Minister Humphreys encourages local groups to submit their applications as deadline for Community Centre Investment Fund approaches

• Closing date for applications is 3pm on Thursday 29^th August
• Grants of up to €100,000 available to upgrade existing Community Centres
• With 10 days to go, Minister urges local groups to get their applications submitted

The Minister for Rural and Community Development, Heather Humphreys TD, is encouraging community groups nationwide to avail of funding to support the upgrade and refurbishment of community centres ahead of the closing date for applications on Thursday 29^th August.

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.

Speaking today, Minister Humphreys said:

“In June, I was delighted to announce a new round of funding to support the upgrade, renovation and refurbishment of community centres across the country. 

“This funding is all about giving a helping hand to our local community groups to improve their own local community spaces. 

“I am now encouraging all local groups to get their applications in before the deadline on 29^th August. There are just 10 days to go and I would urge local groups not to wait until the last minute, get your application finalised and submitted well ahead of the deadline.

“Whether it be to carry out small renovation works, upgrades from an energy perspective, upgrading of kitchen facilities or the improvement of toilet facilities – this funding is designed to support community groups to make the improvements they need in their Community Centre.”

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 here. Groups are strongly advised to get their application and paperwork ready as the closing date for submitting an application on the portal will be 3pm on 29^th August 2024.

There have been a number of online information events to assist potential applicants, recordings of these events together with a range of information supports and access to the online portal can be found at the Department of Rural & Community Development website here. Here you will also find  with information on how to register for the next information clinic which will take place on August 20^th.

ENDS

Notes to editor:

Community facilities can be defined as a building that is managed by a community-based organisation which is open to and used by a broad range of individuals and groups within the local community for group activities such as social events, information/supports and recreation.

The Community Centre Investment Fund 2024- Refurbishment Measure will provide grants as follows:

Category 1: Small scale projects/improvements to facilities €10,000 – €25,000.   

A minimum of 5% of the total project budget is required by the applicant as match funding.

Category 2: Larger scale projects €25,001 to €100,000. 

A minimum of 10% of the total project budge is required by the applicant as match funding. 

Funding is available for capital works such as:

• Costs associated with building/renovation works (e.g. materials for extension, refurbishment, modernisation, flooring electrical and or plumbing)
• Costs associated with acquisition, installation or replacement of equipment which forms an integral part of a building e.g., kitchen units, worktops, sinks, bathroom fittings etc.
• Costs associated with improving the energy efficiency of the building.
• Rental costs of equipment required for the project e.g., diggers, cement mixers, etc.
• Labour costs for registered tradespeople such as builder, plasterers, decorators, plumbers, electricians etc., as necessary for the completion of the project.
• Purchase costs of equipment necessary for the ongoing success of the project following completion e.g. kitchen appliances for a kitchen renovation project, improved lighting, installation of a lift to improve assess for disabled people, etc.
• Improvements of facilities which are necessary to meet fire safety and building regulations e.g. lining of walls and floors, escape routes, wiring, sockets, electrical switches and distribution boards, gas tanks, gas burning flues, heating systems and appliances.
• Fire safety equipment e.g. fire doors, fire alarm system, etc.
• Upgrade works on electrical, gas and heating appliances to ensure they meet regulations and standards and so on.