The Department of Rural and Community Development has now launched the 2nd round of the COVID-19 Emergency fund with funding of €1.7m. Waterford City & County Council has been allocated €54,223. It will provide grants to community groups to assist them to adapt their services and operations to fit the new COVID-19 reality and to become more involved in the Government's 'Keep Well' campaign.

The grants are aimed at assisting participation in the campaign, in particular with the three themes: staying connected, switching off and being creative, and minding your mood.

The COVID-19 Emergency Fund is funded by the Department of Rural and Community Development (the Department) and administered by the Local Community Development Committees (LCDCs) in each Local Authority area. 

Funding Information

This is the 2nd round of the COVID-19 Emergency Fund and has funding of €1.7m. Waterford City & County Council has been allocated €54,223.

What Projects is Eligible for Funding?

It will provide grants to community groups to assist them in response to COVID-19:

• To adapt their services and operations to fit the new COVID-19 reality. Examples of measures supported could be adapting premises to allow for social distancing; offering on-line activities; providing social supports and friendly calls by phone etc.
• To become more involved in the Government's 'Keep Well' campaign. The grants are aimed at assisting participation in the campaign, in particular with the three themes: staying connected, switching off and being creative, and minding your mood.

Who is Eligible to Apply?

• In general, any not-for-profit community or voluntary group can apply.
• Commercial organisations and individuals are not eligible for funding.

Requirements

The following conditions apply to all projects. Depending on the nature of your project (and the group applying), there may be further requirements that must be met. The LCDC/LA will discuss this with you, if your application is successful.

Tax Requirements

• The applicant group/organisation does not have to be registered for tax purposes.
• Any applicant group/organisation that is registered for tax purposes must be tax compliant.  In line with revised tax clearance procedures, which came into effect in January 2016, the Tax Clearance Access Number and Tax Reference number must be submitted for verification purposes.

Statutory Consents

Applicants must ensure that all necessary statutory permissions or consents are in place before any works commence.  This includes, but is not confined to, planning permission. 

Insurance

Written evidence of a valid insurance policy maybe requested by the LCDC, where relevant, during the applications review process.

Acknowledgment of Funding

Due to the value of some of these grants, it would not be cost-effective to require signage acknowledging the Department, Local Authority or LCDC funding contribution. Other suitable acknowledgements will suffice e.g. on a group/organisation’s website or social media platforms. Where signage is developed it should acknowledge the contribution of the Department.

Match-funding: this is not a requirement under this programme.

For more information, visit Waterford City & County Council.