THIS FUNDING STREAM IS NOW CLOSED
Community Support Fund (CSF)
The Community Support Fund 2022 (CSF) is funded by the Department of Rural and Community Development. Please see the following link for a press release on the launch of the CSF at national level by the Minister for Rural and Community Development, Heather Humphreys TD, and the Minister of State with responsibility for Community Development and Charities, Joe O’Brien TD: [Press release]
The Department provides funding to each Local Authority (LA) area and the LCDCs then administer this funding locally to ensure funding is targeted appropriately towards addressing disadvantage in the areas that need it most.
The Community Support Fund (CSF) provides funding to support community groups across Ireland.
The Community Support Fund will support groups, particularly in disadvantaged areas
- With their non-pay running costs such as energy costs (electricity costs, refuse charges, heating charges) or other non-pay operating costs for e.g. rental/lease costs, insurance bills.
- Groups will also be able to use the funding to carry out necessary repairs and improvements to their facilities, purchase equipment for e.g. such as tables and chairs, tools and signage, laptops and printers, lawnmowers, canopies and training equipment etc.
Who is eligible to apply?
Any not-for-profit community or voluntary group can apply.
Commercial organisations and individuals are not eligible for funding.
What projects are eligible for funding?
- Development/renovation of community centres
- Community amenities
- Development of youth clubs or facilities
- Development of sports/recreation facilities
- Improvements to town parks and common areas and spaces
- Public realm improvements
- Streetscaping
- Development of play/recreation spaces
- Energy efficiency type projects
- Purchase of equipment
- Adaptations or equipment needed as a result of COVID-19
- Maintenance of premises
- Energy costs (electricity costs, refuse charges, heating charges)
- Operating costs (e.g. existing rental/lease costs, insurance bills)
- Website Maintenance
- Cleaning
- Audit & Accountancy fees
To ensure appropriate monitoring and governance, the Department is stating that energy/operating/running costs incurred in the period 1st April 2022 to 31st March 2023 are eligible.
Target groups
This funding is targeted towards supporting communities that are impacted by disadvantage as identified in the LECP.
What is 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
What is application open date?
Applications will be made available on Thursday 1st December
What is closing date for receipt of application?
All applications and supporting documentation must be received by Tuesday 31st January 2023 at 4.00pm. Please note that late applications will be deemed ineligible.
Applications can be sent via post to:
Laois Local Community and Development Committee,
Laois County Council,
Community Department,
Aras an Chontae,
Portlaoise,
Co. Laois
Or via email to: rdoolin@laosicoco.ie
Where can I get an application form and guidelines?
Application forms and guidance can be downloaded on the links below. Alternatively, please contact us and we will be happy to post out an application to you. You can call us on 057-8664206 or email rdoolin@laoiscoco.ie
CSF – Application Form (Word Version)
CSF – Womens Shed Application Form (Word Version)
The Community Support Fund 2022 (CSF) is funded by the Department of Rural and Community Development.