Applications have opened for a €10 million fund designed to support community and voluntary groups, charities and social enterprises, which have suffered as a result of the pandemic.
The Covid Stability Fund 2021 was launched jointly today by Minister for Rural and Community Development, Heather Humphreys TD, Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform, Michael McGrath TD, and Minister of State with special responsibility for Charities and Community Development, Joe O’Brien TD.
The Fund is targeted at organisations which deliver critical services to vulnerable people within their community but which now face closure or a loss of service due to the impact of the pandemic. Priority will be given to organisations that have not previously received State support since the onset of the Pandemic.
Examples of the organisations that can apply include those that provide:
• Family supports and supports for the elderly
• Domestic Abuse and addiction services
• Mental health and disability supports
• Education supports in disadvantaged communities
• Community centres that provide social services
All of the application details can be found at https://www.pobal.ie/programmes/covid-19-cv-stability-fund-2021/
Separately, the Department intends to launch the 2021 Community Enhancement Programme over the coming days. That programme may be more relevant to smaller community groups and it is recommended that they monitor the Department’s website or stay in touch with their Local Community Development Committee, who will be administering the programme in their area, for further details.
