Westmeath County Council Community Grants 2019 2019... · Westmeath PPN Number _____ If your group is not affiliated to Westmeath Public Participation, please request Registration

2019

Westmeath County Council

Community Grants 2019

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Westmeath County Council Community Grants 2019

Introduction

For the past number of years Westmeath County Council has distributed over €300,000 per annum to Community & Voluntary groups in the form of Awards and Grants. This is because the Council recognise the work that the Community & Voluntary sector carry out on a day to day basis and believes that this grouping is one of the most important sectors in the county as they contribute to the quality of life of all citizens.

Westmeath County Council provides a range of Grants to community groups to assist with day to day operations, activities and projects being undertaken in their local area. These grants are intended to sustain community activity and promote active citizenship.

The Closing date for all applications/nominations for Community Grants is Friday 29

th March 2019.

For all other closing dates i.e. 1. – iv. please see terms and conditions of individual grants A.1 Westmeath Person/Group of the Year Awards B.9 Arts Grants Please note that all applicant groups must be a member of Westmeath Public Participation Network (WPPN) and have a tax number (can be obtained from Revenue Offices) in order for grants to be issued to them.

Community Grants

i. Tidy Towns Grant

ii. Residents Association Grant

iii. Community Action Grants

iv. National Community Day 2019 Grant

v. Other Grants available from/via Westmeath County Council

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Community Grants 2019

What is the Westmeath County Council Community Grant?

Westmeath County Council recognises the work carried out by Community and Voluntary Groups in the county and their input in developing and implementing various programmes and projects that enhance the general wellbeing and quality of life of their communities and the people of the county. In 2019, as in many previous years, the Council has set aside a fund to provide grants to these groups. What is the purpose of Westmeath County Council Community Grant?

The purpose of these grants is to encourage and support local community and voluntary groups to continue to develop and implement community initiatives that have a positive impact on their area and on the County.

What types of Community grants are provided?

This 2019 Community Grants provided by Westmeath County Council includes: i. Tidy Towns Grants

ii. Residents Association Grants iii. Community Action Grants iv. National Community Day 2019 Grant

v. In addition to Community Grants, a range of other Grants is available to community groups such as

Community Enhancement Programme, Festival & Events Grants, Christmas Lighting Grants, etc. How do I apply?

The attached relevant Westmeath County Council Community Grant application form should be completed and returned to:

Westmeath County Council Community Grant, Community Development Section, Westmeath County Council, Aras an Chontae, Mullingar, Co Westmeath. N91 FH4N A signed version of the application form may be scanned in and emailed with the appropriate signature(s) of the group to [email protected] You may also submit accompanying additional documentation with your completed application form as appropriate. What is the Grant funding process?

Applications received by Westmeath County Council will be assessed based on information submitted in their application against the grant evaluation criteria. The objective of these evaluation criteria is to achieve maximum benefit to the community with the funding available. The final decision on Community Grants will be made by the relevant Municipal Districts. The applicant will be advised of the outcome of their application in May/June and grant payment will issue by way of Electronic Fund Transfer.

Who is eligible to apply?

The community grants are intended to support community and voluntary groups in the county. All funded projects / programmes must be based in the county and groups must • be affiliated to Westmeath Public Participation Network (WPPN),

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• be active, • have regular meetings, • have a current bank/credit union or post office account, • have a tax number • display recognition of Westmeath County Council support

Commercial organisations, individuals and for-profit organisations are not eligible for community grants. When should a group apply?

There is one single call for funding applications and all grant funding will be allocated to applications received by close of business on Friday 29th March 2019.

How many Community Grants can a group apply for?

A group can only apply for one community grant; i.e. Tidy Town Grant or Residents Association Grant or Community Action Grant

NOTE: Tidy Towns Grant; Residents Association Grant or Community Action Grant can be used for day to day running of the group over the year e.g.: insurance, electricity, servicing of machinery, landscaping etc

How do I apply?

You should apply directly to Community Development Section, Westmeath County Council. Only completed applications forms received prior to the closing date will be considered.

How should grants be expended?

