KERRY sports clubs and communities are reminded they can apply for funding under the Sports Capital and Equipment Programme (SCEP) from next Monday.

The Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media, Catherine Martin T.D., and the Minister of State for Sport and Physical Education, Thomas Byrne T.D., have announced that a new round of the (SCEP) will open for new applications from July 17.

Applicants for local projects can now apply for up to €200,000, increased from the previous maximum grant of €150,000.

Continued below…

The maximum valid grant available for projects deemed to be of regional significance has been increased from €300,000 to €500,000.

In addition, this year’s SCEP “Guide to Making an Application” has a focus on climate action and sustainability for the first time, supporting local clubs to take steps to reduce their energy consumption and applying for more efficient lighting.

For the first time in the history of the SCEP, projects will only be considered for grant support if access is guaranteed to men and women on equal terms.

As one of the stated objectives of the Programme is to increase female participation, all applications for funding of women-only facilities will be deemed valid for consideration.

The first step in obtaining a grant is to register on the Department’s online system and the Ministers encouraged any clubs that are not already registered to do so now. Clubs can register at www.sportscapitalprogramme.ie

Once registered, all applications must be made on the same website. The system will be open for applications from 17 July to 8 September.

………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..