I want to remind all Laois Community groups including Parish Halls, Local Development Associations, Senior Citizen Groups, and many others to apply for the Community Support Fund through Laois LCDC.
The Community Support Fund is now open for applications to Community and Voluntary Sector groups in County Laois. There is a broad range of eligible expenses from energy costs to lawnmowers, insurance costs to laptops. These are designed to be small grants with big impact; ranging from a few hundred euro to a few thousand euro but they have the potential to make a big difference to the groups involved.
Laois LCDC was awarded in excess of €291,000 for distribution through the fund by the Department of Rural and Community Development in November. The fund remains open until Tuesday 31st January 2023 at 4.00pm.
I encourage Committees to have a good read of the list of projects eligible for funding as it is very broad. It may be that your group is struggling with utility bills and that must be your priority but for others this is an opportunity to carry out energy efficiency upgrades or develop a play or recreation space. I am very encouraged to see the continued emphasis on supporting rural communities and rural pursuits.
To communities of Offaly and other Midlands counties this scheme is for you also but dates for applications differ between Local Authorities and the fund may not be open in your area yet. I will be keeping an eye on updates for Offaly and will let communities know when the scheme opens – likely to be in January. I wish all those who, through their effort and time, keep our invaluable Community groups on the road a very happy and peaceful Christmas. Thank you for all you do.
More information on the Laois CSF and how to apply is available here Community Support Fund 2022 – Laois County Council