Application Deadline: 29th September 2021
The Social Enterprise Capital Grants Scheme 2021 is one initiative being taken by the Department of Rural and Community Development under the National Social Enterprise Policy for Ireland. This scheme aims to support social enterprises and is complementary to other supports provided by the Department. It is a funding scheme that will provide social enterprises with small capital grants and is one of a number of schemes being funded from the Social Enterprise Measure of the Dormant Accounts Fund in 2021.
In July 2019, the Department of Rural and Community Development published a National Social Enterprise Policy for Ireland.
The Social Enterprise Capital Grants Scheme 2021 is one initiative being taken by the Department of Rural and Community Development under the Policy to support social enterprises and is complementary to other supports provided by the Department.
It is anticipated that the small scale nature of the grants under this scheme will particularly benefit smaller or start-up social enterprises which do not necessarily have the capacity to compete for larger grants, but which nonetheless have a need for upgraded/additional equipment to help them to deliver their services.
The scheme is being administered on behalf of the Department of Rural and Community Development by the network of Local Community Development Committees (LCDCs) across the country.
The deadline for receipt of completed applications to Longford LCDC is by email to LCDC@longfordcoco.ie no later than 12 noon on Wednesday 29 September 2021.
The scheme is being co-ordinated by the Department of Rural and Community Development, but administered locally by the network of Local Community & Development Committees (LCDCs).   €19,737.04 has been allocated to Longford LCDC to administer.Â
Eligibility
Applicants will be required to confirm that their organization meets the definition of a social enterprise as set out in the National Policy, however, LCDCs should satisfy themselves that any recommended projects are from social enterprises.Â
A Social Enterprise is an enterprise whose objective is to achieve a social, societal or environmental impact, rather than maximising profit for its owners or shareholders.
It pursues its objectives by trading on an ongoing basis through the provision of goods and/or services, and by reinvesting surpluses into achieving social objectives.
It is governed in a fully accountable and transparent manner and is independent of the public sector. If dissolved, it should transfer its assets to another organisation with a similar mission.
Benefits
€19,737.04 has been allocated to Longford LCDC to administer.Â
Application Procedure
Applicants will be required to confirm that their organization meets the definition of a social enterprise as set out in the National Policy. Applicants will be asked to explain the purpose for which the grant is sought. Factors such as demonstrable need and the potential impact of the grant on service delivery will also be taken into account.
Official Website: Social Enterprise Capital Grants Scheme 2021
