fingal to help them improve their facilities and fund operating costs at a time of rising costs. Fingal County Council is pleased to offer this support to assist community and voluntary groups in delivering improvements in their local areas and I would encourage groups to apply where possible.”

Commenting on the announcement, AnnMarie Farrelly, Chief Executive of Fingal County Council said: “There is substantial funding available under the CSF which compliments other funding available to groups from Fingal County Council. The work of the community and voluntary sector is highly valued by Fingal County Council and the CSF will provide vital support to help groups with the valuable work they do within our communities. I would advise community groups to examine the CSF and avail of the opportunity to apply for funding if it is relevant to their activities.”

Full details on the 2022 Community Support Fund and how to apply online can be accessed at: 

https://submit.link/1nG - Capital Funding Scheme

https://submit.link/1ps  - Current Funding Scheme 

Enquiries on the Community Support Fund 2022 should be directed to [email protected]