Community grants are available for groups and organisations
A relatively low number of applications for community grants and funding have come from the Bray area in recent years, a meeting of the local municipal district heard last week.
During a presentation by Deirdre Whitfield from Wicklow County Council, members heard that the town had 25 applications for community grants last year, with a total of €183,000 worth of funding for the county.
In the presentation, members heard that there is a suite or package of supports that recognises the need for new ways of engaging people and empowering community and voluntary groups to ensure the sustainability of towns and villages. It recognises that, in small towns and villages, community development is not just social development, it is also economic development. This recognises the need for a more holistic approach where social, community, economic and business are part of the same development process.
The information given on the funding schemes related to 2016 and 2017 while the 2018 schemes have yet to be announced.
The schemes are run by the Department of Rural and Community Development.
A number of factors have been identified that lead to success for turnaround towns and villages. These include a coherent approach that maximises the use of a comprehensive package of tools and supports; a de- fined area and what it can offer; and having clarity of history and purpose, which allows residents to articulate their area’s raison d’etre, creating a shared positive narrative.
‘Successful area improvement relies on engaged local citizens,’ said Ms Whitfield. ‘Develop a vision, created by the people that live there and translate that into a plan, a living flexible plan. Include as many as possible. Don’t be afraid to experiment or to modify or reset goals according to changing circumstances or opportunities.’
She spoke about taking an asset-based approach, identifying physical, environmental and human assets.
‘Define assets and opportunities, including the skills that people can offer. This will lead to innovative strategies that capitalise on a community’s competitive advantage. Take a pro-active and future oriented approach and define and address challenges.
‘Don’t underestimate the social and economic benefits of the public realm. Making a place more attractive to be in builds community pride, motivates a community and means that people are more likely to spend time and money there.
‘Build partnerships, both locally within the community and externally with relevant organisations and institutions. There is a need for new alliances and approaches. This is about taking a holistic approach. The right partners will bring more resources, innovative ideas and new sources of energy.’
The LEADER Programme in Wicklow has been supporting communities and businesses for the past 25 years. To date Wicklow has benefited from almost €16 million in LEADER funds amounting to some 632 community and business projects being supported throughout the county. The new LEADER 2015-2020 Programme is underway since 2016 with a budget in excess of €6 million being approved for County Wicklow. For information on LEADER funding contact Siobhan Mehigan, County Wicklow Partnership, smehigan@wicklowpartnership.ie
For Community grants and LA 21 grants keep an eye on www.wicklow. ie and local press for news of these and other funding schemes that can enhance your projects.