Minister Joe O’Brien welcomes €20 million Community Centre Investment Fund
· Grants of up to €100,000 available to upgrade existing Community Centres
· Wide range of works eligible for funding including Refurbishment of Kitchens & Toilets, Upgrades to Windows & Doors, Energy Efficiency Upgrades & Improving access for people with disabilities
· Online Registration Portal now Open at https://myportal.pobal.ie/SignIn?ReturnUrl=%2F
Fingal TD Joe O’Brien, the Minister of State for Community Development, Integration & Charities has today welcomed €20 million in funding to support the upgrade and refurbishment of community centres across the country with community groups in Fingal being encouraged to apply.
Under the Community Centres Investment Fund 2024, community organisations will be supported with grants of between €10,000 - €100,000 to develop and enhance their existing community facilities.
Announcing the funding today, Minister Joe O’Brien said:
“I am delighted to once again have my Department announce this important fund which gives local communities the opportunity to identify local community centre needs - be that refurbishment or a significant building project - and to avail of funding to complete the work.
“Community centres are vital infrastructure and provide a hub for communities to come together and work with and for each other through the many amazing community groups on the ground in communities throughout Ireland. In Dublin Fingal we are exceptionally lucky to have a vast number of committed community groups working across the area & I’m sure this fund will be of interest to many.”
How to Apply:
The ‘Community Centre Investment Fund 2024 – Refurbishment’ will provide grants for projects from €10,000 up to a maximum of €100,000 towards capital costs.
This is broken down into two categories of funding:
· Category 1:
Small scale projects/improvements to facilities: €10,000 - €25,000.
· Category 2:
Larger scale projects: €25,001 to €100,000.
The scheme will be delivered in conjunction with Pobal.
All applicants must register as 'users' on the online portal in advance of the application process which will open on 29th July 2024. Groups that applied for this fund previously will not need to register again but should check that their details are still correct.
Groups are strongly advised to get their application and paperwork ready in advance of the application process opening on 29th July.
The closing date for applications will be 29th August2024.
There will be a number of online information events to assist potential applicants, the first of which will take place on Tuesday 25th June.
All materials to support applicants including access to the online portal, template application form, guidelines, FAQ, links to tutorials and details on information sessions can be found at the Department of Rural & Community Development website.
