Offaly not-for-profit groups invited to seek funding

Offaly County Council in conjunction with Offaly Local Community Development Committee (LCDC) is seeking expressions of interest from not-for-profit community and voluntary groups under the Local Enhancement Programme (LEP) 2025.

The LEP 2025 is funded by the Department of Rural and Community Development (the Department) and administered by the Local Community Development Committees (LCDCs) in each Local Authority area. The fund aims to support local strategic priorities through linkages with Local Economic Community Plans (LECPs).

The total LEP funding available for Offaly is €186,553, and is split as follows:

· Capital Expenditure €150,575 - for small scale capital works/repairs and improvements to facilities, energy efficiency works, purchase of equipment such as tables and chairs, tools and signage, laptops and printers, lawnmowers, training equipment, etc. The Department requests that LCDCs ring-fence 30% of its funding for grants of €1,000 or less.

· Current Expenditure €26,650 - for support with running costs such as energy or operational costs, e.g. rental/lease costs, utility bills, electricity bills, insurance, refuse costs, audit and accountancy fees, etc. Energy/operating costs must be incurred in the period 1st June 2024 to 30th May 2025 to be eligible.

This scheme is for small-scale projects.

Grant sizes under Capital Expenditure will be up to €3,000 maximum, with most grants being in the €1,000 to €2,000 range. Grant sizes in the Current Expenditure category will be up to €500 maximum.

The fund is normally oversubscribed, so grants awarded will reflect this.

The deadline to apply through submit.com and to upload any required documentation is strictly 4pm on Wednesday, February 12.

Queries can be emailed to community@offalycoco.ie or by phoning 05793 57401.