Kildare County Council seeking applications for fund for welcoming and hosting Ukrainian refugees

Government-led program aimed at supporting local communities

Kildare County Council has announced the final application window for the Community Recognition Fund 2024 is now open, offering a final chance for community groups and organisations to benefit from this significant funding program. 

In March 2024, Kildare County Council launched details of the 2024 Community Recognition Fund, a government-led program aimed at supporting local communities in recognition of their contribution in welcoming and hosting significant numbers of arrivals from Ukraine and other countries. 

As part of this initiative, Kildare was allocated €830,007 to finance a range of community projects throughout the county.   To date, a number of deserving projects in Kildare have successfully secured funding through this scheme. 

We are now seeking expressions of interest for the final phase of applications. This is a unique opportunity for communities across the county to gain financial support for initiatives that are capital in nature, will benefit local areas and enhance community facilities. 

Community groups, organisations, and relevant stakeholders are encouraged to submit their applications during this final window to ensure consideration for funding. Funding for or improvements to existing sports clubs, play facilities, recreational areas, walking amenities, local transport and additional initiatives are eligible for funding under the Community Recognition Fund. 

Criteria for eligibility includes: 

• A minimum spend of 50% of funding from the Community Recognition Fund must be incurred for the project by October 2025. 
• All projects must be fully completed with funding drawn down by October 2026. The minimum level of funding for an individual project is €50,000 to a maximum of €500,000. 
• Areas in the County with the highest number of arrivals from Ukraine and other countries will be deemed eligible.

Full details can be found on the Kildare County Council website at:

https://kildarecoco.ie/​AllServices/Community/​CommunityGrants/​CommunityRecognitionFund/

The expression of interest process will be competitive and applications from areas that have the highest number of arrivals from Ukraine and other countries will be deemed eligible. The successful projects will be capital in nature, will address needs in their areas and will deliver medium-long term benefits for the entire community. 

The closing date for applications for expressions of interest is 4:00 p.m. Friday, 13th December 2024.