Helping hand for funding applicants

THE recent ‘Helping Hands’ event at IRD Duhallow focused on providing information to local community groups on how to submit good applications for funding. The initiative was presented by the Department of Community Development, Pobal, IRD Duhallow, Avondhu Blackwater, Ballyhoura Local Development, the Local Authority and the Irish Local Development Network.

Padraig de Burca from Pobal delivered an informative presentation on making a better application and how to identify local supports that community groups can draw upon.

There were many local funding agencies present, including LEADER, SICAP, SEAI, Cork County Council, Pobal and Clann Credo. Attendees were given the opportunity to meet with many of the funding administrating bodies and learn about applications and details for developing their project idea.

Chairperson of IRD Duhallow Mary Wallace welcomed all attending on the day, noting the importance of bringing events such as this to local communities and adding that IRD Duhallow was delighted to be able to facilitate the event in the James O’Keeffe Institute.

Speaking about funding for rural communities Minister Michael Ring said: “Recently I hosted a number of Rural Opportunity events around the country where I met with community groups and saw at first-hand how the funding they received has enabled them to deliver their successful projects. I recognise that the application process is often a daunting one for volunteers or other small organisations to negotiate,” the minister continued.

“The ‘Helping Hands’ series of events which kicked off in Ballina is aimed at assisting groups that may not have been that successful in getting grant funding in the past. Sometimes the groups that have good ideas, and need it most, don’t make applications or are unsuccessful when they do.

“My Department and the wider Government make many grants available to community groups. For example, in 2018 I made €310,003 available to Cork under the Community Enhancement Programme. This initiative will help to ensure that groups with good ideas get their fair share” the minister added.

Eileen Moynihan of the Warmer Homes initiative and Susan Andrews of SEAI were at the Helping Hands Showcase at IRD Duhallow.

Maura Walsh, CEO IRD Duhallow, chatting to Tom O’ Riordan, Kilbrin, during the Helping Hands Showcase.

Jacinta Carroll and Assistant Manager Eileen Linehan pictured at the Helping Hands Showcase at IRD Duhallow.

Valerie Murphy, CEO Avondhu Blackwater Partnership and Natasha Brosnan were at the Helping Hands Showcase at IRD Duhallow. All photos by Sheila Fitzgerald.