Well Done Leitrim Ladies GAA - you did  the County proud.

PPN Training & Resources Available on Department Website

The Department of Rural and Community Development (responsible for the PPN) provides training resources for PPN's.

Free PPN Training

 

17th September -  10  to 12 - Online

Applying for Funding/Completing Funding Applications etc

• Explore sustainable funding and its practical application
• Examine the steps to complete a strong funding application
• Highlight a range of tips for success when applying for funds 

15th October - 10 to 12 - Online

Strategic Planning

• Introduce a format and template for a Strategic Plan
• Investigate as to why strategic planning is important
• Examine each step in the Strategic Planning process
• Consider milestones for completing the plan i.e.,
• Stakeholder Consultation Process
• SWOT Analysis
• Identification of Objectives
• Creating of an Operational Action Plan to achieve Objectives  
• Draft & final versions

5th November - 10 to 12 - Online

Attracting & Engaging Volunteers/Succession

• Adapting Strategic Volunteering i.e., the reasons people volunteer/don’t volunteer and the link to volunteer retention and succession planning
• Consider how to promote volunteerism in your group  
• Explore the different methods of recruitment
• Examine some key tips when asking for volunteers

Useful Information for Your Community Group

Values & Principles for Collaboration & Partnership, Working with the Community & Voluntary Sector

 

These Values and Principles will support consultation, inclusion and participation of communities, particularly disadvantaged communities, in public policy and decision-making at all levels and forms a foundation for collective approaches to local and national issues.

Barriers to Involvement in Public Participation Networks

S3 Solutions are an independent consultancy company who have been commissioned by the Department of Rural and Community Development (DRCD) to carry out a piece of research to explore any barriers to involvement in Public Participation Networks (PPN).

 

They are keen to explore the demographic characteristics of groups and individuals involved in all 31 PPN's in Ireland and in doing so, investigate the diversity of participation.  Where appropriate, S3 Solutions want to explore the barriers and challenges for diverse groups in actively participating in PPNs.

 

They will primarily use consultation to carry out the research.

 

Information gathered via this survey is for the purpose of informing DRCD and will not be used for any other purpose.  The survey will take you approximately 20 minutes to complete, but it's ok if it takes longer.  The final report will be shared with stakeholders.

 

They would be grateful if you would encourage as many members as possible in your group to complete the survey.

 

Deadline: 19th September

PPN Stakeholders Online Self-paced Training Programme

An online self-paced training videos programme for PPN stakeholders has been developed with Social Justice Ireland (SJI). Registrations for the online only training is now open. Social Justice Ireland is providing this training on behalf of the Department.

 

It has been noted that this training is particularly useful to anyone who is new to their PPN, or who wish to better understand what PPNs are about.

 

This is online only and is intended for self-directed learning at the learner’s own pace. Social Justice Ireland will provide some support via the webform on each Module page. There are no scheduled classes as part of this training.

 

• An Introduction to the PPNs (2 Modules)
• Local Government Budgets
• PPNs and Local Government
• Effective Participation in Consultations
• Effective Facilitation
• Strategic Planning
• Measuring Outcomes and Impacts

This training is available to the following PPN Stakeholders:

–             PPN Workers

–             PPN Secretariat Members

–             PPN Representatives

–             Leitrim PPN Member Groups

–             Local Authority Staff

–             Elected Councillors

Heritage Week

Heritage Week 2024 takes place 17th – 25th August 2024.

 

Many of the events that take place during the week are free and the programme highlights the abundance of great work that is carried out in all communities in Ireland to preserve and promote our natural, built and cultural heritage.

The 2024 Sport Supports call for pilot projects is now published

Do you have an idea to encourage community integration of children and youth affected by humanitarian crisis and mass migration processes due to war?

 

Deadline: 17th October

New grants of up to €25,000 to support people with disabilities in workplace

New Employment Programme to help people with disabilities:

• Grants of up to €25,000 available to Employers to adapt Workplace for staff
• Grants of €12,000 for individuals for Personal Assistance Equipment
• Funding available for specialist Work Coaches and Personal Readers
• Work and Access now open for applications

Coast to Coast Investment Scheme

The Coast-to-Coast Capital Investment Scheme is a new initiative designed to enhance interpretive visitor experiences at existing attractions across the island of Ireland. This Scheme is a collaboration between Fáilte Ireland, Tourism Northern Ireland and Tourism Ireland.

