Department of Rural and Community Development
Local Enhancement Programme 2024
Ring-fenced fund for Women’s Groups
The Department of Rural and Community Development (“the Department”) has allocated funding of €35,609.20 to support Women’s Groups across County Tipperary.
This is a ring-fenced fund under the Local Enhancement Programme 2024 . The application process is being administered by Local Community Development Committees (LCDCs).
Applications for this funding can be made on this application form. Women’s Groups are eligible to apply, once they meet the LCDC’s qualifying criteria.
It envisaged that this funding would, in general, be allocated in a relatively equal manner across Women’s Groups that submit valid applications.
Grants are likely to be in the range of €1000 - €3000 but this will depend on the amount of groups applying
TERMS AND CONDITIONS
- The ring-fenced funding under the Local Enhancement Programme will support Women’s Groups, particularly in disadvantaged areas, to carry out necessary repairs and improvements to their facilities and purchase equipment.
- This is a capital funding scheme. The scheme does not provide funding for the pay or employment of staff, or towards current ‘operating’ costs such as utility bills, etc.
- The information supplied by the applicant Women’s Group must be accurate and complete.
- Inaccurate or incomplete information may lead to disqualification and/or the repayment of any grant made.
- All information provided in respect of the application for a grant will be held electronically. The Department reserves the right to publish a list of all grants awarded on its website.
- The Freedom of Information Act applies to all records held by the Department and Local Authorities, including applications received and any additional correspondence related to the application.
- The application must be signed by the Chairperson, Secretary or Treasurer of the Women’s Group.
- It is the responsibility of each organisation to ensure that it has proper procedures and policies in place including appropriate insurance where relevant.
- Applications must be submitted via this portal.
- Evidence of expenditure, receipts /invoices must be retained and provided to the LCDC, the Department of Rural and Community Development, the relevant local authority or any agent acting on their behalf if requested.
- Grant monies must be expended and drawn down from the LCDC by 31st October 2024.
- The Department of Rural and Community Development’s contribution must be publicly acknowledged in all materials associated with the purpose of the grant.
- Generally no third party or intermediary applications will be considered.
- Late applications will not be considered.
- Breaches of the terms and conditions of the grants scheme may result in sanctions including disbarment from future grant applications.
- Please ensure the application form is completed in full. Incomplete applications will not be considered for funding.
- In order to process your application it may be necessary for Tipperary County Council to collect personal data from you. Such information will be processed in line with the Local Authority’s privacy statement which is available to view on https://www.tipperarycoco.ie/your-council/tipperary-county-council-privacy-statement.
- For queries relating to this scheme, email ecrdgrants@tipperarycoco.ie
The ring fenced funding for Women’s Groups is capital in nature for community projects and groups that support the ethos of women’s sheds and other such groups or projects aimed at providing social networks for women.
The following will be taken into account when deciding whether a group that applies is a ‘Women’s Group’ and is eligible for funding.
• There must be an appropriate organisational structure.
• The number of members of the group should be considered. If there are very few members then this should be considered along with their level of activity when deciding on eligibility.
• Groups are allowed to be affiliated with another parent association e.g. ICA, LGFA, Irish Girl Guides etc…
• If the group is a Shed, it should demonstrate that their ethos is consistent with the ethos of the Men’s Shed movement. Information on this is available on: https://menssheds.ie/about-mens-sheds/
Applicants are obliged to be a member of
Tipperary Public Participation Network (PPN), which is a database of all the active community and voluntary, social inclusion and environmental organisations in your area. Criteria for becoming a member of the PPN can be found
here.
You will be requested to enter your PPN number as part of this application form. Registration details can be found
here.
Successful applications for funding under this programme will only be paid to the applicant organisation’s Bank Account. Please ensure you have your Bank Account details to hand if your application is successful.
Costs eligible for Funding
The following provides a non-exhaustive list of projects that could receive capital funding under the programme:
Development/renovation of community centres
Accessibility improvements
Community amenities
Development of youth clubs or facilities
Development of sports/recreation facilities
Improvements to town parks and common areas and spaces
CCTV equipment
Public realm improvements
Streetscaping
Development of play/recreation spaces
Improving energy efficiency of community facilities to reduce ongoing costs
Purchase of equipment
Purchase of laptops, tablets
Maintenance of premises, including painting and repairs
Capital work to increase biodiversity, or to reduce the carbon footprint of a facility
Cleaning
Costs not eligible for funding
The following expenditure is not eligible for funding:
Any project not in keeping with the ethos of the Programme
Employment costs
Legal fees
Project management fees
Purchase of lands or buildings
Feasibility studies
Private or commercial operations
Costs which are being paid for by another funder or department
Utility Bills
General operating costs