Local groups receive funding under Community Services Programme
Women’s Community Projects (Mullingar) and Mullingar Homecare Services are among the local organisations that have received funding under the Community Services Programme (CSP) this week.
Minister for Community Development, Integration and Charities, Joe O’Brien TD, has today, (Monday January 30), announced that almost 400 community organisations will receive additional funding under the Community Services Programme.
The programme is an initiative designed to support community-based businesses, social enterprises and organisations that provide local services and create employment opportunities for disadvantaged people.
Westmeath recipients
• Athlone Community Radio, €128,132
• ATK Community Centre, €23,033
• Mullingar Recycling Resource Centre, €105,099
• 1428 Active Retirement Club, €76,066
• Midland Warmer Homes Company, €118,132
• Moate Community Development Association, €76,066
• Mullingar Homecare Services, €118,132
• South Westmeath Employment Education And Training Services, €107,615.50
• Women’s Community Projects (Mullingar), €118,132
• Killucan Area Services, €118,132
• Midland Amenity Park, €89,099
Today’s announcement sets out the awarding and issuing of new contracts with revised funding rates under the programme.
In a further enhancement of the programme, organisations may draw down a full contribution based on 37.5 hours per week per worker, rather than 39 hours, as was previously the case.
The new funding rate allocation model will raise the department’s support for the programme by more than €5 million to almost €49 million.
An increase of €4,000 for both full-time positions and a manager will be provided for organisations considered to have a ‘high funding need’.
For organisations considered to have a ‘medium funding need’, there will be a €2,000 increase per full-time position and manager.
There will be no change for the small number of organisations considered to have a low funding need – organisations with the strongest earning potential operating in less disadvantaged areas.
Minister of State Joe O’Brien said: “I am delighted to say that 167 organisations will receive the higher rate of funding, 230 organisations will receive the middle rate of funding, and just 23 organisations continue with their existing amount of funding.
“This increased funding will help alleviate the financial challenges faced by community organisations with limited earning potential, operating in areas of disadvantage and providing employment.”
Minister O’Brien said a new call for applications under the CSP will be announced shortly: “I am pleased to be able to open the programme for new applications. We are currently finalising the arrangements and further details will issue shortly.
“My department will also contact all organisations that have expressed an interest in applying under this new call.”