Funding Scheme to Support National Organisations in the Community and Voluntary Sector
Mr. Phil Hogan, T.D. Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government, today (Monday 27th January) announced that applications are being invited under a new round of funding for the Scheme to Support National Organisations in the Community and Voluntary sector. The new round of funding will commence from 1 July 2014 and run for a 2.5 year period to 31 December 2016.
Applications are being invited from community and voluntary organisations that operate on a nationwide basis to a broad range of disadvantaged target groups. “This Scheme is a key element of the State’s commitment and support for the role of the Community and Voluntary sector in delivering services to enhance the quality of life of many people in Irish society and contributing to the creation of a vibrant and civil society” stated Minister Hogan.
This funding scheme is focussed on organisations that operate at a national level and will greatly assist them in the provision of a wide range of important services, in particular to disadvantaged target groups.
The primary aim of the Scheme to Support National Organisations is to provide multi-annual funding to national organisations towards core costs associated with the provision of services.
The provision of a specific funding measure directed at core costs recognises the diversity of organisations operating within the sector, in terms of size, and the fact that many organisations are working with limited resources and tackling significant and complex issues. In addition, the funding of national organisations enhances the capacity of the Community and Voluntary sector to co-ordinate itself at a national level, raise standards and build expertise across the sector. Funding towards core costs, particularly in the current economic climate, is acknowledged as being vital for organisations to maintain and expand their services.
Application forms and guidelines are available at www.pobal.ie from today and completed applications must be submitted by email by Wednesday 19th February.
Minister Hogan added:
“This type of funding gives the funded groups a real basis for their planning of service delivery into the future. I also see this funding as contributing to the entire community sector as many of the national groups that we will fund will, in turn, provide vital supports and services to regional and local organisations.”