Deadline: 30th August

Community Recognition Fund

Tranche 2 FINAL CALL

The Community Recognition Fund is being administered at a County level by the local authorities. As the first phased closing date of 31st May 2024 has now passed, communities are encouraged to engage with their local authorities with a view to developing applications for phases 2 and 3 under the 2024 fund.

 

Phase 2 will remain open for applications until September 30th and Phase 3 will be open until January 31st, 2025.

 

Deadline: 30th September

The Hospital Saturday Fund

The Hospital Saturday Fund is a registered charity whose aims are to provide assistance for registered health charities, hospices, medical organisations and individuals with a medical condition or disability.

They can provide grants for medical projects, care, research or support of medical training within the United Kingdom, Channel Islands, Isle of Man, the Republic of Ireland and Malta.

For individuals, they can provide help with the purchase of specialised equipment or forms of treatment.

 

For medically related charities, hospitals, hospices and medical clinics:

The Hospital Saturday Fund will consider giving grants towards medical capital projects, medical care or research and in support of medical training.  The Hospital Saturday Fund will also consider grants for running costs.

 

Deadline: Various deadlines

Meet and Code 2024

Get €500 to fund your coding event. Starting today, May 22nd, non-profit organizations can submit their proposals for workshops, lectures, hackathons, coding competitions, and more! This year, the application window is extended until September 30th, giving you more time to craft your dream event, which must be hosted from June 17 to October 31.

 

Here’s what you need to know:

Who can participate? Anyone with a passion for code and digital skills can get involved! Schools, IT professionals, nonprofit organizations and even computer clubs can design events for children and youth aged 8-24. However, the official event organiser needs to be a charitable organisation to secure funding.

 

Deadline: 30th September 2024

PayPal Giving Fund

PayPal Giving Fund (PPGF) Ireland is a registered charity (No. 20205692) that aims to inspire a new wave of philanthropy, harnessing the power of technology to make giving a part of everyday life.  Partnering with platforms such as PayPal, PPGF develops innovative programs that introduce charitable giving in relevant and engaging ways to new audiences.  

 

PPGF provides an effective and accessible way for charities to benefit from online fundraising, which has become more important now than ever. PPGF receive donations through these platforms and grant the funds to charities recommended by donors.   

Cultural Capital Scheme

This funding is made available under the National Development Plan, Project Ireland 2040.  Investing in our Culture, Language & Heritage 2018 -2027 sets out the Government’s objectives for capital investment in Ireland’s culture, language and heritage.

 

Applications are now invited for funding under this Stream.

There is no closing date - This scheme will remain open until the fund is exhausted.

 

Applications must be emailed to artscapitalunit@tcagsm.gov.ie (putting Stream E in the subject line).

Artist Workspaces Capital Scheme

The Department of Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media is now inviting applications from Local Authorities under a new pilot scheme with an allocated fund of €6m to increase the provision of artists’ workspaces across Ireland.

 

Your completed application form should be emailed to artscapitalunit@tcagsm.gov.ie with “Artist Workspaces Scheme” inserted in the email subject line.

 

There is no closing date - This scheme will remain open until the fund is exhausted.

€10 million in additional funding for Day Centres and Meals on Wheels community care services

• €10 million upgrade programme designed to support improvements for Day Centres and Meals on Wheels services throughout communities
• approximately 400 community providers across Ireland will be eligible to apply for the increased funding
• funding of up to €25,000 per organisation to be used for implementation of improved service provision
• funding initiative marks a significant step towards enhancing community-based services and supporting the well-being of individuals across the country age well in their own homes

Renewed funding of €250,000, which will continue the Department of Health’s support of the Irish Men’s Sheds Association

This funding acknowledges the contributions of the Irish Men's Sheds to their communities through their civic, recreational, and social activities, and their positive impact on the physical and mental wellbeing of members.

Irish Men’s Sheds Association now provides benefits to thousands of men across Ireland. 

 

 

Rural Regeneration and Development Fund

The Rural Regeneration and Development Fund offered by the Department of Rural and Community Development is a commitment of €1 billion by government to be invested in rural Ireland over the period 2019 to 2027.

 

The fund will focus on all settlements and rural areas with fewer than 10,000 people which are located outside the five city metropolitan areas and rural towns with a population of over 10,000 people are eligible to apply for funding under the Urban Regeneration and Development Fund.

 

Take a look at some of the projects the funding covers!

DAF Growing Social Enterprise Fund

Aim: To provide capital grant supports to assist social enterprises achieve their social, environmental or economic objectives.

 

Purpose: Funding will be provided to social enterprises to be used for capital projects such as building works, repairs, refurbishments, or for the purchase of new machinery, vehicles or equipment.