While the Council will issue grant payment based on the application received, it is a requirement that the Community Group expend this grant in accordance with their application prior to the end of the year. Failure to adhere to this requirement may result in repayment of the grant to the Council and may also impact on consideration of future grant applications by the Group.

What type of expenditure is not eligible for grants?

Spend on alcoholic beverages, fines, penalty payments, salaries, or legal costs.

Are there any Publicity/Acknowledgement required?

It is a requirement of all grant funding that Westmeath County Council is acknowledged as the source of the funding in any publications, leaflets, signage, websites, or events – or minuted in treasurers report, committee meeting or AGM

Are there any Westmeath County Council Disclaimer?

The Council will not be liable to the applicant or any other party in respect of any loss, damage or costs of any nature arising directly or indirectly from a project/activities undertaken in respect of grant awarded or rejected. Compliance with insurance, health and safety, and other requirements are a matter for the applicant.

Does Freedom of Information apply?

Applicants should be aware that the Freedom of Information Act applies in respect of records held by Westmeath County Council..

NOTE – Closing Date for Applications – Friday 29th

March 2019

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i. Tidy Towns Grants

The purpose of this grant is to assist Tidy Towns groups in their efforts to improve their town or village and

facilitate its participation in the National Tidy Towns competition. Towns and villages are divided into

categories at a national level depending on their size which will assist the criteria for grant allocations.

NOTE: Tidy Towns Grant can be used for day to day running of the group over the year

e.g.: insurance, electricity, servicing of machinery, landscaping etc

Conditions & Guidelines of the grant:

• Tidy Towns committees must enter the National Tidy Towns Competition and submit proof of this with their

application.

• Tidy Towns committee must have a current bank or Credit union account in the name of the group.

• Groups must be affiliated to Westmeath Public Participation Network. (WPPN) Note there is no fee to join WPPN

• Salary costs are ineligible for funding.

• • Groups/Organisations can only apply for either Tidy Towns, Residents Association or Community Action Grant.

• Recipients may be asked for evidence as to the usage of the grant.

• Tax Number/Charity Number is required for all grants

• It is a requirement of all grant funding that Westmeath County Council is acknowledged as the source of the funding in any publications, leaflets, signage, websites, or events – or minuted in treasurers report, committee meeting or AGM • All projects must display recognition of Westmeath County Council’s support • Applications will not be accepted after the closing date.

Closing date for applications is Friday 29th March 2019

Westmeath County Council 2019

TIDY TOWNS GRANTS APPLICATION FORM Please fill in ALL sections of the application form and use BLOCK CAPITALS only.

Name of Group: ________________________________________________________________________

Secretary of Group: ________________________________________________________________________

Chairperson of Group ________________________________________________________________________

Contact Person for all group correspondence: _____________________________________________________

Address: __________________________________________________________________________________

Eircode for Organisation: __________________ Group contact Mobile Phone No: ______________________

Tax or charitable status number: ___________________ Westmeath PPN Number _______________________

If your group is not affiliated to Westmeath Public Participation, please request Registration form

Community Development Section of County Council

Bank Details

Group Bank Details Bank Name: ___________________ Address: ____________________________________

IBAN: ________________________________________ BIC: _____________________________________

Did the group receive a Community Grant in 2018? Yes □ No □

If Yes, how much €_____________ Briefly what was it spent on: _____________________________________

__________________________________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________________________________

Tidy Town Competition:

Confirm that your Tidy Town has applied to National Tidy Towns Competition: Yes □ NO □

Application Details

1. Please detail the general nature of work/activities carried out by your organisation

_________________________________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________________________________

2. Details of work/activities proposed for 2019: (Attach documents/photos if necessary) _______________________

___________________________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________________________

Please return completed application to: Community Grants, Community Development Section,

Westmeath County Council, Aras an Chontae, Mullingar, Co. Westmeath

Phone: 044 93 32217 - Email: [email protected]

Closing Date for application is Friday 29th March 2019


ii. Residents Association Grant

A Residents Association is defined as a group of local people living in a housing estate in a particular area which

comes together to promote and enhance the living environment of their area.

To classify as a Residents Association there must be at least 10 houses in the estate. Grants are allocated

on the basis of number of houses in an estate, the level of disadvantage in the estate and the size of green

areas that the residents maintain as part of their work.

