THE BIG HELLO 2019 – Funding Available

Community Events Funding Now Available – The Big Helle

Leitrim Local Community Development Committee invites Applications from  Local Communities who are interested in hosting a Community Event on the May Bank Holiday weekend (4-6 May) 2019.

 

Minister Ring urges people to say THE BIG HELLO! to their neighbours this May Bank Holiday

Michael Ring TD, Minister for Rural and Community Development, has urged people to reach out to their neighbours as part of The Big Hello!, the first National Community Weekend which takes place this May Bank Holiday Weekend (4-6 May). “The Big Hello” supports communities to host events in their local area in order to strengthen community ties and help tackle the problem of social isolation.

Minister Ring has challenging everyone to reach out and say The Big Hello! to their  neighbours by organising an event, or attending one in their local community. Events could range from a communal cup of tea or a picnic to a sports day or a local history event. The community decides!

In order to support these events €10,000 has been allocated to each of the 31 Local Authorities for allocation of funding to The Big Hello! events in their areas. The target is for at least 1,000 local events to be held throughout Ireland.”

Funding for events is available to residents’ committees and community and voluntary groups through their Local Authorities.

It is intended to have at least one Irish language event in each Local Authority area.

How to Apply                    

• Guidelines and applications forms are available- CLICK HERE or by emailing lcdc@leitrimcoco.ie
• Make sure that you have read the guidelines carefully and that your project is eligible for funding
• Clearly outline what your event is about and how it will be a success.
• Answer all questions in the application form.
• Support is available from staff in the Economic Department, Leitrim County Council by calling                          071 9620005 Ext 526/527 or by   emailing lcdc@leitrimcoco.ie
• Submit completed application form/s  (email or hard copy accepted) before  Friday 22^nd  March at 4pm.
• Late applications will not be accepted

 

Who can apply?

Applications are welcome from community and voluntary groups, organisations and residents’ committees within County Leitrim. You must have a bank/Credit union account and a tax number (Voluntary Bodies) You must be registered with County Leitrim Public Participation Network (PPN). To register your group please do so online at https://www.leitrimppn.ie/join-ppn/

Important information

Organisers are encouraged to look within their community to see what resources /talents are available to help bring the whole community together and support the event. Leitrim LCDC will award small grants of typically  €100-€300 per event, but up to €500 will be available. Funding cannot be used for the purchase of alcohol Leitrim  LCDC is committed to equal funding distribution throughout the county. It is intended to have at least one Irish language event in the County Information  from application form (such as contact person name, phone number) will be held on secure  electronic file by Leitrim County Council If you have any questions please contact lcdc@leitrimcoco.ie or call 071 9620005 Ext 526/527

How will applications be assessed?

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 Leitrim Local Community Development Committee (LCDC)

Who can’t apply?

Applications from individuals, commercial organisations and for-profit organisations. Applications from National Organisations. Applications from community organisations based outside County Leitrim

How will I know if my group has been successful?

Successful applicants will receive a Letter of Offer and a Post Event Report Form.

If I am successful how do I draw down the Fund?

Payment will only be made after the event has taken place. In order to receive the payment, the successful applicant must complete a short Post Event Report Form and provide evidence that the event has taken place (e.g. photographic evidence) Payment will only be made to community group and not to individual(s) Funding not claimed by the deadline will be cancelled.

Acceptance of Grant Offer

Successful applicants must sign and return the Letter of Offer. The contract depends on the applicant complying with any Tax Clearance procedures. Groups must keep proper records of expenditure to allow Leitrim LCDC/Leitrim County Council to carry out an audit of their activities

 

Application Forms and Guidelines for the above  can be obtained from the Economic Development Department, Leitrim County Council, by telephoning  (071) 9620005 Ext 526 or by email to LCDC@leitrimcoco.ie   and  are available  on the Website at www.leitrimcoco.ie.   Application Forms and Guidelines are also available in Irish.

 

The latest date for receipt of completed Application Forms is 4.00 p.m. on Friday 22^nd March 2019. 

 

Applications should be returned to            Leitrim LCDC

                                                                        Economic Development Department

                                                                        Leitrim County Council

                                                                        Aras an Chontae

                                                                        Carrick on Shannon

                                                                        Co. Leitrim.