Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 15 September 2020
916. Deputy Christopher O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Community and Rural Development and the Islands if there will be another round of the stability fund for community and voluntary, charity and social enterprises. [23468/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Government is aware of the challenges facing community and voluntary organisations and is committed to working closely with the sector in managing through these, recognising that it will require a whole of Government approach.
The Community and Voluntary Sector Covid-19 Stability Fund was intended to be a targeted once-off cash injection for organisations and groups currently delivering critical front-line services to the most at need in our society and in danger of imminent closure due to lost fund-raised or traded income as a direct result of restrictions to counter the spread of COVID-19.
This fund provided up to €35million of funding through the Dormant Accounts Fund (DAF) and the criteria align with DAF objectives to support:
1. The personal and social development of persons who are economically or socially disadvantaged; or
2. The educational development of persons who are educationally disadvantaged; or
3. Persons with a disability.
The primary aim of the COVID 19 Stability Fund is to assist community and voluntary, charity and social enterprises who are experiencing financial difficulties due to a reduction in their fundraising income and / or traded income as a direct result of the COVID-19 pandemic. The criteria of the scheme stated that any grants awarded would be dependent on the need identified and organisations approved for funding were prioritised on that basis.
Over one thousand applications were received during the application period. Due to the considerable interest in the Stability Scheme and to facilitate prompt drawdown, applications were assessed in batches and funding has been released in tranches. To date three tranches have been announced, supporting more than 480 organisations with funding of over €25 million. This funding is supporting the delivery of many critical frontline services in every part of the country.
A full list of successful applicants can be found at the link below. Additional checks continue on a small number of organisations and a further announcement will be made shortly.
https://www.gov.ie/en/publication/3957e-covid-19-stability-fund-successful-applicants/
I have no plans for a further round of the Stability Fund at present.
