Fingal Community Groups invited to apply for Community Activities Funding

Community and voluntary groups in Fingal are invited to apply for funding under the 2022 Community Activities Fund.

The Community Activities Fund (CAF) is a once-off fund that provides grants to assist community and voluntary groups with facilities upgrades, equipment purchase and running costs. The CAF is funded by the Department of Rural and Community Development with Fingal allocated €301,042 in funding for groups across the county. It was launched before Christmas at a national level by the 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 CAF can support groups, particularly in disadvantaged areas with:

Operating and running costs such as utility bills, rental/lease costs and insurance bills.
The cost of repairs and improvements to facilities, purchase of I.T. equipment, furniture, tools, signage, training equipment etc.

The CAF 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 €15,000 with a closing date for applications of Friday, February 18, 2022 at 6:00 PM

Speaking about the Community Activities Fund, Mayor of Fingal, Cllr. Seana O’Rodaigh said: “The Community Activities Fund can be an important support to community groups in Fingal to help them improve their facilities and fund operating costs. Fingal County Council is pleased to offer this support in acknowledging the central role community groups play in the wellbeing of people throughout the county. The programme is a valuable response to local needs and can help local groups deliver many improvements in their own areas.”

Commenting on the announcement, AnnMarie Farrelly, Chief Executive of Fingal County Council said: “The work of the community and voluntary sector is highly valued by Fingal County Council. The Community Activities Fund will assist community groups with the valuable work they do within our communities. I would advise community groups to examine the CAF and avail of the opportunity to apply for funding if it is relevant to their activities.”

Welcoming the new CAF Scheme, Emer O’Gorman, Fingal County Council’s Director of Economic, Enterprise, Tourism and Cultural Development, said “There is substantial funding available under the CAF which compliments other funding available from Fingal County Council. This funding option has the potential to add significantly to the activities of community and voluntary groups and I would encourage groups to apply where possible”

Declan Ryan, Chief Officer of the Fingal Local Community Development Committee added: “The Community Activities Fund comes from within the Community Enhancement Programme group of funds. These funds have been availed of widely by community groups in Fingal in recent years, which has resulted in valuable funding being distributed to groups in disadvantaged areas in particular. The new CAF has the added benefit of allowing applications for both capital costs and operating costs. This added flexibility is very welcome. The Fingal LCDC looks forward to supporting the delivery of this scheme.”

Full details on the 2022 Community Activities Fund and how to apply online can be accessed at https://submit.link/Ch