New funding schemes launched for community groups and organisations in Clare
CLARE County Council has launched two grant schemes aimed at providing funding opportunities to community groups and local organisations throughout the county.
Clare County Council’s Local Area Grant Scheme 2023, together with the Community Support Fund 2022, under the Department of Rural and Community Development’s Community Enhancement Programme (CEP), will see a combined funding of €728,325 allocated to County Clare, providing significant financial support and benefit to groups and organisations throughout the county.
Welcoming the launch of both schemes the Cathaoirleach of Clare County Council, Cllr Tony O’Brien, noted: "In these times of financial uncertainty it is hugely beneficial to be able to provide this level of funding support and assistance to the various groups and organisations that are the lifeblood of communities across the county”.
Pat Dowling, Chief Executive of the local authority, welcomed the timing of these funding supports for community groups and organisations in County Clare, which, he said, “will provide them with a much-needed injection of funds allowing them to meet their ongoing operational costs and plan for projects and initiatives to improve the quality of life for communities in Clare.”
Clare Local Area Grant Scheme 2023
The Clare Local Area Grant Scheme, previously known as the Community Support Scheme, is a Council-led grant scheme that provides funding for local communities to assist them with various projects that fall within the relevant categories of the scheme. In addition to local community projects, the scheme also includes funding to support artists and organisations who stimulate public interest in, promote knowledge, appreciation and practice of, or improve standards in the arts.
Community Support Fund 2022
The Community Support Fund 2022, under the Community Enhancement Programme funded by the Department of Rural and Community Development, is focused on supporting groups in disadvantaged areas with a provision of €10 million being made available in grant funding nationally towards energy and running costs and enhancing the facilities available to communities. The Community Support Fund is open to groups and organisations in County Clare seeking assistance towards their energy/ operating costs, and capital funding towards repairs and improvements to their facilities. There is also a support fund for Women’s Shed groups.