NOTE: Residents Association Grant can be used for day to day running of the group over the year


All Residents Associations are now invited to submit proposals to support some of the works/activities they wish

to undertake in 2019.

Conditions & Guidelines of the grants:

• Resident Associations must have a current bank or Credit union account in the name of the

association

• Groups/Organisations can only apply for either Tidy Towns, Residents Association or Community Action Grant.

• Groups must be affiliated to Westmeath Public Participation Network (WPPN) Note there is no fee to join WPPN

• Recipients may be asked for evidence as to the usage of the grant.

• Tax Number/Charity Number is necessary for grant allocations.

• All funded projects/activities must be located within County Westmeath.

• Due consideration will be given to ensuring an equitable allocation of funds throughout the county.


• It is a requirement of all grant funding that Westmeath County Council is acknowledged as the source of the funding in any publications, leaflets, signage, websites, or events – or minuted in treasurers report, committee meeting or AGM

• Applications will not be accepted after the closing date.



RESIDENTS ASSOCIATION GRANT - APPLICATION FORM Please fill in ALL sections of the application form and use BLOCK CAPITALS only.

Name of Group: ____________________________________________________________________________________

Secretary of Group: ____________________________________________________________________________________

Chairperson of Group: ____________________________________________________________________________________

Contact Person for all group correspondence: ___________________________________________________________________

Address: ____________________________________________________________________________________

Eircode for Organisation: ___________________ Group contact Mobile Phone No: ____________________________________

Contact Email address for the organization: _____________________________________________________________________

Tax or charitable status number: ________________________________ Westmeath PPN Number ____________________



Group Bank Details Bank Name: ___________________________ Address: ____________________________________________

IBAN: __________________________________________________ BIC: _____________________________________________


If yes, how much €_____________ Briefly what was it spent on: ______________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Application Details

1. Please detail the general nature of work carried out by your organization:

__________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________________________________________

2. Details of work proposed for 2019: (Attach documents/photographs as necessary): ___________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________________________________________

4. What number of houses are in your estate/s ?________________________________________________________________

5. a. What is the approximate size of Green Area/s ________________________________________________________________

5.b. What is approx size of green Area that your Residents’ Association Maintain? ____________________________________

Please return completed application to: Community Grants, Community Development Section, Westmeath County Council,

Aras an Chontae, Mullingar, Co. Westmeath. Phone: 044 93 32217- Email: [email protected]



iii. Community Action Scheme Grant

For completion by all groups other than Tidy Towns & Residents Associations

The purpose of this grant is to assist local community groups in undertaking projects which contribute to

the general wellbeing and quality of life of the local community.

NOTE: Community Action Grant can be used for day to day running of the group over the year


The type of projects grant aided includes the following:

Activities, through which organisations aim to make a positive contribution to the local community,

foster shared responsibility, community awareness and encourage more people to participate in the

development of their community.

Activities through which the organisations aim, is to improve the quality of life of older people

demonstrating how the most hard to reach older people can be included and willing to share these

ideas with other communities.

Activities or initiatives that contribute to increasing the quality of life of people who are marginalised.

Projects which seek to include marginalised individuals or groups and facilitate their involvement in

society and their community.

Activities that improve the level, quality or availability of community facilities, amenities or sports in their

area. Grants aid is not intended for local clubs of national sporting organisations. Amenities and facilities

must be inclusive and available to the general public to utilise i.e. the grant is not intended for private

profit making clubs or organisations

Activities that encourage and assist the establishment or further development of existing youth groups and

/ or youth /children’s activities. The funding can be awarded to groups who specifically work with youth

but can equally be awarded to groups that have a more holistic target group but who also cater for the

needs of young people.

Conditions & Guidelines of the Grant:

• Groups/Organisations can only apply for either Tidy Towns, Residents Association or Community Action Grant. • Decisions will be weighted in favour of those projects that provide details of their project/activities

including aims and objectives.

• Applications will be evaluated and grants approval will be by Athlone and Mullingar Municipal

Districts. .

• Groups must be affiliated to Westmeath Public Participation Network (WPPN) is free to join

• Specific conditions may be attached to the grant award.

