Deadline for applications: Friday, 16th July, at 11.30pm
The Community Enhancement Programme (CEP) provides funding to community groups across Ireland to enhance facilities in disadvantaged areas.
The CEP is funded by the Department of Rural and Community Development (the Department) and administered by the Local Community Development Committees (LCDCs) in each Local Authority area. The Department provides funding to each Local Authority (LA) area and the LCDCs then administer this funding locally to ensure funding is targeted appropriately towards addressing disadvantage in the areas that need it most.
It is important to note that other agencies and departments also invest in disadvantaged areas. For example, the Department of Education and Skills in DEIS schools and community liaison officers, HSE in community care services, DSP in Intreo and through the Local Employment Service etc.
This Department of Rural and Community Development also operates the SICAP (Social Inclusion and Community Activation Programme) to assist individuals and groups from disadvantaged communities.
The CEP will operate in a complementary manner to add value to other front-line schemes and programmes being operated in communities.
The Department has recommended that LCDCs ring-fence some funding to provide small grants of €1,000 or less. Ring-fencing funding at this level will allow a larger volume of those with limited resources to receive some funding.
The programme can also fund or partially fund larger scale projects to address disadvantage. DLR LCDC has determined the maximum grant amount that will be awarded under this scheme is €10,000.
Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown LCDC has determined that applications can be made by 11:30pm Friday 16th July 2021.
This iteration of the CEP will provide:
- grants towards projects or equipment enhancing facilities (similar to previous years) and;
- one-off grants towards costs associated with reopening of a facility or the sustainability of a facility