Community Recognition Fund 2024 - Round 3
Round 3
The funding is specifically targeted at projects that are located in areas of Dublin City that are hosting the Beneficiaries of Temporary Protection and/or International Protection Applicants.
The Fund aims to support the development of facilities that will be used in the future by all members of the community. It is separate in its objectives and scope to any other public funding streams which aim to support the development of public service needs arising from the significant number of arrivals from Ukraine and other countries.
The Community Recognition Fund was first introduced in 2023 to recognise the huge efforts made by communities in welcoming and supporting people coming to Ireland. Through the 2023 allocation funding of €50 million was approved for some 900 projects to support cities, towns, and villages nationwide. Based on the continued impacts on communities throughout the country and the need to support these communities in welcoming new arrivals, a further €50 million was provided under the Community Recognition Fund 2024.
Dublin City Council was allocated €2,140,584 by the Department of Rural and Community Development (DRCD) to deliver projects over 2025 and 2026. Following a selection of projects under the previous funding round DCC currently has €1.169m available for allocation under expressions of interest Round 3.
Funding
Funding is targeted at and specifically invested in those communities where the highest level of new arrivals are located and where there is a clear need for investment identified. Projects situated in areas that do not have high levels of new arrivals will not be deemed eligible.
Projects to be funded must be capital in nature, deliver medium-long term benefits for the communities in which they are located, and be capable of being delivered over the course of 2025 and 2026. A minimum spend of 50% of the allocation must be incurred in 2025. Eligible projects will receive funding for capital costs only and not for any ongoing operational or running costs.
The minimum level of funding available for an individual project is €50,000 with a maximum of €500,000 available for any single project. Smaller projects cannot be artificially combined to meet the minimum threshold of €50,000.
For projects over €200,000 additional information must be provided at application stage giving further details on the needs identified, the engagement and collaboration that resulted in the selection of the location of the project and the capacity of the community to progress the proposed project in line with the terms and conditions of the funding.
Click here to download Business case for projects over €200,000
Local authorities have scope to invest the funding based on their own distinct local needs as identified through a “bottom-up” approach based on community engagement.
The type of projects eligible for funding are:
- development, enhancement or refurbishment of community or cultural facilities including play areas, walkways, parks, community/sensory gardens, allotments, and recreational areas.
- development, enhancement or refurbishment of local club and sports facilities including facilities such as community swimming pools, changing rooms, toilets, digital aids such as score / information boards etc.
- enhancement to school/parish facilities which are open to use by all the community after school hours.
- purchase of equipment for local clubs, festivals, community events and organisations e.g. music, arts, or sports equipment.
- transport infrastructure such as the purchase of community vehicles, bus shelters and attendant information boards; (any vehicle funded must be in good condition and not more than 5 years old)
- projects that help address dereliction and/or wider local economic and community development objectives.
purchase and refurbishment of vacant or derelict buildings for community use where a clear need is identified.
Application Process
Interested groups should consider the requirements of the project, the costs involved and plan their application carefully. The funding allocation will be a competitive process and therefore groups should endeavour to answer all parts of the application form fully to ensure eligibility.
Projects should be specific, time bound, show clear costings and be capable of being delivered over the course of 2025 -2026.
National Procurement Guidelines and DPENDR Circular 13/2014 Circular 13/2014 - Management of and Accountability for Grants from Exchequer Funds (circulars.gov.ie) must be adhered to in respect of each project funded under the funding proposal, and confirmation of this will form part the Department’s control regime for the Fund.
Important things to note in submitting your application:
- Only those areas/communities that are hosting high levels of the Beneficiaries of Temporary Protection or International Protection Applicants are eligible for this funding.
- All applications should include as much information as possible including details of any organisation or community group which you represent.
- Where required planning permission, landlord consent and public realm consent must be in place when completing a funding application.
- All submissions are subject to the Data Protection Act (as amended) and the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) (as amended) and the Freedom of Information Act 2014 (as amended).
The Department of Rural and Community Development has published the full details of the scheme (including funding allocations) online
All applicants must complete an Expression of Interest Form. Click here to apply Online
For projects over €200,000, please also Click here to download Business case for projects over €200,000
If you have any queries about this funding, please email [email protected]
The deadline for receipt of Expressions of Interest is;
Wednesday, 18th December at 12 noon