• It is a requirement of all grant funding that Westmeath County Council is acknowledged as the source of the funding in any publications, leaflets, signage, websites, or events – or minuted in treasurers report, committee meeting or AGM

• Tax Number/Charity Number is required for all grants.

• All funded projects/activities must be located within County Westmeath.


• Applications will not be accepted after the closing date



COMMUNITY ACTION GRANT APPLICATION FORM (For all groups other than Tidy Towns & Residents Associations)

Please fill in ALL sections of the application form and use BLOCK CAPITALS only. Name of Group: _______ ___________________________________________

Secretary of Group: ___________________________________________________

Chairperson of Group: ___________________________________________________

Contact Person for all group correspondence: ____________________________________

Address: ___________________________________________________________________

Eircode for Organisation: ____________ Group contact Mobile Phone No : ____________

Contact Email address for the organization: ______________________________________

Tax or charitable status number: _______________ Westmeath PPN Number _________________

If your group is not affiliated to Westmeath Public Participation, please request Registration form Community

Development Section of County Council

Group Bank Details Bank Name: ___________________ Address: _____________________________

IBAN: ___________________________________________ BIC: ____________________________


If yes, how much €_____________ Briefly what was it spent on: _______________________________

_____________________________________________________________________________________

Municipal District(s) or location covered by activities of your organisation: ______________

Application details/Please attach additional information on separate sheets if required:

1. General description of objectives /activities undertaken by your group:

__________________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________________

2. Describe the Activity proposed by you group in 2019.

___________________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________________

3. What are the expected outcomes: ___________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________________

4. Please indicate the total amount of funding sought from Westmeath County Council

and provide a breakdown of how this funding will be used: ___________________________

___________________________________________________________________________

5. Estimate how many people will benefit from your annual activities: __________________


Westmeath County Council, Aras an Chontae, Mullingar, Co. Westmeath.

Phone: 044 93 32217- Email: [email protected]


mailto:[email protected]


iv. National Community Weekend

Guidelines for Applicants

Minister for Rural and Community Development, Mr Michael Ring, TD, announced the

launch of National Community Event, to be held for the first time over the May Bank

Holiday weekend, 2019. Local communities are asked to come up with ideas for events in

their areas. Events could be centred round food, sport, the environment or health and

culture. The event is a celebration of the great spirit of community that exists across

the country and an effort to help people who share communities to come together, get

to know each other and deepen the sense of community in their area.

Applications are welcome from community and voluntary groups, organisations and residents’ committees within County Westmeath

Funding will be allocated through Westmeath Local Community Develop Committee (LCDC)/Local Authority area.

It is intended to allocate small grants of about €100-€500 per event.

Organisers are encouraged to look within their community to see what resources /talents are available to help bring the whole community together.

Westmeath LCDC is committed to equal funding distribution throughout the county. It is intended to have at least one Irish language event in each LCDC area

If you have any questions please contact Community Development Section,

Westmeath County Council. Email: [email protected] or Phone: 044-9348571

Assessment

All applications will be individually assessed.

Priority will be given to projects that reach out to those that are not already engaged in their communities; promoting accessibility; integration; social inclusion and environmental protection.

Final decisions on all applications will be made by Westmeath LCDC.

The contract depends on the applicant complying with any Tax Clearance procedures.

Groups must keep proper records of expenditure to allow Westmeath County Council to carry out an audit of their activities.



National Community Event 2019 Application Form

Community Group

Name & Address

Contact Person

Contact Number

Email

Where will your

project be located?

Tell us about your

group

Tell us about your

event

Tell us what you will use the

funding for

(Please submit evidence of

costs/ quotes where

possible)

Description of costs Amount

Total

Amount requested

€

Organisation Tax number

Westmeath PPN Number ____________________



I declare the information provided on this form to be true and accurate.

SIGNED: ______________________________________________________________________________________

Name in Block Capitals : ______________________________________________________________________________________

DATE ______________________________________________________________________________________

Completed application forms should be returned to:


Westmeath County Council, Aras an Chontae, Mullingar, Co. Westmeath.

