Cllr. Fionnán Fitzgerald has sent notice for the benefit of groups and organisations at this side of his constituency that Kerry County Council launched its Community Support Fund 2022 on Monday morning.
“It is a very useful form of support for voluntary groups in the area and is used by many. I encourage groups to have a look at the application form and criteria and to consider sending in an application,” said Cllr. Fitzgerald.
Kerry County Council has now issued a call for applications for the 2022 Community Support Fund which is offering supports to community-based projects and initiatives in Kerry.
Promotion of Community
Applications are welcomed from groups in County Kerry whose primary focus is the development or promotion of the local community or the development of a project that will benefit a group in the community.
Applications for funding must come within the definition of one of the following four categories of support:
1.Rebuilding and Reconnecting Communities; 2.Community Tidy Town Initiatives and Amenity Projects; 3. Community Economic Innovation; 4. Community Based Tourism, Festivals and Events.
The Community Support Fund 2022 application form is required to be completed electronically, via an online portal.
Terms and Conditions
The online application form including the terms & conditions of funding and the guide to completion of the form are available on the following link: https://arcg.is/HKnqO and details of the fund are also available on the council website on: www.kerrycoco.ie – under ‘Latest News, ‘Schemes & Funds’ & ‘Apply For It’ tabs on the homepage.
The closing date for receipt of applications is Monday 21st February, 2022.
Kerry County Council appreciates the valuable contribution that communities make to the overall well- being of the county and its citizens.
County’s Recovery Plan
In recognition of this, the council has developed the Community Support Fund which provides flexible financial support to community groups and local organisations.
The Community Support Fund is available to ensure community groups can deliver projects which focus on the county’s recovery plan from the coronavirus pandemic.
This review has been informed by national policies such as the Government’s Rural Development Policy 2021-2025 ‘Our Rural Future,’ ‘The Tourism Recovery Plan 2020-2023’ and Fáilte Ireland’s business continuity scheme for the tourism sector ‘Survive to Thrive.’ This Fund is facilitated through the Local Property Tax, through the decision of the Elected Council.
Work to be Done in 2022
Contributions paid under the Community Support Fund will only be paid in respect of work to be carried out in 2022.
The Community Support Fund is co-ordinated by the Community and Tourism Department of Kerry County Council, applicants are advised to contact the Community and Tourism Department or their
Municipal District Office for advice and guidance in advance of making an application for funding. Applicants are encouraged to be registered with Kerry’s Public Participation Network (PPN), if appropriate. Registration details are outlined on the application form.
Applications Welcomed
Applications are welcomed from groups in County Kerry whose primary focus is the development or promotion of the local community or the development of a project that will benefit a group in the community.
Preference will be given to local communities who work collectively with Kerry County Council, the Local Development sector and/ or other relevant partners.
Preference will also be given to local groups who have not received funding under the Community Support Fund previously.
The following criteria must be met in order to be eligible for funding: 2.1.1 Grants will be given only to voluntary and non-profit making groups and organisations to support community initiatives that benefit residents of Kerry. Applications from individuals will not be accepted.
Loans or Deficits not Covered
Grants should support the achievement of the Council’s Corporate Priorities. In addition, projects and initiatives should fit with locally identified priorities or plans.
Organisations must have no outstanding debt owing to the council. Grants will not cover loans or deficits.
Mass participation or community events run for either charity or for profit are not eligible for funding, e.g. events that benefit fundraising activities for local business/ organisations / groups.
Operational/running costs and general maintenance costs (e.g. energy bills, grass cutting, insurance etc.) will not be funded.
Plans Must Not Cause Displacement
Grants will not be awarded retrospectively, i.e. Grants will only be awarded for work or resources still to be purchased at the time the application is made.
The eligibility criteria: Purchase of vehicles is outside the scope of the fund. Major infrastructural/refurbishment projects are outside the scope of the fund.
Projects which are the responsibility of other government departments are ineligible, e.g. applications from schools, day care centres, parents’ associations etc.
Funding will not be awarded if it will result in displacement, e.g. closure or loss of business for another enterprise. Defibrillator support will only be awarded to Community First Responder Groups.
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