The Minister for Rural and Community Development, Heather Humphreys TD, has announced €20 million in funding to support the upgrade and refurbishment of community centres across the country.

Under the Community Centres Investment Fund 2024, community organisations will be supported with grants of between €10,000 – €100,000 to develop and enhance their existing community facilities.

Community facilities can be defined as a building that is managed by a community-based organisation which is open to and used by a broad range of individuals and groups within the local community for group activities such as social events, information/supports and recreation.

How to Apply

The ‘Community Centre Investment Fund 2024 – Refurbishment’ will provide grants for projects from €10,000 up to a maximum of €100,000 towards capital costs as follows:-

Category 1: Small scale projects/improvements to facilities €10,000 – €25,000.   

A minimum of 5% of the total project budget is required by the applicant as match funding.

Category 2: Larger scale projects €25,001 to €100,000. 

A minimum of 10% of the total project budge is required by the applicant as match funding. 

The scheme will be delivered in conjunction with Pobal.

All applicants must register as ‘users’ on the online portal here in advance of the application process which will open on 29^th July 2024. Groups that applied for this fund previously will not need to register again but should check that their details are still correct.

Groups are strongly advised to get their application and paperwork ready in advance of the application process opening on 29^th July.

The closing date for applications will be 29^th August 2024.

There will be a number of online information events to assist potential applicants. Check with DRCD Website here for further details and links for registering for the upcoming information events and application clinics.

All materials to support applicants including access to the online portal, template application form, guidelines, FAQ, links to tutorials and details on information sessions can be found at the Department of Rural & Community Development website here.

 Funding is available for capital works such as:

• Costs associated with building/renovation works (e.g. materials for extension, refurbishment, modernisation, flooring electrical and or plumbing)
• Costs associated with acquisition, installation or replacement of equipment which forms an integral part of a building e.g., kitchen units, worktops, sinks, bathroom fittings etc.
• Costs associated with improving the energy efficiency of the building.
• Rental costs of equipment required for the project e.g., diggers, cement mixers, etc.
• Labour costs for registered tradespeople such as builder, plasterers, decorators, plumbers, electricians etc., as necessary for the completion of the project.
• Purchase costs of equipment necessary for the ongoing success of the project following completion e.g. kitchen appliances for a kitchen renovation project, improved lighting, installation of a lift to improve assess for disabled people, etc.
• Improvements of facilities which are necessary to meet fire safety and building regulations e.g. lining of walls and floors, escape routes, wiring, sockets, electrical switches and distribution boards, gas tanks, gas burning flues, heating systems and appliances.
• Fire safety equipment e.g. fire doors, fire alarm system, etc.
• Upgrade works on electrical, gas and heating appliances to ensure they meet regulations and standards and so on.

There will be a two-stage application process with applicants asked to register their organisation in advance of the online application open date in order to add/update organisational details and ensure there are no potential user setup issues.

• Groups can access the portal immediately and register their group. Groups that applied for this fund previously will not need to register again but are advised to check that their details are still correct
• The application process will open on 29^th July 2024.
• The closing date for applications will be 29^th August 2024.
• Online information sessions, clinics and support events will be held in July and August 2024. Check with DRCD Website here for further details and links for registering for the upcoming information events and application clinics.