Phone: 044 93 32217- Email: [email protected]




Other Grants available from/via Westmeath County Council

In addition to the Community Grants, Westmeath County Council provides and administers

a range of other Grants. These include the following:

v. Community Enhancement Programme

vi. Festival and Events Grant

vii. Men’s Shed Grants

viii. Town and Village Christmas Lighting Grants.

ix. Other

Applications for these grants are invited by advertisement in the local press and the Councils

website at www.westmeathcoco.ie. Information is made available to all community groups

registered with our Public Participation Network.

v. Community Enhancement Programme (CEP)

The Community Enhancement Programme (CEP) provides funding to communities across Ireland to

enhance facilities particularly in disadvantaged areas. The CEP is funded by the Department of Rural

and Community Development (the Department) and administered by Westmeath Local Community

Development Committee (LCDC). The aim of this funding is to assist small grassroots community

projects to get off the ground. Ring fencing of funding at this level will allow a larger volume of those

with limited resources to receive some funding. While it is intended that the 30% of the budget will

fund grants below €1,000, the maximum grants available will be determined by the number and

merit of applications received. Applicants should therefore be realistic in the level of funding being

sought to ensure that their proposed project does not exceed the scope of this programme.

The funding covers capital projects only and should demonstrate added value. Projects or elements

of projects of a capital nature may be funded. These include, for example, office equipment, project

resources, research facilities, energy efficiency equipment, etc. for voluntary groups. Match-funding

from other sources is not a requirement under this programme. In cases where both current and

capital works are carried out together, only the capital element can be funded through this

Programme. Projects which would improve the quality of life for residents, providing tangible

supports which address disadvantage will receive priority. Funding could fill in gaps in Local

Authority funding and make particular projects viable or improve them Funding could be applied to

speed up and improve projects already identified i.e. those in planning stage or ready to implement.

vi. Festival & Events Grant

Westmeath County Council recognises the contribution that Festivals and Events make to

the lives of the people of the county and the benefits in terms of increased local economic

activity. In recognition of these benefits and the extent of the voluntary effort involved in

the organising of festivals and events, the Council has put a grant fund in place for 2019.

http://www.westmeathcoco.ie/


The purpose of the scheme is to encourage and promote local events particularly events

that involve significant voluntary input and generate increased economic and community

activity for the local area. It should be noted that for major regional or national festivals or

events, other grant funding sources may be available.

Applications will be invited in Feb. for events to be held in the first half of the year and again

in May for events to be held in the second half of the year. Applications received by

Westmeath County Council will be assessed based on selection and evaluation criteria. The

evaluation criteria for grant assessment will be as follows:

1. The benefit of the event to the area from an economic and tourism perspective.

2. The extent to which proposed initiatives maximise community participation in terms of the

number organising and attending the event.

3. The extent to which the proposed initiative contributes to Westmeath Calendar of Events

from a community, social, and cultural perspective.

4. The extent to which the event is unique, innovative, creative, interesting and likely to have

future potential.

5. The cost and feasibility of delivery or the event and match funding available from other

sources.

The final decision on Community Grants will be made by the relevant Municipal Districts

Members.

vii. Men’s Sheds fund

Following discussion with the Irish Men’s Shed Association, the Department of Rural and Community Development has decided to allocate funding for capital equipment or minor capital works in Men’s Sheds. The application process is being administered by Local Community Development Committees (LCDCs). All Men’s Sheds in Ireland that are affiliated with the Irish Men’s Shed Association are eligible to apply.

Viii Town & Village Christmas Lights

In towns and villages in Westmeath, local communities and business associations procure, erect, dismantle and maintain Christmas lights, including the discharge of energy bills. Over the past number of years Westmeath County Council has provided financial assistance to these groups in the form of Christmas Lights Grants. The Council has made financial provision in its budget to provide similar grant assistance again in 2019 and it is envisaged that applications will be invited in September 2019.

ix. Other grants include:

* Community Graveyard Grant * Environment Grants

* Shop Front Enhancement Scheme * Built Heritage Grants

* Westmeath Sports Partnership Supports * Creative Ireland

Documents

Westmeath County Council Community Grants 2019 2019... · Westmeath PPN Number _____ If your group is not affiliated to Westmeath Public Participation, please request Registration