Joe O'Brien - Green Party Joe O'Brien - Green Party

Minister Joe O’Brien launches €10m Community Fund

6th May, 2021

Minister Joe O’Brien (Green Party)

Dublin Fingal

5th May 2021

 

Minister Joe O’Brien launches €10m Community Fund

  • €10 million Covid Stability Fund to support community and voluntary groups, charities and social enterprises
  • Supports for organisations which deliver critical services to the vulnerable
  • Community centres providing social services can also apply for funding
  • Fund to prioritise groups who have not received support since onset of pandemic

 

Minister Joe O’Brien is delighted to announce that applications have opened for a €10 million fund designed to support community and voluntary groups, charities and social enterprises, which have suffered as a result of the pandemic.  Such groups in Fingal can apply for funding to enable them deliver vital services right across our community and I want to ensure they receive the support necessary to help them get back on their feet post-Covid.

The Covid Stability Fund 2021 was launched jointly today by Minister for Rural and Community Development, Heather Humphreys TD, Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform, Michael McGrath TD, and Minister of State with special responsibility for Charities and Community Development, Joe O’Brien TD.

The Fund is targeted at organisations which deliver critical services to vulnerable people within their community but which now face closure or a loss of service due to the impact of the pandemic.

Priority will be given to organisations that have not previously received State support since the onset of the Pandemic.

Examples of the organisations that can apply include those that provide:

  • Family supports and supports for the elderly
  • Domestic Abuse and addiction services
  • Mental health and disability supports
  • Education supports in disadvantaged communities
  • Community centres that provide social services

The €10 million investment builds on the €45 million Covid Stability Fund 2020, which supported almost 600 organisations across the country.

Speaking at the launch Minister O’Brien said:

“I know how important the Covid Stability Fund has been during such a challenging time.

“As we work towards reopening Irish society, it is critical that organisations supporting our communities are provided with the resources necessary to allow them to continue their vital services particularly to those most marginalised which is why I, along with my colleagues, am very pleased to provide this additional €10 million funding for the scheme.

“I hope that this coupled with the soon to be announced Community Enhancement Programme funding for smaller community groups, will help ensure that our communities continue to be supported by the immense work of the C&V sector across Ireland.”

More information about this fund is available on the POBAL website.

Separately, the Department intends to launch the 2021 Community Enhancement Programme over the coming days.

That programme may be more relevant to smaller community groups and it is recommended that they monitor the Department’s website or stay in touch with their Local Community Development Committee, who will be administering the programme in their area, for further details.

ENDS 

For more information please contact johanna.walsh@oireachtas.ie