Grant support for community and voluntary sectors

Mr Alan Kelly T.D. Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government, and Ms Ann Phelan, Minister of State today announced the new round of the Scheme to Support National Organisations in the Community and Voluntary Sector.  This grant scheme provides multi-annual funding towards the core costs of national organisations in the community and voluntary sector to assist them to operate and fund core staff positions.  The funding that will be provided will focus on addressing poverty, social exclusion and on promoting equality. 

There is a budget of approximately €10 million over three  years for the SSNO, subject to a number of factors. The amount that organisations can apply for is between €20,000 minimum and €90,000 maximum, and they must show evidence of need.

 Minister Kelly said: “I am very pleased that my Department can assist the efforts of national organisations in the good work that they do.  The Scheme to Support National Organisations is a key element of the State’s support for the role of the Community and Voluntary Sector.”

Minister of State at the Department, Ann Phelan, T.D., further added “the Community and Voluntary sector is a highly valuable national resource that greatly enhances Irish society and the quality of life.  The staff and volunteers in the thousands of organisations are involved in many varied and complex activities and we are happy to continue to provide assistance towards these activities.”

The Scheme will be administered by Pobal.  Further information on the Scheme, including the Application Guidelines, Application Form and details to register for an information event on January 19th are available at www.pobal.ie