Schemes to help Community and Voluntary groups with rising energy costs

There are currently two funding streams open to support Community and Voluntary groups to assist with rising energy costs

Community and Voluntary Energy Support Scheme (CVESS)

The Community and Voluntary Energy Support Scheme (CVESS) was launched in November in response to the rising cost of energy and the impact it is having on the sector.

Under the initiative, small grants are being provided to community groups, development associations, and volunteer-led organisations.

The first tranche of applicants that will benefit from this funding was announced on 13th December 2022 and is available to view here.

The second tranche of successful applicants was announced on 27th January 2023 and is available to view here.

The third tranche of successful applicants was announced on 24th February 2023 and is available to view here.

The scheme remains open for applications until March 24th 2023.

Pobal are administering this scheme on behalf of the Department of Rural and Community Development.

Full eligibility and applications are available on Pobal's website

Community Support Fund

The Community Support Fund will also help community groups and facilities deal with increases in energy prices and other costs.

The scheme provides small grants to a diverse range of local community groups to assist with energy bills and running costs.

Funding is available to support Parish Halls, Community Centres, Local Development Associations, Social Clubs, ICA Groups, Senior Citizen Groups, Men’s Sheds, Women’s Sheds and more.

The new scheme has been devised to support groups who may not have been deemed eligible under previous Government schemes such as the CVESS.

These include groups that operate from parish halls and who need support with running costs such as energy or insurance bills.

Groups can also use the funding to carry out small upgrade works and to purchase equipment to support their activities such as laptops and printers, lawnmowers, training equipment, etc.

Local Community Development Committees (LCDCs) across Ireland are administering the scheme on behalf of the Department of Rural and Community Development.

Groups should contact their LCDC for further details of the fund.

Contacts details for all LCDCs can be found here.

Note

These initiatives form part of a range of measures introduced in Budget ‘23 to meet higher energy costs for households, businesses and community organisations.

The government is also urging households and businesses to ensure that they are availing of the supports that are in place – and to stay warm and well this winter.

For more information visit the government's 'Reduce your use' campaign