Community groups eligible to apply for small grant funding

Community groups and social enterprises in Inishowen are being invited to apply for the 2024 Small Grants Fund to help ‘contribute towards building a more sustainable, inclusive and empowered Community.'

This year’s new SICAP - Social Inclusion Community Activation Programme - Small Grants Fund supports community groups and smaller social enterprises - with less than 10 staff - to reduce poverty and promote social inclusion through engagement and collaboration.

In particular, local groups that are supporting initiatives that prioritise the new focus areas under this recently launched national SICAP programme, such as older people in Isolation,

Refugee and Migrant Rights and Integration, Climate Action and the Just Transition, Addiction, Homelessness, LGBTQI+, Youth, and Gender.

There are also priority target groups within the programme – the full list is available within the application guidelines.

The Small Grants Fund is managed locally by the Inishowen Development Partnership.

SICAP Community Development Team Lead, Denise McCool, says for local groups in Inishowen, the grant is an opportunity to support actions that respond to local needs.

“Volunteers and community groups across Inishowen contribute to and support their local area in a number of various ways,” explained Denise.

“They address a wide range of issues and challenges, supporting the community to come together to make a difference. This small grant can contribute to the work that they are already doing on the ground.”

A range of actions and supports can be applied for under the grant, including creating community plans, training, small capital costs and running events, to name but a few.

“All expenditures must be vouched and short reports on the actions are required. But the process is straightforward with a short application form and guidance provided.”

The Community Development team at IDP are available to answer any questions groups may have regarding the grants programme and can be reached via email or through the IDP Buncrana Office line 074 9362218.

The closing date for applications is Friday, March 22.