Deadline: 10-Mar-23
Westmeath County Council is seeking applications for the Community Action Scheme Grants to assist local community and voluntary groups in undertaking projects which contribute to the general wellbeing and quality of life of the local community.
For the past number of years Westmeath County Council has distributed over €450,000 per annum to Community & Voluntary groups in the form of Awards and Grants. The Council recognises and values the work that the Community & Voluntary sector carry out on a day-to-day basis and believes that this sector is one of the most important in the county as it contributes to the quality of life of all citizens.
Note: Community Action Grants can be used for day to day running of the group over the over the year e.g.: insurance, electricity, servicing of machinery, landscaping etc
Type of Applications that are Eligible Include
- Groups who aim to make a positive contribution to the local community, foster shared responsibility, community awareness and encourage more people to participate in the development of their community.
- Groups who aim to improve the quality of life of older people demonstrating how the most hard to reach older people can be included and willing to share these ideas with other communities.
- Activities or initiatives that contribute to increasing the quality of life of people who are marginalised. Projects which seek to include marginalised individuals or groups and facilitate their involvement in society and their community.
- Activities that improve the level, quality or availability of community facilities, amenities or sports in their area. Grant aid is not intended for local clubs of national sporting organisations. Amenities and facilities must be inclusive and available to the general public to utilise i.e. the grant is not intended for private profit-making clubs or organisations.
- Activities that encourage and assist the establishment or further development of existing youth groups and / or youth /children's activities. The funding can be awarded to groups who specifically work with youth but can equally be awarded to groups that have a more holistic target group but who also cater for the needs of young people.
Conditions & Guidelines
- Groups must have a current Bank or Credit Union account in the name of the group.
- Groups must be affiliated to Westmeath Public Participation Network (WPPN).
- A Tax Number or Charity Number is required for all Community grants.
- Salary costs are not eligible for funding.
- Recipients may be asked for evidence as to the usage of the grant.
- Only areas located in Westmeath can be funded.
- If successful, it is a requirement of all grant funding that Westmeath County Council is acknowledged as a source of funding in any publications, leaflets, signage, online etc, or minuted in treasurers report, committee meeting or AGM.
- Applications will not be accepted after the closing date.
- In assessing applications, due consideration to ensuring an equitable allocation of funds throughout the county will be given.
For more information, visit Westmeath County Council.