The Community Foundation for Ireland's Small Grants Scheme (2009)

The Community Foundation makes grants to not-for-profit and voluntary groups working in communities throughout the Republic of Ireland.

The Community Foundation will favour projects leading to the social inclusion of people and communities who are excluded by reason of geography, race, age, disability, family circumstances, poverty, gender or race.

Applications are accepted on an ongoing basis and assessed three times per year. 2009 Closing Dates:

  • 27th February (successful grantees will receive their grants in April)
  • 31st July (successful grantees will receive their grants in September)
  • 30th October (successful grantees will receive their grants in December)

General Criteria:

Carers

Support for carers including actions such as the development of social networks, local respite initiatives.

Older People

  1. For outreach schemes which assist older people to join social groups and networks in their community. This is a pilot scheme whereby grants will be a maximum of euro 2,000. The foundation will require grantees to share learning of the strategies employed. Such information will be disseminated as best practice to other groups
  2. For projects promoting social contact for older isolated men. For groups who are working with older people through visitation/ phone services and with older people who are in hospitals/ nursing homes for long periods.

Families at Risk - Pilot Grants Scheme

Aimed at very vulnerable children, this scheme is for projects which provide supports allowing children at particular risk to participate in social and educational activities within their community. Applicants must be able to demonstrate that children are at particular risk. Indicators include substance misuse issues in the family setting, if they are in receipt of social work services, or in consistent poverty.

Sexual Minorities

Supports for sexual minorities, especially outreach projects to LGBT ethnic minorities and those in rural areas.

Ethnic Minorities

Assisting the building of networks and structures for ethnic minorities, with a particular emphasis on Integration.

Mental Health and Integration

Community integration and supports for people who have had recent mental health difficulties.

It is essential that applicants consult the full criteria, available on the Community Foundation's website prior to submitting a grant application: www.communityfoundation.ie/grants/

To submit your application please email it as an attachment to info@foundation.ie
The Community Foundation for Ireland
32 Lower O'Connell Street, Dublin 1
Telephone: 01 87 47 35 4