Department of Rural and Community Development Local Enhancement Programme 2024 - Applications under the ring-fenced fund for Women’s Groups
The Department of Rural and Community Development (“the Department”) has allocated funding of €1 million to support Women’s Groups across Ireland. This is a ring-fenced fund under the Local Enhancement Programme 2024[1]. The application process is being administered by Local Community Development Committees (LCDCs). Applications for this funding can be made on this application form. Women’s Groups are eligible to apply, once they meet the LCDC’s qualifying criteria. It envisaged that this funding would, in general, be allocated in a relatively equal manner across Women’s Groups that submit valid applications.
*[1] The Department operates the Local Enhancement Programme through the Local Community Development Committees (LCDCs). It is a grant programme that provides funding to enhance facilities in disadvantaged areas. The Department committed to funding of €6 million nationwide for this programme . The €1 million fund which is ring-fenced for Women’s Groups nationwide is part of the €6 million.
What is a Women’s Group?
The Department would expect that LCDCs consider the following when deciding whether a group that applies is a ‘Women’s Group’ and is eligible for funding.
· There must be an appropriate organisational structure.
· The number of members of the group should be considered. If there are very few members then this should be considered along with their level of activity when deciding on eligibility.
· Groups are allowed to be affiliated with another parent association e.g., ICA, LGFA, Irish Girl Guides etc.
· If the group is a Shed, it should demonstrate that their ethos is consistent with the ethos of the Men’s Shed movement. Information on this is available on https://menssheds.ie/about-mens-sheds/
Can Women’s Groups also apply for funding under the main Local Enhancement Programme?
Yes, Women's Groups will also be entitled to apply for the general funding available for community groups.
Please include the following supporting documents
- Copy of bank statement showing end of year balance as of 31/12/2023.
- Proof of source of funding if applying for partial funding towards project.
- Proof of planning permission or written consent from landowner/property owner if your project involves the development of a property.
- If your total project cost is less than €5,000 and is not related to building/landscaping/construction works e.g., equipment, then please include estimates/quotes from a minimum of three different independent suppliers with this form.
Use of the platform:
When you click on “Apply”, you will need to register using your first name, last name, and email address. The email address used to submit the application will be the contact email for all correspondence in relation to this scheme. The onus is on each applicant to ensure that they are in receipt of all communication from Waterford City and County Council. Waterford City and County Council does not accept responsibility for communications not accessed or received by an applicant.
You will then need to accept the Waterford City & County Council Privacy statement and Acceptable Use Agreement before proceeding.
You will be presented with one form question per screen. Your answer will save when you click forward to the next question. To be able to submit a complete application you must answer all questions.
You can navigate to any part of the form using the navigation pane on the right-hand-side (on mobile, you can toggle this navigation pane using the hamburger icon on the top right-hand-side of your screen.
You can save a draft at any stage and continue the application at another time (you will need to be signed into the platform using the same email address and password to continue your draft).
TERMS AND CONDITIONS
- The ring-fenced funding under the Local Enhancement Programme will support Women’s Groups, particularly in disadvantaged areas, to carry out necessary repairs and improvements to their facilities and purchase equipment.
- This is a capital funding scheme. The scheme does not provide funding for the pay or employment of staff, or towards current ‘operating’ costs such as utility bills, etc.
- The information supplied by the applicant Women’s Group must be accurate and complete.
- Inaccurate or incomplete information may lead to disqualification and/or the repayment of any grant made.
- All information provided in respect of the application for a grant will be held electronically. The Department reserves the right to publish a list of all grants awarded on its website.
- The Freedom of Information Act applies to all records held by the Department and Local Authorities, including applications received and any additional correspondence related to the application.
- The application must be signed by the Chairperson, Secretary or Treasurer of the Women’s Group.
- It is the responsibility of each organisation to ensure that it has proper procedures and policies in place including appropriate insurance where relevant.
- Applications must be on the application form for 2024.
- Evidence of expenditure, receipts /invoices must be retained and provided to the LCDC, the Department of Rural and Community Development, the relevant local authority or any agent acting on their behalf if requested.
- The Department of Rural and Community Development’s contribution must be publicly acknowledged in all materials associated with the purpose of the grant.
- Generally, no third party or intermediary applications will be considered.
- Applications should be submitted online no later than 12pm on Friday 16th February 2024.
- Late applications will not be considered.
- Breaches of the terms and conditions of the grants scheme may result in sanctions including disbarment from future grant applications.
- Please ensure the application form is completed in full. Incomplete applications will not be considered for funding.
- In order to process your application, it may be necessary for Waterford City and County Council to collect personal data from you. Such information will be processed in line with the Local Authority’s privacy statement which is available to view on www.waterfordouncil.ie.
Queries can also be sent by post to Community Grants, Waterford City and County Council, City Hall, The Mall, Waterford City, X91 PK15
CLOSING DATE WILL BE STRICTLY ADHERED TO.