Please read the Application Guidelines for the ‘Community Activities Fund’ before completing this form.
The Community Support Fund (CSF) provides funding to support community groups across Ireland.
The CSF is funded by the Department of Rural and Community Development (the Department) and administered by the Local Community Development Committees (LCDCs) in each Local Authority area.
The Department provides funding to each Local Authority (LA) area and the LCDCs then administer this funding locally to ensure funding is targeted appropriately towards addressing disadvantage in the areas that need it most.
It is important to note that other agencies and departments also invest in disadvantaged areas[1]. The CSF will operate in a complementary manner to add value to other front-line schemes and programmes being operated in communities.
[1] For example, the Department of Education and Skills in DEIS schools and community liaison officers, HSE in community care services, DSP in Intreo and through the Local Employment Service etc. This Department of Rural and Community Development also operates the SICAP (Social Inclusion and Community Activation Programme to assist individuals and groups from disadvantaged communities.
This funding will help communities, community groups and committees, allowing them to continue to provide valuable services to the people in their area, and in the process strengthen the bonds that tie communities together.
Maximum of one application per group.
This form must be completed and signed by either the group Secretary, Treasurer or Chairperson
Successful applications for funding under this programme will only be paid to the applicant organisation’s Bank Account. Please ensure you have your Bank Account details to hand if your application is successful.
Eligibility
Any not-for-profit community or voluntary group can apply.
Commercial organisations and individuals are not eligible for funding.
TERMS AND CONDITIONS
The Community Supports Fund will support groups, particularly in disadvantaged areas, with their non-pay running/operating costs, as well as funding to carry out necessary repairs and improvements to their facilities and purchase equipment. The scheme does not provide funding for the pay or employment of staff.
The activity or project must benefit the local community and relate to the key priority areas identified in the LECP.
The information supplied by the applicant group /organisation must be accurate and complete.
Misinformation may lead to disqualification and/or the repayment of any grant made.
All information provided in respect of the application for a grant will be held electronically. The Department reserves the right to publish a list of all grants awarded on its website.
The Freedom of Information Act applies to all records held by the Department and Local Authorities.
The application must be signed by the Chairperson, Secretary or Treasurer of the organisation making the submission.
It is the responsibility of each organisation to ensure that it has proper procedures and policies in place, including appropriate insurance, where relevant.
Evidence of expenditure, receipts /invoices must be retained and provided to the LCDC or their representative if requested.
The Department is stating that only energy/operating costs incurred in the period 1st April 2022 to 31st March 2023 are eligible.
Grant monies must be expended and drawn down from the LCDC by 31st August 2023. Photographic evidence may be required to facilitate draw down of grants.
The Department’s contribution must be publicly acknowledged in all materials associated with the purpose of the grant.
Generally no third party or intermediary applications will be considered.
Applications to be submitted online to the dedicated portal clarecoco.submit.com
Late applications will not be considered.
Breaches of the terms and conditions of the grants scheme may result in sanctions including disbarment from future grant applications.
Please ensure the application form is completed in full. Incomplete applications will not be considered for funding.
In order to process your application it may be necessary for Clare County Council to collect personal data from you. Such information will be processed in line with the Local Authority’s privacy statement which is available to view on Privacy statement | Clare County Council (clarecoco.ie)