Part B: Information Grants Scheme (under review from 2005)
Scope, aims and objectives
The Information Grants Scheme for voluntary and community organisations is an annual scheme which is advertised each year in the national press. The scheme supports projects which aim to improve access to information, advice and advocacy on the broad range of social services. Criteria for the scheme may vary from year to year.
Example: 2005 Scheme
In 2005, a total fund of €200,000 was made available. The maximum grant awarded was €20,000 with minimum amounts in the region of €6,000. Grants are normally provided for a one-year period only. A list of the organisations awarded grants in 2005 is on the Comhairle website.
Criteria
The criteria for the award of grants in 2005 are set out below:
Primary requirements
Projects which foster social inclusion information initiatives and that focus on the delivery of information to acknowledged hard-to-reach communities and groups i.e. those not using mainstream services will be considered. Particular consideration will be given to initiatives aimed at older people.
Projects should be innovative and broaden access to information on social and civil services.
Project proposals which have a national dimension or application and are connected to national or regional networks will be given special consideration.
Additional requirements
- a demonstrable capacity to engage with the target audience and adopt a developmental approach to meeting their needs
- evidence of user involvement in the planning and delivery of projects
- evidence that the project proposed is adding value and does not duplicate existing services. Projects should have clear outcomes in the form of a specific service or resource to be provided within the timeframe proposed.
- evidence of the establishment of on-going linkages between partner organisations including mainstream service providers
- demonstration of the potential to adapt the project to suit the needs of other groups
- demonstration of clear evaluation elements built into the proposal
- funding will not be available retrospectively
Who may apply
Any organisation which is involved in the provision of information, advice and advocacy on the broad range of social services may apply.
Information required of applicant organisations
Applicants must provide information about their aims and activities, show how they meet the requirements set out in the criteria, provide information on the overall financing of the proposed project and on applications for other funding.
How decisions are made
Proposed projects are assessed by an assessment panel in accordance with the set criteria and recommendations are made to the Board of Comhairle on the basis of this assessment. In arriving at a final selection, consideration is given to factors such as the project type and target group, the national/local dimension and the geographical distribution as well as to the allocation of funds in previous years.
Communications with applicants
All applications are acknowledged promptly. Decisions are usually approved by the Comhairle Board and applicants are then informed of the decision in writing. Successful applicants are required to submit a current tax clearance certificate. The full amount is paid in the case of grants of under €12,000. Grants of €12,000 or more are paid in two instalments, 80% initially and 20% on submission of an interim report.
Information on grants and application forms are available from:
(As this is an annual scheme, advertised in the national press each year, there is a defined application period).
Administrator,
Information and Advice Service
Completed forms are sent to:
Information and Advice Manager,
Comhairle
Ground Floor, George's Quay House
43 Townsend St
Dublin 2.
Tel: 01 605 9000
E-mail: comhairle@comhairle.ie
