KERRY County Council has today announced the first of three community funds which will provide significant financial supports to community and voluntary organisations and projects across the county.
The 2022 Community Support Fund was launched today by the Cathaoirleach of Kerry County Council, Cllr Jimmy Moloney and details will be announced over the next two weeks of separate funding streams to support some operational costs for community groups as well as investment in festivals and events in the county in 2022.
Community groups can now apply to the Community Support Fund through the Kerry County Council website and the closing date is Monday, 21 February.
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A total of €750,000 is being made available through this year’s scheme. The fund, which is now in its eighth year, has supported over 2,500 projects since 2015.
Cllr Moloney said: ‘I warmly welcome the provision of this funding for community groups. Over the past few years, millions have been invested in worthwhile projects and initiatives across the county and which have enormous benefits for every community in the county. I would encourage voluntary and community groups to apply at the earliest opportunity.’
There are four main categories eligible for funding this year including:
• Rebuilding and Reconnecting Communities
• Tidy Towns Initiatives and Amenity Projects
• Community Economic Innovation
• Community Tourism, Festivals and Events
Queries should be referred by email to the Municipal District which groups are applying to or by contacting the Community and Tourism Department at Kerry County Council on (066) 7183680.
Over the next two weeks, Kerry County Council will publish details of the new Community Activities Fund as well as the Festivals and Events Fund for 2022.
Categories for the 2022 Community Support Fund
1. Rebuilding and Reconnecting Communities
Examples of projects that could be supported:
• Activity to reconnect communities (either virtually or in line with guidance around social distancing and permitted activities).
• Pilot imaginative new approaches and community events that will facilitate communities to meet safely.
• Minor improvements to provide safe indoor and outdoor meeting facilities and spaces.
• Develop/enhance safe outdoor recreational/social spaces for young people to reconnect safely.
• Provide small capital support to local voluntary groups, providing community services to assist in the development of new services and/or enhance existing services.
2. Community Tidy Towns Initiatives and Amenity Projects
Examples of Projects that could be supported:
• Develop/enhance safe outdoor recreational/social spaces to make them vibrant hubs for community enjoyment,
• Provision of information boards, sheltered meeting areas, picnic areas and wheelchair accessible benches in outdoor public spaces.
• Climate Action Awareness training for local community groups.
• Develop community garden and/or biodiversity projects,
• Waste minimization/management projects,
In general, funding will only be available for development work and not general maintenance. Groups can apply under the Community Activities Fund for maintenance costs.
3. Community Economic Innovation
Examples of Projects that could be supported:
• Support to Chamber Alliances
• Support the upgrade and enhancement of street facades and public realm improvements
• Enhance and adapt recreational amenities in town and village centres.
Priority will be given to projects that demonstrate collaboration between the Business Sector, Local Chamber Alliances, the Local Community and Kerry County Council.
4. Community Tourism, Festivals and Events
Funding under this theme will be provided to festivals, activities and reimagined events while adhering to the relevant COVID 19 Government advice at the time.
Funding under this theme will be provided to new and established projects that are managed by local festival committees, community groups and/or business and chamber alliances that support tourism growth and generate a sense of place and community pride.
In 2022, added priority will be awarded to festivals participating in ‘An Turás Mor – The Journey Home Festival Series’ planned for October 2022 as part of Fáilte Irelands Global Irish Festival Series.