The Fund focuses on projects located in cities, towns, and villages that are hosting Beneficiaries of Temporary Protection or International Protection Applicants, including those towns selected for the rapid-build housing program. Its goal is to fund the development of facilities that will benefit the entire community in the long term. The Fund is distinct from other public funding programs aimed at addressing the immediate public service needs arising from the influx of new arrivals.
For 2024, Galway City Council has been allocated €1,702,897 through the Community Recognition Fund. The funding is specifically aimed at communities, villages, and towns with a high concentration of new arrivals and where there is a clear need for investment in infrastructure. Projects located in areas with lower numbers of new arrivals are not eligible for funding.
Eligible projects will be capital in nature, providing medium-to-long-term benefits for the community, and must be completed within the period of 2025 and 2026. A minimum of 50% of the allocated funding must be spent in 2025. The Fund will cover capital costs but will not support ongoing operational or running costs. The minimum funding for any individual project is €50,000, with a maximum of €500,000. Smaller projects cannot be grouped together to meet the €50,000 minimum threshold.
Eligible Capital Projects Include:
- Development, enhancement, or refurbishment of community or cultural facilities, such as play areas, walkways, parks, community/sensory gardens, allotments, and recreational areas.
- Development, enhancement, or refurbishment of local club and sports facilities, including community swimming pools, changing rooms, toilets, and digital aids (e.g., scoreboards or information boards).
- Enhancements to school or parish facilities that are open for community use after school hours.
- Purchase of equipment for local clubs, festivals, community events, and organizations (e.g., music, arts, or sports equipment).
- Development of transport infrastructure, including the purchase of community vehicles, bus shelters, and related information boards. (Any vehicle purchased must be in good condition and no more than 5 years old.)
- Projects that address dereliction and/or contribute to local economic and community development objectives.
- Purchase and refurbishment of vacant or derelict buildings for community use, where a clear need has been identified.
- Purchase of land and associated works for the development of community facilities, such as play areas, MUGAs, town parks, community gardens, or recreational areas. (Land purchases must be managed by the local authority.)
The Community Recognition Fund 2024 aims to create lasting benefits for communities, strengthening local infrastructure while supporting the integration and well-being of new arrivals.
Funding Window 3
This funding window is open to projects on the East Side of Galway City only. The minimum grant aid per individual project is €50,000, with a maximum potential grant of €300,000 applying.
To apply please click on link: www.galwaycity.ie/crf
The closing date for Window 3 applications is 4pm on Friday 29th November 2024.