From Department of Rural and Community Development

We recognise the vital role that Community Centres play at the heart of each community in bringing people together, engaging with those who may be marginalised or disadvantaged, and building stronger, more coherent communities.

The Community Centres Investment Fund is the largest ever capital investment in Community Centres. It provides funding for investments in Community Centres in order that these vital services remain useable, accessible, and safe and continue to meet the needs of the community into the future.

Community Centres Investment Fund 2024 - Refurbishment Grant

This capital fund of €20 million will provide funding for the improvement and refurbishment of existing community centres in both urban and rural areas.

Funding will be available under 2 Categories, with grants of between €10k and €100K available:

• Category 1: Small scale projects/improvements to facilities - €10,000 to €25,000
• Category 2 Larger scale projects - €25,001 to €100,000

Match funding is required for both Categories: a minimum of 5% for Category 1 and a minimum of 10% for Category 2.

Funding is available for capital works such as: -

• Projects which improve access for all to community facilities
• Works to improve communal facilities such as kitchen and toilet facilities
• Improvements to buildings that improve the usability of the facility e.g. kitchen and toilet upgrades, lighting systems and stage areas
• Improvements that will assist the applicant in providing additional or better services to the community for example additional facilities, repurposing existing space, kitchen upgrades to provide meals for the elderly and youth facilities
• Improvements to facilities which are necessary to meet fire safety and building regulations
• Retrofitting/energy upgrade projects that improve the usability or longevity of the facility and reduce energy bills
• Essential maintenance work

Information Guidelines on the fund can be accessed here: Community Centres Investment Fund 2024 - Refurbishment Grant

The Fund will open for applications from the 29th of July.