Minister of State at the Department of Rural and Community Development, Joe O’Brien T.D., announced on 9th September, funding of almost €1 million for the Community Services Programme 2022 Support Fund. The funding is being provided to support Community Services Programme (CSP) organisations in a weak financial position, pending the transitioning of CSP supported organisations to the redesigned programme in January 2023.
Announcing the 2022 support funding, the Minister said:
“While all CSP supported organisations are now open following the COVID-19 pandemic, many organisations remain in financial need. As a result, I am delighted to be in a position to announce this additional funding to continue the CSP Support Fund in 2022 to support these organisations so that they, in turn, can continue to provide access to their facilities and services across our communities. The Support Fund will provide an additional contribution of €1,500 per full-time equivalent position.”
The Minister continued:
“This funding will help alleviate some of the financial challenges faced by CSP supported organisations with limited earning potential, and maintain their viability, pending the planned introduction of revised funding arrangements in 2023, following approval of the CSP redesign in July this year.”
The Minister concluded:
“I am very pleased to continue to support the valuable work of community organisations in delivering vital services to the most vulnerable in our communities. The continuation of the CSP Support Fund, in addition to other funding streams made available through my Department including the Stability Fund, Community Activities Fund under the Community Enhancement Programme and the most recently launched €15 million Community Centres Investment fund, will continue to provide necessary and essential supports to these organisations.”
This extension of the CSP Support Fund will be administered over the coming weeks by Pobal, who manage the Programme on behalf of the Department.