€1.8 million fund announced for community and voluntary groups

Following another challenging year for the community and voluntary sector, Cork County Council has this week announced support of over €1.8 million to support local communities in 2022. The Council’s annual Community Fund Scheme benefits hundreds of groups across the county and is now open for applications.

The scheme provides financial assistance to a range of different community, sporting and voluntary organisations under three distinctive fund types: The Capital Fund, Community Contract and Amenity Fund. It is administered locally by the eight Municipal Districts.

Mayor of the County of Cork, Cllr Gillian Coughlan, welcomed the announcement of the 2022 scheme.

“Our community groups and voluntary organisations have shown remarkable resilience over the past two years. Despite the many challenges and restrictions, their determination to improve their areas and support their wider community is inspiring.

“Each year, this scheme supports a range of projects and initiatives, including the work of Tidy Towns groups and community associations, infrastructural works, and sports and leisure facilities. I encourage groups to consider making an application to this year’s fund and look forward to seeing many more worthwhile projects progressed for 2022.”

COUNCIL’S ONGOING COMMITMENT

Chief Executive of Cork County Council, Tim Lucey, also noted the scheme’s importance.

“In 2022 we are making over €1.8 million available to communities through our General Municipal Allocation.

This is Cork County Council’s eighth year providing the Community Fund Scheme and it has assisted in delivering a host of valuable community initiatives across Cork County year after year.

“Given the challenges of Covid-19 and the relentless work undertaken by our community and voluntary sector, this financial support has never been more important. This annual scheme demonstrates our commitment to supporting these groups and working together to continually improve our towns and villages.”

APPLICATION DEADLINE FEBRUARY 15TH

Guidelines for the scheme and application details are available online at www.yourcouncil.ie from Wednesday, 12th January and will close at 4pm on Tuesday, 15th February.

Further details, including contact details for your local Municipal District Office are also available at www.corkcoco.ie