The Community Enhancement Programme is funded by the Department of Rural and Community Development.

The Community Enhancement Programme was launched by the Minister for Rural and Community Development, Heather Humphreys TD, and Minister of State with responsibility for Community Development and Charities, Joe O’Brien TD with funding of €10 million announced to assist local community and voluntary groups. The allocation for Kerry is €312,672 (including administration).

Kerry County Council and Kerry Local Community Development Committee (LCDC) invite applications for funding under the Department of Rural & Community Development’s Community Enhancement Programme.

The Community Enhancement Programme will support community groups, particularly in disadvantaged areas with their non-pay running and operating costs. Groups will also be able to use the funding to carry out necessary repairs and improvements to their facilities and to purchase equipment.  Some examples are as follows:

Non-pay running costs*                             Electricity, refuse, heating.

Non-pay operating costs*                        Rent/lease costs and insurance bills.

Capital costs **                                            Necessary repairs/improvements to facilities, purchase of equipment such as tables and chairs, tools and signage, laptops and printers, lawnmowers, canopies and training equipment (this is a non-exhaustive list of projects that could receive funding).

*To ensure appropriate monitoring and governance, the Department is stating that only operating/running costs related to this period are eligible – 1^st April 2022 to 31^st March 2023.

**Capital costs must be incurred after the letter of offer has been received.  Any capital expenditure that has occurred prior to the date of the letter of offer will be deemed ineligible.

Who is eligible to apply?

1. Any not-for-profit community or voluntary group can apply.
2. Women’s Sheds.
3. Commercial organisations and individuals are not eligible for funding.

How to Apply

• Applicants are advised to read the application guidelines prior to completing the online application form.
• Applications should be made online using the following link:- https://arcg.is/1Hni8z
• Separate application form to be completed for Women’s sheds using the following link:- Application form for Womens Shed funding CEP 2022
• Please ensure that all documentation required to complete the online application is included, otherwise this may render your application invalid.
• The closing date for receipt of applications is Friday 31^st March, 2023.
• Queries should be referred by email to [email protected] or by contacting the Community, Arts & Culture Department on (066) 7183680.
• Application forms are available in Irish, on request.

Offers of funding may be for a lesser amount than that sought by the applicant.  Applicants should be aware that the fund may be oversubscribed.  Therefore, in such circumstances, all applications fulfilling the conditions may not be successful or may be for a lesser amount.