 

The DAF Growing Social Enterprise Fund is through a competitive open call to provide investment capital to social enterprises to:

• Conduct necessary repairs, maintenance, change of use or expansion works to their premises to support the sustainability of the enterprise.

Confirmation of planning permission needs to be provided, if applicable.

• Upgrading works to their premises to reduce overhead costs e.g. measures to reduce energy consumption. Confirmation of planning permission needs to be provided, if applicable. This funding could be in addition to the available retrofitting grants available through the SEAI.
• Acquisition of equipment to sustain current levels of productivity.
• Acquisition of equipment designed to increase current level of productivity.
• Acquisition of advanced technology products.

This fund will see support provided to a wide regional spread of supported organisations, including those embedded in rural communities.

 

The call will be divided into two Strands:

• Strand A: Small grants of between €1,500 – 15,000
• Strand B: Larger grants from €15,001 to €100,000

Deadline: 20th September

Annual Knowledge Report 2024 Survey to garner Farmers’ Views on the State of the Agricultural Sector

Agriland Media Group is delighted to partner with Mayo-based company Genfitt on its annual Knowledge Report 2024 survey to garner farmers’ views on the state of the agricultural sector.

 

Please fill out the survey below which should take less than 10 minutes to complete and you will be entered into a draw for a €500 tools bundle.

Research Support Programme - The Housing Agency

The Research Support Programme is an annual call, which funds research responding to topical housing issues that have the potential to impact on housing policy and practice.  Different research strands that The Housing Agency is particularly interested in are announced each year.

 

Deadline: 30th August

Farmer Survey - Knowledge and Communication Needs

Complete the survey and be in with a chance to WIN a €250 voucher!

 

CAP Network Ireland have launched a survey focusing on the knowledge and communication needs of farmers.

National Planning Framework

The National Planning Framework (NPF) is the overarching policy and planning strategy for the social, economic and cultural development of Ireland.

 

Deadline: 12th September

Imagining Together: World Making and Community Building with Sean Patrick Cain

In this session, Imagining Together: World Making and Community Building through Collaborative Storytelling Games with Sean Patrick Cain, you will explore the art of collaborative storytelling, world-building, and imaginative play.

Through gameplay, creative writing exercises, interactive discussions, and design study, participants will discover the power of modern tabletop games and how they can be harnessed to foster community engagement and drive social impact.

Webinar Series - How Natural Rocks and

Teaches Us Resilience

The Climate Ambassador Programme, in collaboration with The Heritage Council and The Biodiversity Officer Network, is excited to bring you a new series of webinars designed to help you reconnect with nature.

 

'Not Stopping Now' will feature four engaging webinars, each focusing on a different aspect of our amazing biodiversity

 

The sessions will showcase nature's incredible ability to adapt, highlight innovative conservation efforts, and explore how we can all play a part in supporting these initiatives.

 

Don't miss out — reserve your spot below and be part of the journey towards a more resilient and vibrant natural world!

Information on Springboard Courses

Providing 11,000 free or heavily subsidised college courses for unemployed, self-employed or returners to work.  Courses are free for the unemployed, previously self-employed and returners to the workforce.  For others, 90 per cent of the course fee is funded by the Government, with participants required to contribute just 10 per cent of the fee. .Helpline – 1800 303 523.

Farmland Biodiversity Event

Wednesday 28th August 2024 | 11am - 3pm | Birr Castle Demesne

 

Teagasc Farmland Biodiversity Event in association with The Heritage Council.

 

This event will demonstrate on farm initiatives to maintain and enhance biodiversity.

 

The biodiversity value and best practice management of the following habitats will be addressed:

• Hedges
• Woodlands
• Watercourses
• Peat lands
• Grass lands
• Grass margins
• Farmyard
• Soil

Registrations are now open for the Big Beach Clean 2024

Big Beach Clean initiative takes place from the 20th -22nd of September.

Digital Repository Ireland Community Archive Scheme 2025

As a publicly funded repository for Ireland’s social and cultural data, the Digital Repository of Ireland (DRI) believes it is important to make long-term preservation of digital materials open to a wide range of organisations, including those operating on a non-funded, voluntary basis.

 

DRI would like to invite applications for the launch of their 2025 Community Archive Scheme and are holding an online coffee morning on 28th August 2024 for information about the scheme, how to apply and reflections from past winners.

Trees on the Land

Trees on the Land are offering sponsored trees to community groups with suitable sites & planting plans to accommodate trees permanently.  Trees on the Land is a cross-border initiative working to establish young native trees across the 32 counties of the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland.

