Cork County Council is inviting applications from community and voluntary groups for funding under the Community Enhancement Programme for 2020.

The scheme provides a flexible and targeted approach to funding communities most in need and supports a range of investment in all areas of the community to either kick-start, advance or complete a range of worthwhile projects. The total amount available for Cork County in 2020 is €72,536.

Mayor of the County of Cork, Cllr Mary Linehan Foley, also encouraged community groups to apply, saying:

“This scheme offers funding support to communities across Cork County to help them to enhance facilities through the purchase of equipment, tools and a range of other improvement sin keeping with the ethos of the scheme. Community groups do such incredibly valuable work and I urge them to familiarise themselves with this programme and to apply for funding if it can benefit their communities.”

Chief Executive of Cork County Council, Tim Lucey, said:

“Cork County Council’s Community Enhancement Programme is funded by the Department of Rural and Community Development and supported by our Local Community Development Committees (LCDCs). This funding is targeted towards enhancing facilities for communities impacted by disadvantage, as identified in the Local Economic and Community Plan. We encourage any not for profit community or voluntary group with projects meeting the criteria to apply.”

Examples of eligible capital expenditure under the programme include youth clubs or facilities, sports and recreation facilities, development and improvements to community centres and common areas, once off maintenance of premises (not including regular maintenance), upgrades to community amenities/equipment and energy efficiency type projects.

There are two types of grants available under the programme i.e. small scale capital grants up to a maximum of €1,000 or less and capital grants in excess of €1,000.

Applications can be made online at www.yourcouncil.ieClosing date for applications is Friday, 7th August at 4:00pm. All allocated monies will have to be spent by end of the year.

For further information, contact the Local Community Development Unit, Cork County Council on 021- 4285561 or 021-4285295 or email [email protected]

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