Minister for Rural and Community Development, Heather Humphreys TD, has encouraged community and voluntary groups in Monaghan to apply for funding under a new €10million round of funding established in response to Covid-19.

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The COVID Stability Fund is also aimed at charities and social enterprises that have suffered financially as a result of the Pandemic.

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The€10m investment builds on the €45 million in funding which, in 2020, supported over 600 organisations nationwide to continue delivering vital services to the most vulnerable in our communities.

The funding is targeted at organisations that have seen their trading and/or fundraising income drop significantly as a result of the Pandemic. The funding will be provided by the Department of Rural and Community Development and will be administered by Pobal.

Details of the online application process will be published shortly. 

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Announcing details of the funding, Minister Humphreys said: “I am delighted to announce this new line of funding along with my Government colleagues, Minister for Public Expenditure Michael McGrath and Minister of State Joe O’Brien.

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“Our community and voluntary groups, as well as our charities and social enterprises, have played a crucial role during the Pandemic.

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“They have continued to provide critical services to our elderly and most vulnerable citizens even at the height of Level Five restrictions.

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“Many of these groups are now struggling financially due to for example a significant drop in income through fundraising.

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“That’s why Government has decided to step in and provide this €10 million fund, which is on top of the €45 million provided in 2020.

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“Many groups in Monaghan benefitted under the previous round of funding and I know it has been of tremendous help to them.

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“I intend to make a further announcement in the coming weeks regarding the application process, and would encourage all potentially eligible charities, social enterprises and community and voluntary organisations to fully engage with the application process when it opens.”