 

Applications are open to all landowners: farmers, smallholders, councils, community groups, schools, colleges, sports clubs, golf clubs, youth groups, healthcare and hospital grounds, church and faith communities, gardeners and other landowners.

 

Applicants will be issued with an application number by email when their order is complete and will be kept up to date with project news, tree delivery details and other information by email.

 

Applications are accepted on a first come first served basis. Trees on the Land have limited numbers of trees and applications will be closed early if all trees are accounted for before the deadline. Please do not leave your application to the last minute - apply promptly to avoid disappointment.

 

Deadline: 14th October.

Do you know what a Health Passport is? 

HSE Health Passport Intellectual Disabilities for People with Intellectual Disabilities accessing Healthcare Settings.

 

A Health Passport lets healthcare staff know all about your abilities and needs.

 

This will help them give you better care when you are in a healthcare setting.

€1,066 allocated to Leitrim under the Community Recognition Fund

In a funding announcement made by the Minister for Rural and Community Development, five projects in Leitrim - in Ballinamore, Carrick-on-Shannon, Manorhamilton, Carrigallen and Drumshanbo - received funding in excess of €1.066 million as part of a wider national funding announcement of €16.5 million to deliver 185 community projects across the country. 

 

The successful projects in Leitrim are as follows:

• Ballinamore Area Community Council, Upgrade of Ballinamore Sports Complex - €357,877
• Carrick-on-Shannon Tennis Club, Clubhouse Construction Project - €208,600
• Carrigallen GAA and Healthy Club, Attic Conversion and Disability Access - €210,910
• Manorhamilton Bee Park Resource Centre Ltd, Upgrading of Bee Park Community Centre - €82,220
• Drumshanbo Allen Gaels GAA Club - Installation of Astro Turf - €207,275

Well done from Leitrim PPN

Clean Coasts annual ‘Love Your Coast’ photography competition opens

Planning to head to the coast this summer?
Bring your camera with you and submit your best shots for a chance to win from a prize fund of €5,000.

 

The competition’s categories this year are:

• Wildlife and Coast
• Coastal Landscape
• People and the Coast
• Coastal Heritage
• Underwater
• Protectors of the coast.

The closing date for entries is 17:00 on Monday the 19th of August.

National Gallery of Ireland

The Community Engagement strand expands our learning programmes beyond the walls of the Gallery and is integral to supporting our mission to provide access to arts and culture to all audiences.

Free Waste Management ToolKit for Clubs

Help, encouragement and support for sporting clubs and organisations to implement simple and effective waste actions that will positively impact environmental sustainability. 

6 diverse projects awarded funding for Shared Island Creative Youth Partnerships

Taoiseach Simon Harris announced the awarding of €180,000 in funding for Narrative 4 under the Creative Youth on a Shared Island scheme.

Spotlight on Older Persons Services

Age & Opportunity can offer you and your group a range of different options to get involved in your community more – whether it’s to organise, participate or simply have some fun!  

Services for Older People

The HSE provides a wide range of services for people growing older in Ireland.

Sage Advocacy

Sage is the National Advocacy Service for Older People. It also supports vulnerable adults and healthcare patients in certain situations where no other service is available. It responds according to a person’s needs with Information – Support – Advocacy – Safeguarding and often a combination of all these approaches. It also identifies, analyses and highlights issues which require systems changes through Systemic Advocacy.

Irish Wheelchair Association - Older Person’s Service

Irish Wheelchair Association provides homecare for older people on behalf of the HSE, as well as for private clients. This service typically caters for people over 65 years and is offered for people with and without disabilities.

What is Social Prescribing?

Irish Wheelchair Association provides homecare for older people on behalf of the HSE, as well as for private clients. This service typically caters for people over 65 years and is offered for people with and without disabilities.

ALONE

ALONE is a national organisation that enables older people to age at home. Our work is for all older people and aims to improve physical, emotional and mental wellbeing.

If you are in need of advice, support or information, please call our National Support and Referral Line, seven days a week from 8am – 8pm. 0818 222 024.

Health services for older people from your Citizen Info Office

Leitrim Calling

 

Leitrim Calling was set up in 2007 as a confidential friendly telephone call service available to the older and vulnerable people across our communities.

Rossinver Calling

 

Rossinver calling is a free, confidential, friendly call service for older adults in the North  of the County.

 

Life Beyond Illness Online Support Group

 

Are you living with a chronic illness and looking for a community that understands and supports you? We're excited to announce the launch of a new online support group designed to empower individuals to live well despite the challenges of chronic illness.