Community groups benefit from €4.2 million in funding

AN INJECTION of over €4.2m in funding will go into 27 groups through the community services programme, with An Cosán and FoodCloud some of the largest beneficiaries.

Almost 400 community organisations nationwide are set to benefit, with the new funding model being used by the Community Services Programme (CSP) rising the investment by over €5m, to almost €49m in total.

The CSP is an initiative designed to support community-based businesses, social enterprises and organisations that provide local services and create employment opportunities for disadvantaged people.

Countywide, Dublin and Dún Laighaire Education and Training Board, which is based in Tallaght, are the largest beneficiaries after being awarded €451,561 and Dublin City Council was awarded €216,264.

Social enterprise FoodCloud is a charity which redistributes 100 million meals to its network of community groups, assisting those most deprived, across Ireland and the UK.

Based in Broomhill Business Park, FoodCloud have been awarded €388,396, while Jobstown-based education service The Shanty Educational Project CLG, which trades as An Cosán, will benefit from €345,495.

Over €500k in funding has been allocated to equine centres, with Fettercairn Youth Horse Project (YHP) and Cherry Orchard Equine Centre to benefit.

Fettercairn YHP, a social enterprise, has had long-charted issues around funding in recent years after struggling to secure new public liability insurance.

However, in 2022, these issues were resolved, with the community facility operating as normal and now it will receive some €170,714.50 in additional funding through the CSP.

In a further enhancement of the programme, organisations may draw down a full contribution based on 37.5 hours per week per worker, rather than 39 hours, as was previously the case.

An increase of €4,000 for both full-time positions and a manager will be provided for organisations considered to have a ‘high funding need’.

For organisations considered to have a ‘medium funding need’ there will be a €2,000 increase per full-time position and manager provided.

There will be no change for the small number of organisations considered to have a low funding need – these are organisations with the strongest earning potential operating in less disadvantaged areas.

Minister for Rural and Community Development, Joe O’Brien TD, announced that new applications under the CSP will be accepted soon.

“I am very pleased to be able to open the programme for new applications,” Deputy O’Brien said.

“We are currently finalising the arrangements and further details will issue shortly.

“My department will also contact all organisations that have expressed an interest in applying under this new call.”